EPFD chief proposes changes to vacant building ordinance

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, El Paso Fire Department Chief Sam Pena proposed changes to the city’s current vacant building ordinance.

Currently, the ordinance relies on owners allowing the fire department into buildings for inspections.

EPFD officials told ABC-7 in the past there isn’t always full cooperation from owners.

Building owners are also required to register their buildings, but Chief Pena said there is a lack of response from owners.

Chief Pena proposed that all building owners must now get a permit for their building.

The fire department will then send inspectors at least once a year to the buildings to make sure they are up to code.

“We have fire activity and a great majority happens in downtown or adjacent to the downtown area. It’s a safety concern we’re trying to address,” said Pena.

In the El Paso Fire Department budget reports for fiscal year 2016, officials reported that about fifty percent of the city’s vacant buildings have been inspected this year.

The report also stated EPFD is looking to add 36 state certified inspectors next year.

Chief Pena said proposed changes will go before city council next week for a vote.