Council backs third-party inspection-reporting system, says cost borne by contractors

The Claremore council voted to adopt a measure enabling third-party management and electronic submission of certified inspection reports for building safety systems, council members heard. The change, described as part of ordinance considerations for 2024-5, aims to streamline reporting for sprinklers, fire alarms and similar systems.

City staff and the presenter, identified in the record as “Chief,” told the council the system imposes no cost to the city and shifts any sign-up or per-report fees to the contractor or property owner. “There’s no cost to us. The cost is always on the business owner to have your inspections done,” the Chief said during the presentation.

Council members asked whether multiple inspections would generate multiple fees and whether property owners could opt out. The Chief explained the contractor typically charges per report and that multiple contractors performing separate inspections could result in multiple fees; the city is not offering an opt-out for required reports because the service is intended to enforce existing code obligations.

Proponents said the model is already used by other municipalities, including Tulsa, which reduces the administrative burden of manual tracking and provides automated reminders when inspections are due. Supporters argued the system will improve compliance and make it easier for city staff to identify late or missing reports without adding staff.

The ordinance was moved and seconded and council members recorded affirmative votes in favor. The council also discussed adopting an emergency clause to speed implementation of the reporting process.

The council’s action directs staff to implement the reporting mechanism and rely on the third-party provider’s electronic submittals for certified reports; the city will continue code enforcement and will follow up when reports are late or missing.