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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/06/2006, C4 - MULTI-DWELLING FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM FEES j r � council Mcding DW June 6,2006 j ACjcnaa nEpoRt 1�N� CITY OF SAN LU I S 0 B I S P 0 FROM: John Callahan, Fire Chief `9 Prepared By: Molly Brown,Fire Inspector I Viv Dilts, Administrative Analyst SUBJECT: MULTI-DWELLING FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY INSPECTION PROGRAM FEES CAO RECOMMENDATION Adopt a resolution enabling the continued collection of multi-dwelling fire and life safety inspection fees via the secured property tax roll administered by the County.. DISCUSSION Overview In May 2005, the Council approved a cost recovery program for State mandated fire and life safety inspections for multi-dwelling properties with three or more units. As part of this program, the Council authorized collecting fees via the property tax roll as the most cost efficient method for doing this. We are not recommending any changes.in the current fees for 2006-07. However, the County requires an annual resolution adopted by the Council for the collection of these fees on the property tax roll. Background The City is mandated by State law to conduct annual fire and life safety inspections at multi- dwelling properties, based on the R-1 occupancy classification as defined by the California Building Code. This includes apartments, hotels, motels, lodging houses, congregate residences and some condominiums. (For condominiums, the classification of"R-l" relates to construction techniques, including fire wall separation between units). A typical fire and life safety inspection at these facilities would include, but not be limited to, checking fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, common areas for fire hazards, exiting and fire access issues. On June 7, 2005, the Council adopted Ordinance No. 1472 authorizing the collection of annual fees for these inspections through the secured County property tax roll. This is the most cost effective method for fee collection. However, the County requires a new resolution each year to continue the collection in this manner. Staff is recommending the fee collection be done through the secured property tax roll again in 2006-07. As noted above, we are not recommending any rate changes. l.n l Multi-Dwelling Property Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program Fees. Page 2 Program Status We plan to provide the Council with a comprehensive analysis of the multi-dwelling fire and life safety inspection program in Fall 2006. In the interim, the following is a brief update on the status of this program. This inspection program has been in effect less than one year. The inspections performed by Fire Department personnel have found and abated numerous hazards. Additionally, Fire Department personnel have provided public education during these inspections, making these high occupancy dwellings safer. In a few weeks, we will have completed one full cycle of inspections covering nearly 8,000 units. In the course of the public education efforts, staff received feedback indicating that there was some confusion surrounding the application of the fees to owner-occupied R-1 condominiums. The confusion appears to be the result of the reference in the prior authorizing resolution and fee schedule to "multi-dwelling rental property inspection fees" While the vast majority of properties subject to the state-mandated inspection requirements are, in fact, rental properties (virtually all apartment units are rentals; and based on County property ownership records, over 85% of all R-1 condominiums are rentals), it is clear under the building code that all R-1 condominiums, whether owner-occupied or rented, must also be inspected as part of the program. Thus, staff is recommending that the word "rental" be eliminated from the authorizing resolution and fee schedule to avoid any future confusion among property