HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6.2 FirePreventionFeesCITY CLERK FILE # 540-20
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 19, 1999
SUBJECT:
Public Hearing Adopting Fee Schedule for Fire Prevention Services
(Fire Permits, Plan Review, Inspection and Fire Services)
Report Prepared by: James Ferdinand, Fire Marshal
ATTACHMENTS:
RECOMMENDATI~ 1.
2.
D.
4.
5.
6.
Chart Comparing Existing and Proposed Fees
Resolution Amending Fees Established By Resolution 76-97
For Fire Permits, Plan Review, Inspection and Services
(Including Exhibit A - Schedule of Fees)
Open Public Hearing
Receive staff presentation
Receive public testimony
Close Public Hearing
Deliberate
Adopt Resolution Amending
Services
Fees for Fire Prevention
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Fire Prevention Fees are charged for fire permits, plan review,
inspection and other services and are intended to cover the full cost :of the services pro,,v. ided. These fees
are charged as a base mount to cover standard review and inspection time, with excess time above the
standard level of service charged at an hourly rate. The proposed changes to the fee schedule adjust the
base fees in a number of areas where the current base fee is not sufficient to cover the standard service
level. While this will not increase the amount of fees charged and collected, it will improve efficiency
and customer service by reducing the number of additional billings required for fire prevention services.
DESCRIPTION: Since July 1, 1997, the City of Dublin has provided fire prevention' services through
a contract with the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD). In June 1997, the Dublin City Council
adopted Resolution 76-97, which established the fee schedule for fire permits, plan review, inspection and
fire services. This fee schedule was based on the fee rates in place at that time for ACFD.
For almost all fire prevention services, the fee schedule establishes a base fee, which covers the cost for
the estimated amount of time spent providing the specific rev..iew or inspection. The fee schedule states
that the actual charge is based on the actual time spent and that excess costs will be billed to the applicant
at the specified rate of $80 per hour: This $80 per hour rate will remain in place vdth no recommended
increases. - -
A:\Fire Fee Update.mem.doc
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.
During the past two years, ACFD has found that, in certain cases, the base fees are insufficient to ~over ~
the standard level of service required. In these situations, staff has had to bill for the additional time and
withhold final sign-off on the project until the funds are received. This process has caused delays in the
completion of building projects and has required additional staff time to manage. To minimize these ",~
problems in the future, staff is recommending that base fees be adjusted in the areas described below. For ~
information, a chart comparing the current base fee rate and the proposed fee rate in each of these areas is
attached to this staff report.
Fireworks. The current base fee for Display-Aerial is $240, regardless of the size of the display.
The recommended base fee ranges from $80 to $530 depending on the number of shells included
in the display, which recognizes the amount of staff time required to inspect each shell prior to an
aerial fireworks display.
Plan Review and Inspection. Building Construction-Commercial. The proposed base fees for plan
review and inspection of commercial construction have been adjusted to more accurately reflect
the actual time required to perform these services. In addition, the proposed fee schedule has more
categories for different sized buildings, recognizing that staff time increases as the size and
~omplexity of buildings increases.
31
Fire Alarm Systems. The current fee schedule charges a base fee of $200 for a fire alarm system.
The proposed fee schedule sets this base fee at $140 plus $7 per device, which recognizes that. the
inspection time is directly related to the size of the fire alarm system.
Medical Gas Systems. The current base fee of $80, which reflects one hour of time, is
recommended to be increased to $120, which reflects one and one-half hours of time.
Fire Sprinkler Systems: New Construction-Commercial. The base fee for inspecting a system
with 100 or more heads is recommended to be increased from $280 plus $0.50 per head in excess
of 100 to $360 plus $0.50 per head in excess of 100. These large systems havd~'historically taken
longer to inspect than is reflected in the current fee rate.
Underground Water Supply. The current base fee rate of $200 is proposed to be increased to $380
plus $15 per hydrant or connection.
Proposed Resolution Amending Fees Established by Resolution 76-97
The proposed Resolution adopts a new fee schedule for fire permits, plan review, inspection and service
fees, which incorporates the changes described in detail above. In addition to these specific adjustments,
the new fee schedule revises the cost recovery language to more directly and clearly state that the base
permit fee is only an estimate of the cost of basic services and that the actual amount. charged is.based on
actual time spent.
