Sec. 5-31. - Inspection of nonresidential structures and dwelling generally.

(a)

The chief of the department or his designate is hereby authorized and directed to make inspections to determine the condition of any nonresidential structure or dwelling place of four or more units in order that he may perform the duty of safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of the occupants of nonresidential structures or dwelling places of four or more units, and of the general public. For the purpose of making such inspections the chief of the department or his designate is hereby authorized to examine and survey between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. any nonresidential structure or dwelling place of four or more units. The chief of the department or his designate and the owner, occupant, or other person in charge of any nonresidential structure or dwelling place of four or more units may agree to an inspection by appointment at a time other than the hours provided in this section.

(b)

The fire department shall assess an inspection fee of $100.00 per inspection for any inspection performed by the fire department's fire alarm inspector pursuant to chapter 5 of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence or any provision of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code including any rule or regulation of the state fire marshal pertaining to the inspection for final approval of any approved fire alarm system or fire suppression system. In the case of any commercial, industrial, manufacturing, educational, religious or governmental use, the fee shall be payable by the licensee of the property inspected if the occupant of the property inspected holds any license issued by the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations Department of Labor and Training. Otherwise, the fee shall be payable by the lessee of the property inspected or, if none, then by the owner of the property. In the case of any residential property, the fee shall be payable by the owner of the property.

The fee shall be waived if, after the final acceptance inspection, no violation of any provision of the revised ordinances of the City of East Providence or the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code including any rule or regulation of the state fire marshal has been found. Each subsequent reinspection shall constitute an inspection for which a separate fee of $100.00 shall be payable. The foregoing fee waiver provision shall not apply in the case of any inspection required for the board of licenses for the issuance or transfer of any license under its jurisdiction. No inspection fee shall be assessed against the city or any department, board, or commission thereof.

(Rev. Ords. 1987, § 5-8; Ch. 486, § I, 8-11-09)