Title
Resolution to Approve Fees for Fire Department Planning Review
Memorandum
As part of the planning review process, the Fire Department reviews various case types, including various types of site plan reviews, land divisions, planned unit developments, etc. The Fire Department’s expertise is required to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code for items such as:
• Emergency Access for Fire Apparatus - There is appropriate width, height and turn-arounds.
• Hydrants - There are the required location, number, and spacing of hydrants for firefighting operations and to support the building’s fire suppression system
• Aerial access - For taller buildings, to ensure aerial fire apparatus access.
• Hazardous Materials and Special Uses - To identify hazardous materials storage or high-risk operations including onsite battery systems.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: These rates were last adjusted in 2008. To arrive at the updated fee schedule (attached as Proposed Fee Schedule - Fire Department Planning Review), the Fire Marshal did a time study to determine time spent on these various case types, and Finance calculated the FY 2026 cost of service rates. Both increases and decreases to costs are proposed and reflect the cost of service. Review of these costs will be incorporated as part of the annual budget process going in future years.
Staff
Prepared by: Chantel Jackson, Fire Administrative Manager
Review by: Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief
Review by: Kim Buselmeier, Financial Manager
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The Fire Department participates in the City’s planning review process in order to ensure that all site plans, land divisions, etc. are compliant with the International Fire Code for required items such as emergency access, placement of fire hydrants, aerial access, hazardous material, and special uses; and
Whereas, The proposed fees for Fire Department review in the planning process are based on actual time spent by staff, applying FY 2026 cost of service rates;
RESOLVED, That fees for the Fire Department’s participation in the planning review process are adopted at the rates specified in the attached fee schedule (Proposed Fee Schedule - Fire Department Planning Review);
RESOLVED, That the Proposed Fee Schedule - Fire Department Planning Review is effective October 1, 2025 and;
RESOLVED, That City Council authorize the City Administrator to take necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.