owners. Staff is currently evaluating the management and benefits of the program and is in the process of developing a broader public education component and ensuring the completion of all inspections by the end of the fiscal year. As noted above, we plan to bring to Council in Fall 2006 a comprehensive analysis of the multi-dwelling fire and life safety inspection program.. CONCURRENCES Finance & Information Technology Department concurs with the recommendation. FISCAL IMPACT In 2005-06, the first year of the program, we collected $289,300, recovering 73% of program costs. As no fee changes are recommended at this time, projections for 2006-07 are the same. ALTERNATIVES Do not adopt the resolution and go to a less cost effective billing system by the Finance Division ATTACHMENT Resolution enabling continued collection of multi-dwelling fire and life safety inspection fees via the property tax roll G/Prevent/Rental Inspection Program/2006 Council Agenda Report Fees.doc RESOLUTION NO. (2006 Series) A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO AMENDING THE CITY'S MASTER FEE SCHEDULE FOR THE RECOVERY OF COSTS RELATED TO FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY INSPECTIONS OF ALL MULTI-DWELLING PROPERTIES CONTAINING THREE OR MORE DWELLING UNITS, SPECIFYING PROPERTY TYPES SUBJECT TO THE FEES AND AUTHORIZING COLLECTION OF FEES FOR 2006-07 ON THE SECURED PROPERTY TAX ROLL WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo is required by California Health & Safety Code Section 17921 annually to inspect multi-dwelling properties containing three or more dwelling units; including apartments, certain residential condominiums, hotels, motels, lodging houses and congregate residences; and WHEREAS, a typical fire and life safety inspection at these facilities includes, but is not limited to, checking fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers, common areas for fire hazards, exiting and fire access issues; and WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code Section 13146 authorizes cities to charge property owners in recovering the reasonable costs of providing these annual inspections; and WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of San Luis Obispo to review service charges on an ongoing basis and to adjust them as required to ensure that they remain adequate to achieve adopted cost recovery goals; and WHEREAS, in accordance with this policy the Council adopted Resolution No. 9130 (2001 Series) updating the master fee schedule; and WHEREAS, the Council considered amendments to the master fee schedule at a public hearing on May 17, 2005 based on a detailed analysis of costs and funding requirements to meet adopted cost recovery goals, and adopted Resolution No. 9684 (2005 Series) setting fees providing for cost recovery for state-mandated fire and life-safety inspections; and WHEREAS, on July 5, 2005, the Council adopted Resolution No.9706 (2005 Series) reducing the fees set on May 17, 2005 for sororities and fraternities and very low and low income households; and WHEREAS, both Resolution No. 9684 and Resolution No. 9706 erroneously referred to the recovery of costs for inspections of"multi-dwelling rental properties;" and WHEREAS, the reference to rental properties has created confusion among certain property owners as to the types of properties subject to inspection fees; and WHEREAS, it was and is the intent of the Council to authorize recovery of fire and life safety inspection costs for all properties subject to state mandated inspections, irrespective of rental status, as specifically set forth in "Exhibit A" hereto. �� 3 I �1 Resolution No. (2006 Series) Page 2 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as follows: SECTION 1. This Resolution, including"Exhibit A" hereto, shall replace and supercede Resolution No. 9684 (2005 Series), including "Exhibit A" thereto, and Resolution 9706 (2005 Series),including "Exhibit A" thereto. SECTION 2. The City's master fee schedule is hereby amended