Portland updates fire service fees

The City of Portland ordains.Section 1. The Council finds:Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) charges fees for permits, code enforcement inspections, fire reports and miscellaneous services to recover partial costs for PF&R Prevention and Emergency Operations programs.The fee schedule is in Portland Policy Document FIR-12.01.Many fees contained within FIR-12.01 have not been comprehensively updated to reflect the actual cost of providing services, including personnel, equipment, technology, administrative support, and overhead.The City's adopted budget directs bureaus to evaluate opportunities to improve cost recovery for regulatory services where appropriate and to reduce reliance on General Fund resources for services that primarily benefit permit applicants and regulated entities.Updating the Fire Regulations Fee Schedule promotes fiscal sustainability while maintaining high-quality customer service and timely permitting and inspection processes.The revised fee schedule was developed through an evaluation of actual service costs, workload analysis, comparison with peer jurisdictions, and consideration of customer impacts.On March 2, 2022, Ordinance 190728 was passed by City Council banning the sale and use of fireworks. The permit fee for retail storage or sale in structures or tents is being removed from the fee schedule.A fee has been added for inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire systems.A fee has been added for an annual laser display permit.Nothing in this Ordinance changes existing fire code requirements or creates new regulatory obligations. The amendments only revise the fees associated with existing services.Exhibit A shows proposed fee changes in red.NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs:Fire regulations fee schedule is hereby amended as shown in Exhibit A and shall be effective after its passage by the Council, or as authorized by previously adopted ordinance or resolution.Exhibit A is binding City policy.