Memorandum

Lawrence-Douglas County

Fire Medical Department

TO:	Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager
FROM:	Mark Bradford, Chief
DATE:	July 10, 2008
SUBJECT:	Residential Rental Inspection Program Expansion

This memo is provided in response to the Commission’s question as to the possible assistance in the expanded Residential Registration program by the Fire Medical Department.

Currently, the Fire Medical Department conducts a number of fire prevention inspections that are specifically directed at the existing structures in the City. Two divisions within the Department are charged with these inspections: the Prevention and Operations Divisions. The following is a summary of the fire prevention and inspection related responsibilities.

Current Prevention Division responsibilities include:

· Annual inspections of target hazards (i.e. Congregate Residences, Downtown, Nursing and Daycare Homes)

· Maintenance and tracking of Knox Box system

· Point of contact for Public Education requests

· Emergency Occupant Services

· Fire Code plan review including site plans, building plans, fire sprinkler and alarm plans.

· Required installation and final occupancy inspections

· Investigation Bureau operations (Fire and Coroner Scene)

· Issuance and inspection of special permits

· Frequent and routine bar and night club inspections (Night Consultants)

· Fire Code Board of Appeals functions

Current Operations Division responsibilities for inspection related activities include:

· Primary and follow-up inspections on Commercial occupancies and target hazards (5,506 in 2007)

· Night Consultant Inspections (1,133 in 2007)

Additional analysis would be required to determine staffing levels necessary for this department to take on 3,000 residential inspections along with the necessary individual follow up relating to compliance and prosecution relating to the inspections.