Code enforcement is the enforcement of all local, state, and national safety codes that relate to life safety. The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for code enforcement of all existing structures except for residential facilities. All commercial, industrial, and public buildings are subject to fire inspections, as well as multiple occupancies such as hotels, motels, apartments, and care facilities. There are several different types of inspection programs that are overseen by the Fire Prevention Bureau.

COMPANY INSPECTIONS
On duty fire crews conduct these inspections on commercial, industrial, and public buildings. Occupancies that fall into this program is inspected once a year. This accomplishes several things: the fire crews become familiar with the occupancy’s layout and business owner(s), and reduces the loss of life and property by identifying fire and life safety violations.

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INSPECTIONS
Fire suppression inspections are monitored by Mentor’s Fire Prevention Bureau. Every occupancy that has an Automatic Fire Suppression System is required to inspect the system and fill out an inspection sheet every six months. If the system is due for its five-year test, a licensed contractor is required to complete the test.

NEW CONSTRUCTION OR OCCUPANCY
The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for conducting the inspection of new businesses and all construction projects. Once this is accomplished, it is then assigned to an inspector and inspected on an annual basis.

Mentor Ordinance 94 adopts the “Building Officials and Code Administrators’ Edition of the Fire Prevention Code, 1999″ for enforcement. The Fire Prevention Code is broken down into three major categories:

Part A contains seven chapters of administration, definitions, and precautions against fire, open flames or burning, fire protection systems, means of egress, and emergency planning and preparedness.

Part B consists of 15 chapters of “Operation and Maintenance of Equipment, Process and Occupancies.”

Part C contains 22 chapters of “Material Handling,” primarily all types of hazardous material requirements.

The Fire Prevention Code is supplemented by the National Fire Protection Association Standards and the Ohio Building Code.

Fire Inspectors conduct inspections and document any violations on a “Hazard Warning Notice.” Depending upon the severity of the violations of the code, a re-inspection date is scheduled. The goal is that all violations are corrected “forthwith.” If an owner/occupant refuses to correct the violations, the case would then be forwarded to the prosecutor for legal action. Violations of the Fire Prevention Code are considered a second degree misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of $750 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail.

The Fire Prevention Bureau can be reached by calling (440) 974-5768 or (440) 942-8796. The fax number is (440) 974-5706.