Columbus fire officials told the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee that they will seek a change to the city code to allow a single, cloud-based repository for inspection, testing and maintenance reports submitted by licensed third-party contractors.

Assistant Chief Ball of the Division of Fire said the change would address two persistent problems: repeated on-site reinspections when property owners do not keep third-party records, and a lack of timely notice when a fire-protection system becomes inoperable. “This system would allow us to have access to those records that would help to alleviate multiple inspections,” Ball said. Deputy Director Michael Halloran added that the repository would also improve the city's ability to establish fire watches and maintain safety when systems fail.

Officials told council the proposed amendment to section 2501.07 would authorize a cloud solution to receive reports directly from inspection firms. Halloran said the vendor will be selected through an RFP process under chapter 329 of the Columbus city code and that the system would entail no direct cost to the city; instead, licensed professionals would pay a fee per report. Ball estimated an industry cost “around anywhere from $12 to $15 per report.”

The Division of Fire said the bureau inspects more than 34,000 occupancies annually with roughly 65 inspectors and has historically experienced a reinspection rate of about 30 percent. Officials said the repository is intended to lower that rate so inspectors can use personnel more efficiently without adding staff.

Council members asked whether multi-family residential properties would be included. Ball said single- and two-family homes are not inspected by the city, but multi-family dwellings that have sprinkler or alarm systems are within the bureau's inspection scope and would be monitored under the proposed system.

If the code change moves forward it will be introduced on first reading at council on Dec. 9 and slated for consideration on second reading on Dec. 16, according to Chair Emmanuel Remi. The committee did not take a vote at the hearing; officials described the procurement plan and funding approach and answered members' questions about scope and expected benefits.