Council approves fire-code section for third-party testing; members express concern fees could be passed to businesses

The council approved an ordinance (second reading) establishing a new fire-code provision requiring third-party protection and control inspections, testing and maintenance reporting, and integrating submissions into a city cloud-based compliance module.

Fire department leadership explained the new module will accept third-party testing reports for systems such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems and pumps and provide real-time alerts to fire prevention staff. The law director and chief described the vendor arrangement as a per-submission charge; the vendor under consideration charges $20 per submission but allows multiple system tests to be submitted together, which could reduce per-system costs.

Vice Mayor Weiser raised the operational and cost implications for local businesses, noting that inspections the city performs are free but third-party compliance components are billed to businesses. "That then is a cost that'll be shifted on to the businesses," she said, warning the fee could be added to the amount third-party vendors charge local companies for certified work. Councilmember Cooney added that scheduling and no-show issues have previously frustrated inspections and suggested a "no-call, no-show" fee be considered.

The chief said the module aims to improve compliance and reduce fines the city issues for repeated deficiencies, and that the long-run effect for businesses could be a net savings if fewer fines are levied.

Council voted to adopt the ordinance; roll-call votes recorded ayes for passage.

Next steps: Implementation includes configuring the cloud-based module, documenting any required changes to ordinance fee schedules, and monitoring for business cost impacts; council discussion indicated staff may draft a no-show fee amendment for future consideration.