Last Updated on February 17, 2019 by cassnetwork
The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety is considering a change in the building permit process aimed at ensuring more buildings are equipped with functioning smoke detectors.
Wednesday, a resolution was proposed that would require anyone applying for and signing a building permit to agree to an inspection within 90 days. During the inspection by either the Building Commissioner’s Office or the Logansport Fire Department, structures would be inspected to determine if the appropriate number of detectors and the proper locations for installation are in compliance with standards. Failure to comply would result in forfeiting the permit. The resolution also calls for a joint registry of all structures with working smoke detectors to be accessed by the fire department and building commissioner’s office.
Mayor Dave Kitchell, who chairs the board, said the resolution was taken under advisement to allow the city attorney to review it and determine if it needs more enforcement measures.
“Indiana has had more fire deaths per capita than the nation since the 1970s,” Kitchell said. “We had nine fatalities in house fires in 2018 and we have to do a better job of not only promoting proper smoke detector installation and practices but ensuring that all homes and businesses have functioning detectors in the proper places.”
SOURCE: News release from Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell