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Council moves amended fire-code fines to second reading to give inspectors enforcement tools
Summary
Crown Point firefighters and the council agreed to amend Code 91.99 to authorize progressive civil fines for repeated violations (proposed $100 first, $250 second, up to $500 per day) as a last-resort enforcement tool; the council read the title and held the ordinance for second reading.
The Crown Point City Council on May 4 heard from the fire chief about a proposed change to the municipal fire code that would let the city impose civil fines for repeated fire-code violations.
The fire chief told the council that current code (dating to 1989) lacks a graduated fine mechanism for repeat violations such as blocked exit doors, disabled fire alarms, or sprinkler system issues. Under the proposed amendment to Code 91.99, fines would begin at $100 for a first offense, rise to $250 for a second offense and carry a maximum of $500 for subsequent daily violations; the chief characterized fines as a last-resort enforcement tool after education and correction efforts.
Council moved to read Ordinance 2026-05-13 by title and hold it for second reading; the motion and second carried by voice vote. Council members discussed discretion to waive fines for initial education and to treat follow-ups more strictly if violations persist.
The change keeps the ordinance’s existing maximum but creates an enforcement framework aimed at addressing buildings that repeatedly fail to correct hazards. The ordinance will return for a second reading.
