REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a Resolution Acknowledging Receipt by City Council of a State-Mandated Compliance Report on Required Annual Fire Inspections of Certain Occupancies
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
In the aftermath of the tragic Ghost Ship Fire in Oakland, California, legislators undertook a comprehensive review of fire safety protocols, particularly scrutinizing the efficacy of state-mandated fire inspections. The analysis led to California Senate Bill 1205 (SB 1205) enactment on September 27, 2018, which took effect on January 1, 2019, amending the California Health and Safety Code by introducing Section 13146.4 (Attachment 1). This legislation necessitates that fire departments annually report their performance of state-mandated fire inspections to the City Council, which is required to acknowledge receipt of the report through a resolution. Specifically targeting Educational Group E and Residential Group R occupancies, the law pertains to a wide range of uses including public and private schools serving more than six individuals up to the 12th grade, commercial daycares, as well as various residential facilities such as hotels, motels, apartments (three units or more), lodging homes, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, monasteries, convents, live/work units, vacation timeshare properties, and residential care facilities. The mandate for annual inspections of these occupancies is outlined in California Health and Safety Code Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 (Attachment 2).
The legislative intent underlying SB 1205 is multifaceted, aiming to proactively mitigate future tragedies while fostering accountability, transparency, and oversight in enforcing building standards. This bill formalizes reporting procedures, ensuring City Councils actively acknowledge compliance reports during budget deliberations. This ensures the Fire Department receives adequate resources ...
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