Title
Adoption of Resolution Acknowledging Acceptance of the Alameda Fire Department’s Annual Report on Compliance with State-Mandated Inspections Pursuant to Sections 13146.2 Through 13146.4 of the California Health and Safety Code. (Fire)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Adam W. Politzer, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Senate Bill 1205 (SB 1205), enacted in 2018, requires all California fire departments to perform and annually report the results of mandated inspections for certain occupancy types. These inspections include public and private schools (E occupancies), institutional facilities (I occupancies), and residential buildings such as hotels, motels, lodging houses, and apartment buildings (R occupancies).
For the 2025 reporting period, the Alameda Fire Department achieved the following overall inspection completion rates:
• Educational Occupancies (E): 96.9%
• Institutional Occupancies (I): 100%
• Residential Occupancies (R): 90.63%
These results reflect strong compliance with state mandates. Any remaining inspections are scheduled for completion and are part of routine Fire Prevention follow-up.
This report is submitted in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 13146.2, 13146.3, and 13146.4, which require the City Council to formally acknowledge receipt of the annual inspection compliance report.
BACKGROUND
California Health and Safety Code Sections 13146.2 and 13146.3 establish the legal requirement for local fire departments to conduct inspections of specific occupancy types at least once annually. These include:
• E Occupancies: Public and private schools used for educational purposes through the 12th grade.
• I Occupancies: Institutional facilities that typically house individuals requiring care or supervision.
• R Occupancies: Residential facilities containing sleeping units, including hotels, motels, lodging houses, and apartment buildings with three or more units.
In 2018, the Legislature passed SB 1205, which added Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4, requiring fire departments to annually report their inspection performance to their City Council or administering authority. The City Council is required to formally acknowledge receipt of the report by resolution or similar official action.
SB 1205’s expressed intent to ensure public transparency around fire and life safety inspections, particularly in occupancies where vulnerable populations reside or congregate. These inspections support compliance with the California Fire Code and help mitigate hazards that could lead to loss of life or property.
The Alameda Fire Department (Department) conducts these inspections through its Fire Prevention Bureau, utilizing trained fire inspectors and fire station company personnel to ensure thorough evaluation of fire and life safety conditions. Inspection activities include identification of code violations, issuance of corrective notices, verification of compliance, and documentation within the Department’s inspection management system.
DISCUSSION
The Department maintains a comprehensive inventory of all occupancies subject to annually mandated state inspections. Using inspection management software and property records, the Department tracks the status of each required inspection throughout the reporting year. For the 2025 reporting cycle, the Department has verified and documented its annual performance and demonstrated strong compliance with state mandates across all occupancy types.
• E Occupancies (Public and Private Schools)
The City has a total of 32 E Occupancies. The Department achieved an overall completion rate of 96.9% for all E-occupancy inspections. These inspections ensure that educational facilities meet essential fire and life safety standards, including the maintenance of fire protection equipment, clear and unobstructed exit pathways, operational emergency systems, and safe interior conditions for students and staff. A small number of inspections remain pending due to scheduling conflicts or access limitations; however, these are actively being completed as part of routine follow-up.
• I Occupancies (Institutional Facilities)
The City has a total of seven I Occupancies. The Department achieved 100% compliance with all required inspections of institutional facilities. This category includes occupancies that house individuals who may require custodial care, medical support, or other specialized services. Because these facilities serve vulnerable populations, annual inspections are critical. Inspection activities included verification of fire alarm systems, fire suppression features, emergency lighting, evacuation procedures, and adherence to state and local fire code standards.
• R Occupancies (Hotels, Motels, Lodging Houses, and Apartment Buildings)
The City has a total of 1070 R Occupancies. The Department completed 90.63% of required inspections for residential occupancies. These buildings represent a significant portion of Alameda’s overall housing inventory and frequently contain complex fire protection systems that require thorough evaluation. Remaining inspections, primarily within the R-2 category (apartment buildings greater than two units), continue to move forward and are typically delayed due to tenant access constraints or the need for scheduled re-inspections.
ALTERNATIVES
• Acknowledge receipt of the Alameda Fire Department’s Annual SB 1205 Inspection Compliance Report. This action allows the City of Alameda to remain in compliance with State reporting requirements and completes the acknowledgment process required under Health and Safety Code Section 13146.4.
• Reject the report and return it to the Department with direction from the City Council. Under this option, City Council may request revisions, supplemental details, or additional clarification prior to reconsidering acknowledgment.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with acknowledging this report. All inspection activity is performed within the Department’s existing operational budget.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
This action is consistent with Chapter 2-24 of the Alameda Municipal Code.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 and therefore no further CEQA analysis is required.
CLIMATE IMPACT
There are no identifiable climate impacts or climate action opportunities associated with the subject of this report.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution acknowledging acceptance of the Alameda Fire Department’s Annual Report on Compliance with State-Mandated Inspections pursuant to sections 13146.2 through 13146.4 of the California Health and Safety Code.
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas Luby, Fire Chief
By,
Justin Hearn, Fire Marshal
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibit:
1. Alameda Fire Department 2025 State-Mandated Inspections Compliance Report