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SkipBack adopts fire‑inspection ordinance, sets inspection fee schedule
Summary
The board adopted Ordinance 369 to establish a fire‑inspection program and approved Resolution 2026‑21 to set fees. Officials said the program aims to improve safety in older rental buildings while they continue to refine inspection frequency and contractor costs.
The SkipBack Township Board of Supervisors voted June 9 to adopt Ordinance 369, creating a township fire‑inspection program intended to identify safety hazards in older buildings and rental units.
Supervisor Mr. KS told the board that the ordinance had completed the required advertisement and review and that "all due diligence has been done" before adoption. The ordinance takes effect immediately, township staff said.
At the same meeting the board also approved Resolution 2026‑21, which establishes the fee schedule for the inspection program. The resolution ties fees to property square footage and includes early‑payment discount periods similar to the township's tax practice. Staff described the fire‑inspection fee structure as designed to cover administrative and contractor costs without creating a new revenue source.
Members discussed practical implementation details: inspection frequency, contractor hourly rates and whether a $100 baseline fee for certain residential inspections would be sufficient to cover contractor costs. Board members emphasized that the first year may be "painful" for property owners while the program becomes routine, but noted the intended public‑safety benefits in older rental housing stock.
Officials said the program will include a process for noting violations, issuing correction letters with compliance timeframes, and imposing fines if repairs are not made. Staff also said there would be an implementation period where contractors and property owners will adjust to inspection schedules.
The board did not adopt further administrative details on fines or contractor contracts at the meeting; staff said those items will be refined and presented to the board in upcoming packets.
The adoption is expected to prompt outreach to landlords and tenants describing inspection timing, fees, and appeal or correction procedures.
