SEAL BEACH : Fire Department Service Fee Weighed

Seal Beach residents would pay for false alarms, fire inspection permits and other fire-related services under an ordinance given preliminary approval by the City Council this week.

Seal Beach is one of 14 cities that contracts with the Orange County Fire Department for fire services. Each of the cities was asked to pass an ordinance similar to the one approved by the County Board of Supervisors last July that set fees for extra duties performed by the Fire Department. The county cited increasing costs as the reason for the new fees.

The City Council is expected to give final approval to the ordinance at its June 24 meeting. With that approval, the county would then be able to collect the fees for services performed within the cities.

Fees ranging from $105 to $518 will be charged when the Fire Department responds to false alarms. The amount depends on whether the alarm was set off intentionally or accidentally and how often the same alarm goes off.

Fire inspections and plan checks for new commercial and industrial buildings will cost $358. Those requesting the Fire Department’s help for standby fire watches and site inspections for special events also will be charged a fee.