by the addition of the multi-dwelling property fire and life safety inspection fees as set forth in "Exhibit A" attached hereto. SECTION 3. The effective date of the fees shall be July 5, 2005, consistent with Council's original adoption of Resolution No. 9684 (2005 Series), and as subsequently modified by Resolution No. 9706 (2005 Series). SECTION 4. As authorized in California Health & Safety Code Section 13146.2(b) and Municipal Code Section 3.50, these fees shall be collected on the secured property tax roll for fiscal year 2006-07. A listing of fees by assessor's parcel number shall be provided to the County Auditor-Controller for collection on the 2006-07 secured property tax roll in accordance with their schedule and data format requirements. Upon motion of seconded by and on the following roll call vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: the foregoing resolution was adopted on June 6, 2006. Mayor David F. Romero ATTEST: Audrey Hooper, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: I Jo i P. Lowell, City Attorney cq , 4 Resolution No. (2006 Series) Page 3 EXHIBIT A InspectionMulti-Dwelling Fire and Life Safety - Apartment Houses $50.00 per unit per year Administrative fee of$67.00 per year per facility $15,000 maximum per property Fees are waived for units that are built, owned and managed by the San Luis Obispo Housing Authority, other governmental agencies or not-for-profit housing organizations. Hotels, Motels, Lodging House, Bed & Breakfast Facilities, Youth Hostel Facilities and Senior Facilities, Sororities, Fraternities and Other Congregate Residences 1 to 30 units $202 per year per facility 31 to 80 units $302 per year per facility More than 80 units $402 per year per facility These fees are applicable to all multi-dwelling units in the City based on the following definitions as set forth in the 2001 California Building Code, Chapter 2: Definitions and Abbreviations, Section 202. Apartment house is any building, or portion thereof, which contains three or more dwelling units, including R-1 residential condominiums. Congregate residences are any building or portion thereof that contains facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation, as required by this code, and may include facilities for eating and cooking, for occupancy by other than a family. A congregate residence may be a shelter, convent, monastery, dormitory, fraternity or sorority house, but does not include jails, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, or lodging houses. Dwelling unit is any building or portion thereof that contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, as required by this code, for not more than one family, or a congregate residence for ten or less persons. Hotel is any building containing six or more guest rooms intended or designed to be use, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests. Lodging house is any building or portion thereof containing not more than five guest rooms where rent is paid in money, goods, labor or otherwise. (A lodging house includes bed & breakfast facilities and hostels, but excludes single family dwellings). Motel shall mean the same as hotel as defined in this code. DECEIVED MEMORANDUM RED FILE JUS! 0 6 1005 ME I G AGENDA DATES ITEM #2� SLO CITY CLERK To: City Council Via: Ken Hampian From: John Callahan Date: June 6, 2006 Re: Inspection Report Record Keeping Multi-Dwelling Property Fire and Life Safety Inspection Program Some questions have arisen about our record keeping for this program. An explanation of our record keeping process is as follows. When an initial annual fire and life safety inspection is done the"notice of fire and safety hazards" form is completed by the inspector. The form documents the inspection date, lists all violations found, specifies corrective action to be taken, and specifies the number of days allowed for corrective action before a reinspection will occur. If a manager is present during the inspection, this individual will