RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-766

A resolution requesting that the Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office conduct an assessment of its special event permit fees to determine whether current fee amounts cover actual costs associated with issuance of said permits.

WHEREAS, Article 8, Section 8.305, of the Charter of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, provides that enforcement of rules and regulations for the prevention of fire shall be the duty of the Fire Marshal; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to this duty, the Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office requires and issues permits for special event items and activities, including the use of tents/canopies, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), concession trailers, pyrotechnic displays, and special event fire watch requests; and

WHEREAS, to pay for the costs associated with application processing and site inspections, the Fire Marshal’s Office currently collects a fee of $25 for each tent/canopy, LPG, and concession trailer permit; $175 per pyrotechnic display; and $50/hour for special event fire watch requests. The use of tents/canopies or LPG without a permit may incur a triple-fee penalty of $75; and

WHEREAS, these fees have remained unchanged since 2006 and likely do not reflect the present-day costs associated with application processing and site inspections for each permit; and

WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the citizens of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County that these permit fees be increased to reflect the current costs of their issuance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby requests that the Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office conduct an assessment of its special event permit fees to determine whether current fee amounts cover the actual costs associated with issuance of said permits.

Section 2. That, based on the results of the assessment, the Fire Marshal’s Office adjust the special event permit fee and penalty amounts to more accurately reflect the present-day costs associated with each permit type.

Section 3. That the Nashville Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office should provide a copy of the results of the fee assessment to members of the Metropolitan Council within ninety (90) days from the date of adoption of this Resolution.

Section 4. That the Metropolitan Clerk be instructed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Director Chief Ricky White of the Nashville Fire Department upon its adoption.

Section 5. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Nick Leonardo