Council approves updated fire-inspection fee schedule after contested debate

The Metropolitan Council voted March 11 to update the city's fire-inspection and related permitting fee schedule, raising long-stagnant flat fees to levels the Fire Department said reflect current inspection costs.

Fire Chief Michael Kimball told the council the department performs roughly 14,718 premise inspections and that current $25 flat fees date to 1987. He explained the proposed fee model used an estimated $50 hourly inspector wage plus a FEMA vehicle-use benchmark to arrive at task-based charges (examples cited included a $150 to $300 range depending on the scope). "Working smoke alarm saves lives," the chief said in a separate presentation and argued that fee updates are part of funding fire-prevention capacity.

Council debate focused on small-business impacts and whether a phased-in approach and stakeholder outreach were necessary. Several members urged a tiered implementation and a delayed effective date to give businesses time to adapt. Substitute motions to delay or amend the effective date were proposed; the final motion to approve the ordinance passed in a recorded machine vote.

Why it matters: Council supporters said the move restores reasonable cost recovery for a standing inspection function and helps fund a dedicated fire-prevention division. Opponents warned of the financial impact on small businesses and pressed for phased implementation and additional stakeholder engagement.

Next steps: The administration will set the effective date and coordinate notification with local business organizations; the fire marshal's office will publish the new fee schedule and implementation guidance.