review the form and sign it. They are then given the original copy of the inspection report. This generally occurs at all R-1 properties other than apartment buildings, including hotels, motels, sororities and fraternities. If no manager is present for the inspection, which commonly occurs at most apartment buildings, both the manager and the property owner are mailed a copy of the inspection form the day after the inspection occurs. Inspection data is entered electronically into the Fire Prevention program within two days of the actual inspection. All records are maintained per the City's records retention policy. These documents are considered public records, so we will provide them to the public if requested, including providing additional copies to owners or property managers if requested. Reinspections are documented on our copy of the first inspection form, in the box in the bottom right hand comer. The number of days given for compliance depends on the severity of the violation and the amount of time it will realistically take to make corrections. We commonly give fifteen to thirty days for compliance. Enclosed you will find three examples of actual inspection reports, including one showing no violations found and two with commonly found violations. CUNCIL -w 1 �A V �AO CCDD DIF ACAO �IN DIF Enclosures: Inspection reports ATTORNEY IRE CHIEF ILERK/ORIGw DIR D l 'POLICE CHF DS la�REC DIR .0'UTIL DIR R DIR Ci O San tuts cIS O I� III p FIRE DBPARTMEtVT I.D.k 2160 SANTA BARBARA AVEi SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA 93401(W 781-7380 b-7C� NOTICE OF FIRE & SAFETY HAZARDS V. IIC, You are hereby notified that an inspection of your premises located at: `j 51 S L has disclosed the following fire safety hazards and/or violations. ` 1. Fire Extinguishers 6. Exitst a. ❑Annual Maintenance Due a. ❑Remove Key Locking or Special Knowledge Hardware b. ❑Six Year Service Due b. []Change Door Swing to Direction of Egress if>49 c. ❑Provide# Type c. []Provide Illuminated Exit Signs with Back-Up Power d. []RelocateExtinguisher/Provide Access d. ❑Provide Sign"This Door To Remain Unlocked..."Main Exit Only e. (]Mount on Wall 3'-5'Above Floor e. , ❑Remove Storage/Obstructions to Aisles _ _ 2. Fire Sprinkler System f. ❑Provide Emergency Lights if Occupant Load>I 00 a. ❑Replace Painted/Corroded Head g. []Provide Occupant Load Sign>49 b. []Replace Escutcheons h. ❑Repair/Replace Exit Door or Panic Hardware c. []Reduce Storage 18"Below Heads 7. Electrical d. ❑Provide Spare Heads/Wrench/Signage a. ❑Replace/Repair/Provide Permanent Wiring e. []Provide 3'Clearance for Riser/Control Valves b. ❑Provide Approved Multiplug Extension Cords(Max.6') f. ❑Provide Caps/Clearance for Fire Department Connection c. []Label Circuit Breakers/Provide Blanks g. ❑Provide 5-Year Certification d. []Provide 30"x 78"Clearance around Electrical Panel h. []Chain and Lock Valves Open e. ❑Provide Cover Plates 3. Fire Alarm System f. ❑Provide Sign for Electrical Room Door I"Letters a. []Annual Test Record Required 8. Storage/Housekeeping b. ❑Repair/Replace a. ❑Remove Storage from Electrical/Mechanical/Boiler Room c. ❑Provide Clearance/Access to Components/Signage b. ❑Relocate Dumpster a Minimum of 5'from Walls/Eaves 4. Kitchen Hood System/Spray Booth/Clean Agent System c. ❑Remove Cut/Uncut Weeds/GrassfVegetation a. ❑Provide 6 Month Service d. ❑Remove Combustible Waste/Trash b. ❑Clean/Repair e. []Remove Storage 24"Below Ceiling if No Sprinklers 5. Fire Lanes/Hydrants/Access £ ❑Provide Metal Container w/Self-Closing Lid for Oil Rags a. ❑Paint g. []Provide Non-Combustible Trash Containers w/Lid if>40gl b. ❑Provide Signage h. []Remove Storage Under Stairwell c. []Provide 3'Clearance i. []Secure Compressed Gas Cylinders d. []Maintain Access Ways j. ❑Provide 3'Clearance/Maintain/Repair Appliances e. []Provide Keys for Knox Box k. []Provide No Smoking Signs f. ❑Provide Address/Unit Numbers(Min.5') 1. ❑Repair/Maintain Fire Rated Walls/Ceilings/Doors g. []Provide Clearance/Signage Roof Access