An ordinance change under discussion in Albertville could impose a new fee on some fire inspections at new and existing buildings, the Sun Press & News reported: new fire alarms and sprinkler systems as well as alarms and systems that require more than three code-violation inspections would cost $50.
According to the Sun Press & News, a memo from City Attorney Mike Couri to the Albertville City Council described the problem:
“We’ve had situations where the Fire Chief has returned for follow up inspections three or more times, only to find that the owner has not corrected the violations."
Couri said the burden on business was not too heavy:
“It’s not an issue that the business owners can’t do it, rather it’s that they don’t want to. ... In a sense this would ‘light a fire’ to get it done to avoid paying fees.”
