2. Ordinance 1419 - Designation of Building Permit Fees for Fire Prevention - 2nd ReadingI
Kalispell Fire/Ambulance Dept.
312 1st Ave East - P.O. Box 1997 Telephone 406-758-7763
Kalispell, MT 59903 -1997 Fax 406-758-7952
REPORT Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM Jim Stewart, Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
SUBJECT Ordinance 1419 — Designation of Building Permit Fees for Fire
Prevention — 2nd Reading.
MEETING DATE May 20, 2002
BACKGROUND: The International Conference of Building Officials publishes a family
of codes to provide jurisdictions with a complete set of building -related regulations for
adoption. The State of Montana has adopted this family of codes, which are known as
the Uniform Building, Uniform Mechanical, and Uniform Fire Codes. These codes work
in concert with each other to provide the foundation for better building construction and
greater public safety. The City of Kalispell has also adopted this model code as its
building and fire code. The Uniform Building Code and Uniform Mechanical Code
addresses all issues related to "construction" features within a structure while the
Uniform Fire Code addresses the "maintenance" of building design features that are
related to fire and life safety.
The Kalispell Fire Department has established a Prevention Division, which is responsible
for all work related to fire and life safety code compliance, fire investigation, and public
education. A major portion of the Prevention Division's work is related to code enforcement.
This responsibility requires close coordination with the City Building Department and in-
depth knowledge of Building Code requirements. Fees are collected related to new building
construction that provide for administrative review of building projects, plan review of
architectural and engineered drawings, and on -site inspections for assurance of construction
compliance. The Fire Marshal performs an active role in all three of these aspects of new
construction. Upon completion of a building project, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued
from the City of Kalispell. This certificate allows for building use by occupants and the
general public. Once the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued, the Prevention Division
is tasked with ensuring that the building's fire and fife safety features are maintained. The
Uniform Fire Code requires that all buildings be inspected to ensure this compliance. The
Deputy Fire Marshal performs a major role in the completion of the annual fire inspection
program.
The level of activity that the Prevention Division staff provides warrants designation of 28%
of building permit fees for fire prevention program costs. These costs are directly related to
:Assisting The Community in Reducing And Preventing Emergencies"
• Page 2
performing fife safety plan reviews, construction inspections, and maintenance inspections
of buildings. The Prevention staff is heavily involved in all aspects of project review for new
construction and is the sole authority for performing follow-up inspections to ensure building
code compliance for the life of the building.
A successful code enforcement program requires a technically competent staff. Certification
programs are in place to ensure local code officials have the training, experience, and
knowledge in code application. Currently, the Fire Marshal is certified in the Uniform Fire
Code. We have established a Prevention Division goal to obtain Uniform Building Code
certification for the Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal, as well as Uniform Fire Code
certification for the Deputy Fire Marshal. Completion of these certifications is planned for
January 2003.
The working relationship that has been established between the building and fire
departments is one that serves to enhance a joint process of plan review and inspections of
new and existing buildings within the City of Kalispell. This alliance supports Council's vision
for a community that expects excellence and also serves to support the mission of
enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that Council adopt the ordinance designating
building permit fees for fire prevention.
FISCAL EFFECTS: These changes are as reflected in the proposed 2002/2003 budget.
ALTERNATIVES: As recommended by Council
Respectfully submitted,
��12rL2otJ�
Jim Stewart
Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal
Chris Kukulski
City Manager
"Assisting The Community In Reducing And Preventing Emergencies"
ORDINANCE NO. 1419
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A FIRE PREVENTION PROGRAM FEE OF TWENTY-
EIGHT PERCENT (28%) OF THE BUILDING PERMIT FEE FOR ALL BUILDING
CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE CITY OF KALISPELL, MONTANA, AND DECLARING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KALISPELL,
MONTANA, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. From and after the effective date of this
Ordinance the City of Kalispell shall, upon
issuance of a Building Permit for construction
within the City corporate limits, charge the
recipient thereof a "Fire Prevention Program
Fee" of 28% of the fee charged for the said
building permit. All sums collected therefor
shall be used to partially cover the costs of
the Fire Prevention Division.
SECTION II. This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30)
days after its final passage by the City
Council.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR
THIS 20TH DAY OF MAY, 2002.
Pamela B. Kennedy
Mayor
Attest:
Theresa White
City Clerk