in. []Provide Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet if>l Ogl COMMENTS: OD This Inspection Record is an official NOTICE OF VIOLATION and order to comply. The above noted conditions are violations of City Fire and Building codes. Therefore,you must correct the noted conditions immediately upon receipt of this notice. A reinspection of your business will be conducted in approximately days. PLEASE NOTE: If a third inspection is required due to non-compliance,a fire-inspection fee may be charged for that inspection and every inspection thereafter until compliance is obtained. Failure to comply may result in a misdemeanor citation and an appearance by you in court. INSPECTION DATE CLEAR INITIAL FIRST SECOND THIRD INSPECTOR'S SIGNATURE/.ID# RECEIVED BY/TITLE OAPPLY INSPECTION FEE P 1$1 - 35io- �I�IIII� II a of sari tins cpais o p FIRE DEPARTHffiVT 2160 SANTA BARBARA AVE.,SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA 93401(805)781-7380 I.D.# NOTICE OF FIRE & SAFETY HAZARDS ' You are hereby notified that an inspection of your premises located at: 3 550 !7 1/,:,c L, ( r :u SLo has disclosed the following fire safety hazards and/or violations. 1. Fire Extinguishers 6. Flits a Annual Maintenance Due S- ✓ ct l( a. []Remove Key Locking or Special Knowledge Hardware b. []Six Year Service Due b. ❑Change Door Swing to Direction of Egress if>49 c. ❑Provide# Type c. []Provide Illuminated Exit Signs with Back-Up Power d. ❑Relocate Ext nguisher/Provide Access d. []Provide Sign"This Door To Remain Unlocked..."Main Exit Only e. ❑Mount on Wall 3'-5'Above Floor ' e. ❑Remove Storage/Obstructions to Aisles - - 2. Fire Sprinkler System f. []Provide Emergency Lights if Occupant Load>100 a. []Replace Painted/Conoded Head g. []Provide Occupant Load Sign>49 b. ❑Replace Escutcheons h. ❑Repair/Replace Exit Door or Panic Hardware c. E]Reduce Storage 18"Below Heads 7. Electrical d. ❑Provide Spare Heads/Wrench/Signage a. '®Rcplace/Repair/Provide Permanent Wiring e. ❑Provide 3'Clearance for Riser/Control Valves b. ❑Provide Approved Multiplug Extension Cords(Max.6') f. []Provide Caps/Clearance for Fire Department Connection c. ❑Label Circuit Breakers/Provide Blanks g. ❑Provide 5-Year Certification d. []Provide 30"x 78"Clearance around Electrical Panel h. ❑Chain and Lock Valves Open e. ❑Provide Cover Plates 3. Fire Alarm System f. []Provide Sign for Electrical Room Door V Letters a. EgAnnual Test Record Required 8. Storagei'Housekeeping b. ❑Repair/Replace a. ❑Remove Storage from Electrical/Mechanical/Boiler Room c. ❑Provide Clearance/Access to Components/Signage b. ❑Relocate Dumpster a Minimum of 5'from Walls/Eaves 4. Kitchen Hood System/Spray Booth/Clean Agent System c. ®Remove Cut/Uncut Weeds/Grass/Vegetation a. ❑Provide 6 Month Service d. ®Remove Combustible Waste/Trash b. ❑Clean/Repair e. ❑Remove Storage 24"Below Ceiling if No Sprinklers 5. Fire Lanes/Hydrants/Access f. ❑Provide Metal Container w/Self-Closing Lid for Oil Rags a. ❑Paint g. []Provide Non-Combustible Trash Containers w/Lid if>40gl b. ❑Provide Signage h. []Remove Storage Under Stairwell c. ❑Provide 3'Clearance i. ❑Secure Compressed Gas Cylinders d. []Maintain Access Ways j. []Provide 3'Clearance/Maintain/Repair Appliances e. []Provide Keys for Knox Box k. ❑Provide No Smoking Signs f. ❑Provide Address/Unit Numbers(Min.5") 1. ❑Repair/Maintain Fire Rated Walls/Ceilings/Doors g. ❑Provide Clearance/Signage Roof Access m. ❑Provide Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet if>logl COMMENTS: a .� v N .,,' y ( Cv i �r �+ ` ✓e Pxii/ ' ni tr kla✓ry SF rQCO r;lc �G✓ff' � v' M ti [n,ncQ SL r r S hq 4A r co/n U v„f 4 ' ✓ o . 