City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: MAY 21, 2024 FROM: FIRE DEPARTMENT WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: ADOPT A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING A COMPLIANCE REPORT ON STATE-MANDATED INSPECTIONS AS OUTLINED IN CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 1205 ISSUE:
Adopt a Resolution accepting a compliance report on State-Mandated inspections as outlined in California Senate Bill 1205. A compliance report for inspections must be provided to its administrating authority each year in accordance with Section 13146.4.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution accepting a compliance report on the status of all State-Mandated annual fire inspections in the City of Riverside as outlined in California Senate Bill 1205 and California Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
On September 27, 2018, SB 1205 became effective, and added a new section to the California Health and Safety Code. This new bill also requires every fire department or district to annually report to its administering authority their compliance with the annual inspection requirements of the California Health and Safety Code. The bill also requires the administering authority to formally acknowledge receipt of the compliance report in a resolution or a similar formal document. The report made pursuant to subdivision (a) shall occur when the administering authority discusses its annual budget, or at another time determined by the administering authority.
BACKGROUND:
On December 15, 2020, the City Council adopted a Resolution acknowledging receipt of a report made by the City of Riverside Fire Chief regarding the annual inspection of certain occupancies. The Fire Departments efficiency has improved since 2020’s first reporting year, however, the volume of inspections presents a consistent challenge for the Division.
Occupancy Type
2020
2021
2022
2023
Education
48%
78%
83%
94%
Residential
33%
89%
96%
99%
2023 Data by Category
Quantity
Incomplete
Complete
Education
Riverside Unified
43 4
97%
Alvord Unified
25 0
100%
Charter/Private
68 5
86%
Residential
Hotel/Motel
25 4
84%
Apartment >3 units
2437
30 99%
DISCUSSION:
Annual fire inspections help mitigate known hazards, reduce community risk, and ensure reasonable compliance with the California Fire Code. Inspections review and confirm proper maintenance of fire protection systems, effective egress systems, damage to fire protective construction and sufficient site access to Fire Department personnel.
The Health and Safety Code requires an inspection rate of 100% for compliance. The Riverside Fire Department was unable to meet the State requirements for the fourth consecutive year.
A combined total of 6,851 fire inspections were scheduled for 2023: 2598 annual State-Mandated inspections (98% combined completion) and 4253 other occupancy types (85% complete).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The item contributes to Strategic Priority No. 2, Community Well-Being and goals:
Goal 2.5: Foster relationships between community members, partner organizations, and public safety professionals to define, prioritize, and address community safety and social service needs.
Goal 2.6: Strengthen community preparedness for emergencies to ensure effective response and recovery.
This item aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – By adopting the attached resolution, acknowledging the efficiency of the Fire Department’s State-Mandated fire inspection program, the City of Riverside is demonstrating transparency and commitment in meeting State-Mandates.
Equity – The entire community benefits from a safe community where known fire hazards are mitigated reducing risk to all.
Fiscal Responsibility – The California Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4 and RMC 2.28.170 allow for cost recovery in performing fire inspections. The 2015 fee schedule is currently being utilized; an updated fee schedule will be brought to City Council for approval in June 2024.
Innovation – The City of Riverside has adopted current Building and Fire codes with local amendments meeting international standards.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The Fire Inspection program directly correlates to the Strategic Plan Action Item 2.5.2: Foster relationships by providing and promoting services that increase the well-being of our residents and increase safety awareness. Pursue programs that increase safe and thriving environments that positively impact residents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact related to this report.
Prepared by: Craig Kodat, Fire Marshal
Approved by: Michael Moore, Fire Chief
Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Mike Futrell, City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: City Council Resolution
SB 1205 2023 Resolution ● Page 3