DATE: 12/18/2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Fire Department
2024-165
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 5.02.035 TO CHAPTER 5.02 OF THE CORONA
MUNICIPAL CODE TO REQUIRE A FIRE INSPECTION PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF A BUSINESS LICENSE, AMENDING SECTION 5.02.100 FOR NONTRANSFERABLE EXCEPTIONS TO INCLUDE A FIRE INSPECTION AT THE NEW FIXED LOCATION.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report recommends the City Council approve an ordinance requiring a fire inspection before issuing an initial business license and for businesses relocating to a fixed location. This update ensures compliance with fire safety standards, protecting public and employee safety by identifying and addressing fire hazards early, safeguarding both the business and the broader community.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council introduce, by title only, and waive full reading of consideration of Ordinance No. 3408, the first reading of an ordinance adding Section 5.02.035 to Chapter
5.02 of the Corona Municipal Code to require an inspection by the Corona Fire Department prior to issuance of a business license to a business that will operate from a fixed location within the City and amending Section 5.02.100 to ensure if a business moves locations the application is referred back to the city official for an inspection.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The Corona Fire Department has identified that, while certain businesses have properly obtained a business license to operate within the city, some may not fully adhere to the minimum code requirements established by the current adopted edition of the California Fire Code. These requirements are health and safety standards that protect both the public and business owners. Such requirements can include considerations for changes in use or building occupancy, proper storage, handling, and use of hazardous materials, and essential life safety measures. Other key areas such as fire protection systems, emergency exiting, and the necessary operational fire code permits have also been identified as areas where operating businesses are routinely found to be out of compliance with safety standards.
ANALYSIS:
The Corona Municipal Code Chapter 5.02 establishes guidelines and procedures for the issuance of business licenses operating within the City of Corona. The provisions of this chapter were enacted solely to raise revenue for municipal purposes and were not intended for regulation.
The proposed updates to the Corona Municipal Code are necessary to enhance safety and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance with fire code regulations. Requiring fire inspections prior to issuing or transferring business licenses ensures that businesses adhere to safety standards, addressing potential hazards such as inadequate fire protection systems, unsafe storage of hazardous materials, or insufficient emergency exits. These measures are essential to safeguarding public health, safety, and welfare for business operators, patrons, and the community.
Adding Section 5.02.035 will establish fire code compliance as a prerequisite for issuing a business license for a fixed place of business within the City. This ensures that the location conforms to applicable fire code provisions and Title 17 of the Corona Municipal Code. Upon receiving a business license application, the contracted processing vendor will immediately refer it to the city official responsible for enforcing the fire code. Within ten (10) days, an inspection will be conducted at the business location to confirm compliance. The applicant will pay a fee established by a resolution of the City Council for this inspection.
Amending Section 5.02.100 for nontransferable exceptions ensures that if a business relocates to a new fixed location, a fire inspection will be required under Section 5.02.035.
These changes address gaps in the current process and reinforce the City's commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant business environment.
Adding Section 5.02.035 and amending Section 5.02.100 to Chapter 5.02 will preserve and protect the public health, safety, and welfare of both the business operators and the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The adoption of this Ordinance will not have a financial impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where is can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action amends the Corona Municipal Code to include regulations regarding fire inspections for new business licenses and will not have an impact on the environment.
PREPARED BY: CINDI SCHMITZ, FIRE MARSHAL
REVIEWED BY: BRIAN YOUNG, FIRE CHIEF
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – Ordinance No. 3408 (Redline Version)
2. Exhibit 2 – Ordinance No. 3408 (Clean Version)