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Residential Occupancy Self-Inspection Program

"Residential Occupancy" is the term used for a wide variety of buildings which have multiple living accommodations, such as hotels, apartment buildings, dormitories, etc. (Important note: the term "Residential Occupancy" does not include single-family homes or duplexes.)

These multiple-unit residential buildings suffer the highest death, injury and fire frequency rates of any building occupancy within the Municipality. For this reason, in the year 2000, the Fire Prevention Division initiated a Residential Occupancy Inspection Program, as part of their ongoing mission to reduce fire loss. All Residential Occupancies are required to be inspected annually.

Some types of Residential Occupancies, known as "R-2", may qualify for the Self-Inspection Program, which allows owners to reduce their inspection costs by monitoring their own buildings. The Program is also an excellent opportunity for participants to learn more about evacuation planning, smoke detector maintenance, and other fire prevention and maintenance issues.

To qualify for the voluntary Self-Inspection Program, a building must be classified R-2 (residential tri-plex and above). It must also have been inspected by an Anchorage Fire Inspector within the past twelve months, with any violations corrected. The owner may then use the Self-Inspection Form to satisfy the inspection requirement for the next two years. Participation in the Self-Inspection Program is voluntary.

FAQ’s:

1. Why should a building owner or manager participate?

The SI Program saves money. A standard fire inspection fee starts at $50 and increases based upon the number of units in the multi-family occupancy. The SI Program provides a reduced fee of $30 to the owner.

2. How many times will I be inspected?

Residential Occupancies are required to be inspected annually. Inspections are based upon a 3 year cycle. The SI Program permits the owner to use the Self-Inspection form in two out of every three years. The third year requires an onsite inspection by a Fire Inspector.

3. I have multiple properties, do I need a form for each one?

Yes – each property requires its own inspection and subsequent form.

4. I no longer own the property, and I still received a form.

If you no longer own the R-2 property, please contact the Fire Prevention office at 267-4900. Fire Prevention will update our records. Our ownership information is based upon the past twelve months. There is some lag time before property records are updated. Please have patience. We may need some information from you as to when you sold the property and to whom.

5. Why am I doing the inspection and paying the Fire Department?

The SI Program is voluntary. It is designed to provide code compliant owners with a method of saving money and still meeting inspection requirements. If you opt not to participate, you may call the Anchorage Fire Department and schedule a standard inspection with the Fire Prevention Division.

632 W. 6th Avenue Anchorage, Alaska 99501
PO Box 196650 Anchorage, Alaska 99519
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