The proposed changes to the Fire .Prevention fee schedule will 'improve administrative efficiency and
customer service, while continuing to ensure full cost recovery for services provided. It is recommended
that the City Council hold the public hearing and approve the Resolution.
ATTACHMENT 1
Comparison Chart
Fire Permit, Plan Review, Inspection and Service Fees
Current and Proposed Base Fee Rate
FIRE CODE PERMITS Current Base Fee
Rate in Dollars*
Fireworks:
Display - Aerial **
Plus amount per shell group < 60 Shells
Plus amount per shell group 61-120 Shells
Plus amount per-shell group 120-181 Shells
Plus amount per shell group 181-240 Shells
Plus amount per shell group > 241 Shells
PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION
Building Construction-Commercial
New Constructionup to 5000 sq. feet
New Construction in excess of > 5000 to
45.000 sq. ft.
New Construction > 45.000 sq. ft.
Tenant Improvement up to 5000 sq. ft.
Tenant Improvement in excess of > 5000 to
45,000 sq.
Tenant Improvement > 45.000 sq.
$240
$120
$240
$240
$120
$240
$240
Proposed Base Fee
Rate in Dollars*
$80
$140
$200
$250
$350
$450
$240
$320
$4O0
$120
$20O
$28O
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Fire Alarm System
Plus amount for each device on the system
$200
$o.0
$140
$7
FIXED FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Medical Gas System
$80
$120
FIRE CODE PERMITS
FIRE SPRINER SYSTEMS
New Construction-Commercial
System with 100 or more heads
Plus amount per head in excess of 100
Current Base Fee
Rate in Dollars*
Proposed Base Fee
Rate in Dollars*
$280 $360
$O.5O $O.5O
Underground Water Supply
Plus amount per each fire hydrant or connection
$200 $380
$0.0 $15
Existing Language
* The permit fee is an estimate based on the cost of basic service including but not limited
to office reviews and two (2) field inspections. The actual amount charged is based on actual
time spent. The plan review and inspection fee covers the cost of basic services including but
not limited to review and approval of plans, two (2) field inspections and consultant fee for
construction plan, sprinkler plan and calculation review. Extra cost incurred due to system
failure, unusual circumstances, excessive time required, missed appointments and personnel
expense shall be billed at the rate of $80.00 per hour in 1/2 hour increments in addition to the
basic service fee.
Proposed Language
* The fire permit fee is an estimate based on the cost of basic service including but not
limited to office reviews and field inspections. The actual amount charged is based on actual
time spent. Extra cost incurred due to system failure, unusual c}rcumstances, excessive time
required, missed appointments and personnel expense shall be billed at the rate of $80 per
hour in 1/2 hour increments in addition to the basic service fee.
Dublin Fees comp 99.doc
ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION NO. - 99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
AMENDING FEES ESTABLISHED BY RESOLUTION 76-97 FOR FIRE PERMITS, PLAN
REVIEW, INSPECTION AND SERVICES
WHEREAS, Chapter 5.08 of the Dublin Municipal Code, which by reference adopted the Uniform
Fire Code, provides that the City Council may, by resolution, establish fees to defray the City's reasonable
costs for fire permits, plan review and inspection services; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 5.70 of the Dublin Municipal Code established the weed abatement program,
including the authority to charge private property owners for weed abatement if the property owners do
not, after proper notice,-abate the weeds themselves; and
WHEREAS, the City Council may also establish fees to cover the costs related to certain types of
incident response, as well as duplication of fire reports and photographs and other fire related services;
and
WHEREAS, since July 1, 1997, the City of Dublin has provided fire protection, prevention and
emergency response services through a contract with the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD); and
WHEREAS, under the contract for fire services with ACFD, the City will compensate ACFD for
all costs related to the provision of fire suppression, prevention and emergency respo~e services in the
City of Dublin; and
WHEREAS, on June 17, 1997, the City Council of Dublin adopted Resolution 76-97, which
established fees and charges for fire permits, plan review, inspection and services as recommended by
ACFD; and
WHEREAS, ACFD has updated this adopted fee schedule to establish more accurate base fees in
the areas of Fireworks Aerial 'Displays, Commercial Building Construction, Medical Gas Systems,
Commercial Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Underground Water Supply and to clarify cost recovery'
language; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the City of Dublin to implement the nexv ACFD fee schedule for
fire permits, plan review, inspection and services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby
amend the Fees established by Resolution 76-97 for Fire Permits, Plan Review, Inspection and Services
by adopting the Fee Schedule attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
F.' ~Fire Fee Update. res. doc
__day of
,1999.
