TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution acknowledging receipt of the annual report regarding the inspection of certain occupancies, including schools, hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, and residential care facilities, pursuant to Section 13146.4 of the California Health and Safety Code. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On December 2, 2016, in Oakland, California, a fire broke out during a concert in a warehouse, known as the Ghost Ship, that had been illegally converted into an artist collective with dwelling units. The Ghost Ship Fire killed 36 people and became the deadliest building fire in California since 1906. This tragedy drew national attention and put a spotlight on fire safety laws and inspections in California. Since then, Statewide efforts have been made to increase fire safety and accountability in California cities.
Senate Bill 1205 is State legislation resulting directly from the findings of this incident. Prior to the Ghost Ship Fire, Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the California Health and Safety Code (Code) required fire departments to conduct annual inspections of certain occupancies, including schools, hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, and residential care facilities. Senate Bill 1205 amended the Code, adding Section 13146.4 to require each fire department to report annually to its administering authority on its compliance with Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 of the Code. The Code requires this report to occur when the administering authority discusses its annual budget and requires the administering authority to acknowledge receipt of the report in a Resolution or similar formal document.
The California State Fire Marshal mandates inspections to be performed annually in all public and private schools (Group E Occupancy), hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartment houses and dwellings (Group R-1, R-2, R2.1, and R-4 Occupancy). Under the direction of the City’s Fire Marshal, most of these annual inspections are performed by civilian fire inspection staff in the Fire Prevention Bureau, with the balance conducted by staff on engine companies.
A total of 8,451 sites requiring State-mandated inspections were identified for calendar year 2022, including 8,286 residential and 165 educational sites. Of all State-mandated sites, 4,950 were inspected, resulting in a compliance rate of approximately 59 percent, compared to 27 percent compliance in 2021, and 41 percent in 2020. For residential sites, engine companies performed 198 inspections and Fire Prevention staff performed 4,752 inspections for a total of 4,950 sites, equivalent to a compliance rate of approximately 60 percent, compared to 26 percent in 2021 and 40 percent in 2020. For educational sites, Fire Prevention staff performed a total of 165 school inspections out of 165 which results in a compliance rate of 100 percent for this reporting period, compared to 99 percent in 2021 and 92 percent in 2020.
There are many variables that contribute to the compliance rates listed above. These factors include Fire Prevention staffing, number of required inspections, and emergency/non-emergency call volume. Overall, the Fire Prevention team experienced one vacancy this fiscal year. This vacancy and increased inspection workload has been mitigated through cross-bureau assistance to conduct inspections. Specifically, the Long Beach Fire Department engine and truck companies are increasing the number of fire inspections conducted annually. In addition to this effort, Fire Department employees on modified or transitional duty have been assigned to inspection duties. These efforts will place the Fire Department in a better position to increase compliance rates. Additionally, further efficiencies are anticipated with the transition from paper inspection forms to an electronic reporting system.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on August 10, 2023 and by Budget Development Officer Jennifer Rodriguez on August 15, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on September 5, 2023 to coincide with the discussion of the annual budget as required by the California Health and Safety Code.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact with the acceptance and signing of this Resolution. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DENNIS BUCHANAN
FIRE CHIEF
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER