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Regular City Council Meeting Monday, December 4, 2017 Page 15 the program and therefore reduced to better reflect actual costs that resulted in a benefit to residents accordingly. Public Comment Roger Hess,Jr., 1906 Wagner Place Mr. Hess questioned the fee for temporary tent inspections and whether this was a one-time fee or per set up; and whether it was state-mandated. Mr. Hess noted that if the fee was for each time, it would add up to a lot of money; and ques- tioned if this fee applied to tents with sides and no heat source or if there were ex- ceptions when a fire inspection was not required. Also, Mr. Hess opined that the building permit fees seemed excessive for residen- tial permits versus those charged to larger developers. Fire Chief Tim O'Neill (page 14—outdoor temporary events/$125 fire inspec- tion fee; and page 15 (tents) In response, Chief O'Neill clarified the fee was for every time a tent was erected; regardless if there was no heat source or no sides. Chief O'Neill further clarified that this only impacted tents of 400 square feet or greater, eliminating most tent sizes erected for bazaars or flea markets. Specific to whether the fees are mandated by state law, Chief O'Neill responded that they are regulated by state fire code dictating any tent structures of 400 square feet or larger were to be permitted and inspected by the Fire Marshal. While the fee for these inspections was addressed, Chief O'Neill reported that the city averages only six such inspections per year. As to whether each time a tent was erected if it required an inspection, Chief O'Neill responded that yes it did since things change, tents may or may not be the same such as in rental situations, and the Fire Marshal was required to inspect to ensure that a fire resistant tag, as mandated, was provided for each tent; as well as the tent's location and proximity to vehicles, other tents, other structures, etc. all in accordance with code requirements. Once sides are installed on a tent, Chief O'Neill advised that it became even more complicated as it became more like an actual structure, requiring location fire exits, exit lighting, emergency lighting, lo- cation and width of aisles, and occupancy loads. As to heat sources, if there were any flames involved, Chief O'Neill advised that they were not normally allowed in these types of tents,but also included as part of the inspection process. Chief O'Neill advised that the majority of tent inspections performed by the Fire Marshal annually involved fireworks sales, and obviously were under quite regu- lated inspection parameters due to their particular use.