Mayor
EXHIBIT A
FIRE PERMIT, PLAN REVIEW. INSPECTION ANI) SERVICE FEES
The fire permit fee is an estimate based on the cost of basic service including but not limited to
office reviews and field inspections. The actual amount charged is based on actual time spent.
Extra cost incurred due to system failure, unusual circumstances, excessive time required,
missed appointments and personnel expense shall be billed at the rate of $80 per hour in 1/2 hour
increments in addition to the basic service fee.
FIRE CODE PERMITS
Aerosol Products
Aircraft Refueling
Aircraft Repair
Automobile Wrecking Yards
Bonfire/OpenBurning **
Bowling Alley/Pin Refinishing **
Candies / Open Flame in Assembly
Carnivals and Fairs
Cellulose Nitrate Storage
Combustible Fiber Storage
Compressed Gases
Combustible Material Storage
Cryogenics
Dry Cleaning Plants
Dust Producing Operations
Explosives
Fire Hydrants and Water Control Valves
Fireworks:
Manufacturing
Display- Setpiece **
Display- Aerial **
Plus amount per shell group < 60 Shells
UFC ARTICLE ~
88
24
11
26
25
25
27
28
74
11
75
36/79
76
77
9
Rate*
$ 80
$ 80
'$ 8o
$ 8o
$ 40
$ 4o
See places of Assembly
$ 8o
$ 8o
$ 4o
$ 4o
$ 8o
$ 86
$ 8o
$ 4o
$ 4o
78
78
78
78
$ 80
$ 80
$ 80
$140
FIRE CODE PERMITS
Fireworks:
Plus mount per shell group 61-120 Shells
Plus mount per shell group 120-181 Shells
Plus mount per shell group 181-240 Shells
Plus amount per shell Foup > 241 Shells
Sales Permit
Plus mount per day open for business
Flammable or Combustible Liquids
Use and Storage of Class I,II, and HI:
Inside Storage or Handling Room
Storage Cabinet
Aboveground Tank (1)
Plus additional tank (each)
Underground Tank ( 1 )
Plus additional tank (each)
Removal of Aboveground Tank (1) **
Plus additional tank (each)
Removal of Underground Tank (1) **
Plus additional tank (each)
Fruit Ripening
Garage / Repair
Hazardous Materials Storage
Hazardous Production Materials
Highly Toxic Pesticides
High Piled Combustible Storage
Junk Yards
Liquefied Petroleum Gases:
Use, Storage, Handling less than 1999 Gallons
Use, Storage, Handling more than 2000 Gallons
UFC ARTICLE
78
78
78
78
78
78
79
79
79
79
79
'79
46
29
80
51
80
81
34
82
82
Rate*
$ 200
$ 240
$ 360
$ 450
$ 80
$20
$ 8O
$ 40
$ 8O
$ 40
$ 8O
$ 4O
$ 8O
} 4O
$ 8O
$ 4O
$ 4O
$ 80
$ 8O
$ '80
$ 8O
$ 8O
$ 4O
$ 40
$ 8o
FIRE CODE PERMITS
Liquid or Gas Fueled Equipment in Assembly
Lumberyard ( > 100,000 board feet)
Magnesium Working
Mail, covered
Matches (manufacture or bulk storage)
Nitrate Film
Occupant Load Increase
Oil or Natural Gas Well
Open Flame De~zices - Marinas
Organic Coatings
Ovens, Industrial Baking and Drying
Parade Floats **
Places of Assembly:
Occupant Load - 50 to 299
Occupant Load - 300 +
Pyrotechnical Special Effects Material
Radioactive Materials
Refrigeration Equipment
Spraying and Dipping Operations
Tank Vehicles **
Tents or Air Supported Structures:
200 to 4199 Square Feet
4200 Square Feet or More
Tire Recapping
Waste Material Handling Plant ~
Welding and Cutting Operations
UFC ARTICLE
25
30
48
35
80
33
12
33
11
50
62
11
25
25
78
80
63
45
79
32
32
31
11/28
49
Rate*
$ 80
$ 8O
$ 40
$ 80
$ 40
$ 4O
$ 40
$ 80
$ 40
$ 8O
$ 80
$ 40
$ 80
$160
v8o
$ 8O
$ 40
$ 40
$ 80
$ 40
$ 80
$ 80
$ 8O
$ 8O
PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION
Building Construction-Commercial
New Construction up to 5000 sq. feet
New Construction > 5000 to 45,000 sq. ft.