9v0 Uh" ✓ �'l -h, q ✓(.rn0 :'n" 9S r'b4 ni (�C�-r.ci.l �. LU C �"' This Inspection Record is an official NOTICE OF OL ON and order to comply. The above noted conditions are violations of City Fire and Building codes. Therefore,you smut correct the noted conditions immediately upon receipt of this notice. A reinspection of your business wi11 be conducted in approximately days. PLEASE NOTE: If a third inspection is required due to non-compliance,a tire4rispection fee may be charged for that inspection and every inspection thereafter until compliance is obtained. Failure to comply may result in a misdemeanor citation and an appearance by you in court. INSPECTION DATE CLEAR INITIAL FIRST SECOND U �/ n '"0 WL, 1 1, TEMJ. INSPECTO 'S SIGNATURE/ID# RECEIVED BY/TITLE ❑APPLY INSPECTION FEE hs12 -7 I - 15 (a 0 � II�e1lpf l81 � ��i III ao sa►n tins oars o �y � p FIRE DEPARTA�+NT 2160 SANTA BARBARA AVE.,SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA 93401(805)781-7380 LD.# NOTICE OF FIRE & SAFETY HAZARDS You are hereby notified that an inspection of your premises located at: 3 3$ (� f j ,f(Oje— t c S L0 has disclosed the following fire safety hazards and/or violations. 1. Fire Extinguishers 6, Exits a. []Annual Maintenance Due - a. ❑Remove Key Locking or Special Knowledge Hardware b. []Six Year Service Due b. []Change Door Swing to Direction of Egress if>49 c. ❑Provide# Type c. []Provide Illuminated Exit Signs with Back-Up Power d. ❑Relocate Extinguisher/Provide Access d. ❑Provide Sign"This Door To Remain Unlocked..."Main Exit Only C. El Mount on Wall 3'-5'Above Floor • e. []Remove Storage/Obstructions to Aisles - - 2. Fire Sprinkler System f. ❑Provide Emergency Lights if Occupant Load>100 a. []Replace Painted/Corroded Head g. []Provide Occupant Load Sign>49 b. ❑Replace Escutcheons h. ❑Repair/Replace Exit Door or Panic Hardware c. [I Reduce Storage 18"Below Heads 7. Electrical d. ❑Provide Spare Heads/Wrench/Signage a. ❑Replace/Repair/Provide Permanent Wiring c. ❑Provide 3'Clearance for Riser/Control Valves b. ❑Provide Approved Multiplug Extension Cords(Max.6') f. []Provide Caps/Clearance for Fire Department Connection c. []Label Circuit Breakers/Provide Blanks g. ❑Provide 5-Year Certification d. ❑Provide 30"x 78"Clearance around Electrical Panel h. []Chain and Lock Valves Open e. ❑Provide Cover Plates 3. Fire Alarm System f. []Provide Sign for Electrical Room Door 1"Letters a. ❑Annual Test Record Required 8. Storage/Honsekeeping b. ❑Repair/Replace a. ❑Remove Storage from Electrical/Mechanical/Boiler Room, c. ❑Provide Clearance/Access to Components/Signage b. ❑Relocate Dumpster a Minimum of 5'from Walls/Eaves 4. Kitchen Hood System/Spray Booth/Clean Agent System c. []Remove Cut/Uncut Weeds/Grass/Vegetation a ❑Provide 6 Month Service d. JEJRemove Combustible Waste/hash b. ❑Clean/Repair e. []Remove Storage 24"Below Ceiling if No Sprinklers 5. Fire Lanes/Hydrants/Access f. []Provide Metal Container w/Self-Closing Lid for Oil Rags a. []Paint g. []Provide Non-Combustible Trash Containers w/Lid if>40gl b. ❑Provide Signage h. []Remove Storage Under Stairwell c. ❑Provide 3'Clearance i. ❑Secure Compressed Gas Cylinders d. ❑Maintain Access Ways j. []Provide 3'ClearmcatMaintain/Repair Appliances e. ❑Provide Keys for Knox Box k. ❑Provide No Smoking Signs f. ❑Provide Address/Unit Numbers(Min.5") L ❑Repan/Maintain Fire Rated WaIWCeilings/Doors g. ❑Provide Clearance/Signage Roof Access in. []Provide Flammable Liquids Storage Cabinet if>10gl COMMENTS: 1-0;I ci i2 n{ k n hw ✓ L.✓ ✓ h h 1 a / .n.P�✓ dz22 f' /1 r Oil ✓k.4 4rQ4 1V1 i ✓J ✓4 Gi..S �'n.�"� tbDr2 OM LL-1pJA' H,,-)r-,Jow5ItDQ see Fu r This Inspection Record is an official NOTICE OF VIOLATION and order to comply. The above noted conditions are violations of City Fire and Building codes. Therefore,you must correct the noted 9puditions immediately upon receipt of this notice. A reinspection of your business will be conducted in approximately__L5-S days. b, � 5- -12 - 00 PLEASE NOTE: If a third inspection is required due to non-compliance,a fire-inspection fee may be charged for that inspection and every inspection thereafter until compliance is obtained. Failure to comply may result In a misdemeanor citation and an appearance by you in court. � INSPECTION DATE A-CLEART INITIAL FIRST 4 7 , 141A SECOND TBIRD (D sAg INSPECT R'S SIGNATURE/DNI RECEIVED BY/TITLE OAPPLY INSPECTION FEE P46KL -781 - -75 (,,o