Agenda - 05-14-1996 - IX-A - Laserfiche WebLink

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3 Discussions indicated that after some initial dissatisfaction with the fire inspection program begun late in 1993 (because it was new, mandated, and has an associated fee) , most facilities have gotten used to the program and recognize the benefits of improved fire safety that the program produces . The group suggested an alternative financing approach, which would involve initial inspections and first reinspections being covered by general County revenues . The group felt very strongly that there should be substantial penalties charged to facilities that required any subsequent reinspections, however. Recognizing the group' s view, but also the staff ' s charge to present to the Board a revised, self-supporting fire inspection fee schedule, we did solicit from the group the suggestion that there be greater distinction in the thresholds of square footage and accompanying fees . The revised fee schedule proposal presented with this report has thus been changed from the draft revision that was presented to the business group for review. We believe that the proposed fee schedule revision is more fair than our current fee schedule, because many of the smaller facilities which require less time and effort to inspect would pay less than they do currently. We must also note, that in order for smaller facilities to pay less under a program that still "pays for itself" , larger facilities that are comparatively more complex and require more time to inspect would pay somewhat more under the revised schedule. We have tried to mitigate that by proposing a cap that ensures a fee no higher than $200 (in contrast to the current maximum initial inspection fee of $180) . If the proposed fee schedule adequately addresses the Board' s policy concerns, we recommend that it be implemented on July 1, 1996 . If additional work or revisions are needed, staff will endeavor to accomplish that so that Board review could take place during 1996-97 budget deliberations in June and still lead to implementation of a new fee schedule on July 1, 1996 .