New Construction > 45,000 sq. ft.
Tenant Improvement up to 5000 sq.
Tenant Improvement > 5000 to 45,000 sq.
Tenant Improvement > 45,000 sq.
Building Construction- Residential
Custom Lot
Water Supply
Fire Access
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Fire Alarm System
Plus amount for each device on the system
Additional fee for Highrise 4 or more stories
Plus amount per story in excess of 4
Water Flow/Fire Sprinkler System Alarm
FIXt;D FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Halon System
Hood and Duct System
Medical Gas System
Spray Booth (per booth)
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
New Construction-Commercial
System with less than 20 heads
-System with 2i-99 Heads
System with 100 or more heads
Plus amount per head in excess of 100
Rate
$ 240
$ 320
$ 4O0
$120
$ 200
$ 28O
$ 40
$ 80
$120
Rate*
$140
$7
$ 240
$ -120
$160
-$120
$120
$120
Rate*
$ 2OO
$ 280
$ 360
$O.5O
New Construction- Residential
NFPA 13D Sprinlder System- 1'~ Unit
Plus amount per each like unit
NFPA 13R Sprinkler System - 1'~ Unit
Plus amount per each like unit
NFPA 13 Sprinkler System- 1'~ Unit
Plus mount for each like unit
Existing Construction- Commercial or Residential
Tenant Improvement (drops only) with up to 20 heads
Tenant Improvement (drops only) more than 20 heads
Plus amount per each head in excess of 20
Underground Water Supply
Plus amount per each fire hydrant or connection
Fire Inspections- Requested
Self Inspection Program
Annual notice of inspection - (if additional services are required,
this fee is deleted from related fees)
Miscellaneous Fees - Information Only
Duplication of fire related reports:
Initial Page
Additional Pages
Photo (3x5)
Photo (Sx10)
Weed Abatement Fees
Abatement of weeds by contractor
$ 240
$160
$ 280
$120
$ 280
$120
Rate*
$120
$ 200
$0.50
S 380
$15
$ 80
l~,te*
$11
Rate*
$1
$0.10
$5
$10
Rate*
Direct contractor cost plus
City inspection and
administrative costs
Incident Response Fees
Response to intentionally caused fires, fires caused by negligence,
vehicle accidents caused by driving under the influence of alcohol,
hazardous materials incidents and related investigations
Rate*
Actual cost of labor,
materials and equipment,
including administrative
overhead
* The fLre permit, plan review, inspection and service fee is an estimate based on the cost of
basic sen, ice including but not limited to office reviews and field inspections. The actual amount
charged is based on actual time spent. Extra cost incurred due to system failure, unusual
circumstances, excessive time required, missed appointments and personnel expense shall be
billed at the rate of $80.00 per hour in 1/2 hour increments in addition to the basic service fee.
.i. Fire permits that are not covered by an annual permit shall submit application for permit
required for each occurrence. In addition to the fire permit, fireworks displays must have one
engine cornparty on standby during the event at the expense of the permit holder. Event time
includes ~/'2 hour before and 1/2 hour after the actual display.
Dublin Fees 99 clean .doc