Council introduces changes to fire‑safety inspections for private hydrants, sprinkler systems

The City Council introduced amendments to the city code requiring better inspection records and compliance on private fire suppression infrastructure and set a public hearing.

In accordance with section 41(f) of the city charter, council members voted to waive the reading and introduced amendments pertaining to "fire suppression systems inspection." The time and place for a public hearing were set for Tuesday, June 3 at 4:50 p.m. in Meeting Room 1‑1 at City Hall, and the city clerk was instructed to publish the notice and proposed amendments as required by the charter.

Council member Sebastian Panayoto explained the proposal grew from discussions with the fire department and the fire chief and was intended to improve compliance for private‑property fire hydrants and other life‑safety systems. "We're trying to institute, a fine schedule here and a, a system for appeal, for those folks to get more compliance with testing and maintaining records of those fire hydrants on private property," he said.

Council members said the changes also cover sprinkler systems, emergency generators and emergency radio response coverage and that certification of inspections would give the local fire department and fire marshal greater confidence these systems will function in an emergency.

The measure passed on introduction; the ordinance committee will hold the public hearing on June 3 and the city clerk will publish the proposed amendments as required by the charter.