Carpentersville will charge fire-prevention fees of commercial and multifamily residential developers under an ordinance approved by the Village Board.
The fees, amounting to $5 for every 100 square feet of floor space in a project, will pay for design plan reviews and fire inspections. Plans reviewed for sprinkler systems will cost $125 per riser and another $20 for each additional floor.
For a plan review of fire alarm systems, $100 will be charged, plus $50 for each additional review. The inspection and testing of all alarm devices will be $70 for one floor and $45 for each additional floor.
Other fees include $250 for the review of smoke-venting and pressurization plans and $100 for a physical inspection.
Fire Chief John Schuldt, who proposed the ordinance, said the fees should encourage developers to design plans to village codes.
“Our inspectors spend 26 hours reviewing drawings for the developer and that is not normal,” Schuldt said. “Because of this, they’re not spending time on the things they’re supposed to be doing.”
In other action, the board voted 4-0 to amend the fiscal 2001 budget to set aside $85,000 to help fund a 4 percent retroactive salary increase for all employees.
Village President Cheryal Callahan and Trustee Jim Schuldt abstained from the vote because of family members are employed by the village.
