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What is the Business Inspection Program?
The Fremont City Council passed Resolution #9941 in July 2003, formally adopting the Business Inspection program. National statistics tell us those businesses that experience fires go out of business due to the high cost of recovery and repairs.
The goal of the Business Inspection Program is the prevention of fires and other safety risks at businesses within Fremont. This program focuses on working with business owners to identify and mitigate any possible fire hazards through regular inspections.
Prior to the Business Inspection Program, some businesses in the City of Fremont did not receive regular inspections. With the exception of businesses requiring fire code permits, or enrolled in the Hazardous Materials Program, many of the businesses that were inspected were not charged a fee to recoup the cost of providing this service.
Implementation of the Business Inspection Program will ensure all businesses receive regular inspections and increase the safety of businesses operating in Fremont.
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Whom does the Business Inspection Program affect?
The Business Inspection program applies to all businesses within Fremont except home–based businesses or businesses enrolled in the Hazardous Materials Program.
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How frequently will inspections occur and how is my business classified?
The frequency of inspections is dependent on the classification of a business determined by the following factors:
- The time it takes to complete the inspection.
- The risks associated with the type of business. Example: a factory is considered a greater fire risk compared to a CPA's office.
- History of previous violations and current violations.
Based on these factors, businesses will be classified as Significant, Moderate, or Self-inspection.
Businesses classified as Significant or Moderate will be inspected every other year. The year the inspection will occur will be determined by the business address. Businesses with addresses ending in even numbers will be inspected in even years. Businesses with addresses ending in odd numbers will be inspected in odd years.
Businesses classified as Self-inspection will receive an inspection every four years provided the business owner completes an annual self-inspection survey and returns the completed survey to the Fire Prevention Bureau by the established deadline. Businesses will be placed in the self-inspection program at the sole discretion of the Fire Marshal.
Businesses that require Fire Code Permits will be inspected annually.
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What are the fees and how will I be billed?
|
Category |
Inspection Fee |
Frequency |
|
Significant |
$222.00 |
Every other year |
|
Moderate |
$148.00 |
Every other year |
|
Self-Inspection |
$ 74.00 |
Every 4 years* |
Re-Inspection Fees
Businesses classified as Significant or Moderate will receive one (1) re-inspection without an additional charge. Subsequent re-inspections will be assessed at $74 per re-inspection. *Businesses in the Self-inspection program will be charged a $74 fee for each re-inspection.
Billing
In an effort to improve customer service and decrease the time between the inspection and invoicing, business inspection fees will no longer appear on your business tax statement. Effective April 1, 2006 a separate invoice will be issued 30 days after the business inspection has been completed.
How will fire code permits be handled?
Fire Code Permits grant permission to maintain, store or handle materials or to conduct processes or activities, which produce conditions, which if not properly maintained, are hazardous to life and property. For a list of activities that require a permit, see fire code permits.
Prior to issuing a fire code permit, each business will be inspected by the Fire Prevention Bureau. This inspection will ensure the business complies with fire and life safety standards and specific permit requirements. The inspection will occur prior to the generation of your Business Tax Statement and your Business Tax Statement should reflect applicable Fire Code Permit fees.
Upon the successful conclusion of the inspection, the Fire Prevention Inspector will issue the permit(s). The permit will allow the business owner to conduct the permitted activities for one year.
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What are Fire Code Permits?
Fire Code Permits grant permission to maintain, store or handle materials or to conduct processes or activities, which produce conditions, which if not properly maintained, are hazardous to life and property. For a complete list of activities that require a permit, see (fire code permits).
Who will conduct my Fire Code Permit Inspections?
Prior to issuing a fire code permit, each business will be inspected by an Inspector from the Fire Prevention Bureau. This inspection will ensure the business complies with general fire and life safety standards and specific permit requirements.
Upon the successful conclusion of the inspection the Fire Prevention Inspector will issue the permit(s). The permit must be displayed in a conspicuous location on the premises. The permit will allow the business owner to conduct the permitted activities for one year provided the business continually meets all permit requirements.
If I participate in the Hazardous Materials Program, will I also need a separate fire code permit & inspection?
If your business is enrolled in the Hazardous Materials Program, your fire code permit inspections will be performed by your assigned Hazardous Materials technician. You will receive a single bill from the Hazardous Materials Division that will include your Hazardous Materials program fees and Fire Code Permits fees.
What are the Fire Code Permit fees and how will I be billed?
The annual Fire Code Permit application fee is $70.
The Fire Code Permit Fee is $89 per permit.
Effective April 1, 2006 fees associated with a permit inspection will no longer be included in your business tax statement. A separate invoice will be generated 30 days after the permit is issued. This change will streamline the billing process and eliminate confusion between taxes payable and permit inspection fees.
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Please send an email to fremontfire@ci.fremont.ca.us and we will provide a timely reply. Questions received that would benefit other businesses will be posted on this website under Frequently Asked Questions.
If you have additional questions, you can contact the Fire Prevention Bureau, by phone, Monday through Friday at 510-494-4280.
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