EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Commissioners Court adopted an outdoor business order and County fire code during its meeting on Monday, Oct. 20.
These two initiatives were pushed by Commissioner Jackie Butler, who said they were necessary to provide a unified approach to dealing with fire safety in the County.
The approved measures authorize the El Paso County Attorney’s Office to enforce County-wide fire-safety standards — including issuing notices of violation, seeking civil fines of $100 to $500 per day, and pursuing injunctive relief against repeat or egregious offenders.
The County Attorney’s Office would work in coordination with the Emergency Service Districts, the fire marshal, and Public Works to ensure due process, consistent enforcement, and timely abatement of hazards, Butler’s office said.
“These policies are a unified approach to addressing the need for fire safety in El Paso County, one of the only major counties in Texas without a County-wide fire code,” Butler’s office said in a news release.
The outdoor business order will require certain outdoor businesses in the County to obtain a license to operate and sets requirements for disposal of flammable liquids, fencing, and the safe arrangement of materials on the property.
The fire code will set “clear standards” of operation throughout the County, strengthening safety standards and integrating enforcement mechanisms County-wide, Butler’s office said.
Both the fire code and outdoor business order will better equip the County’s Emergency Service Districts (ESDs) to address the dangerous outdoor conditions in many unincorporated areas of the County, Butler’s office said.
“This is an important step towards protecting residents in unincorporated areas, including Montana Vista, which suffered the effects of the 2023 recycling plant fire. These measures are a result of years of research and collaboration to create a safer community for all El Pasoans,” Butler said. “We look forward to working with the business community to ensure the safety of nearby residents and prevent devastating fires.”
County Attorney Christina Sanchez said: “The County fire code and outdoor business order are vital tools that empower the Office of the County Attorney to ensure safety protocols are effectively enforced throughout El Paso County. Our mission is to protect the safety and well-being of every resident and enhance the quality of life in our community.
“The policies adopted today strengthen our ability to achieve that mission. I want to thank Commissioner Butler for championing this initiative, the Commissioners Court for investing in this solution, and the dedicated team of lawyers in my office for working collaboratively with County staff and community stakeholders to bring it to life,” Sanchez said.
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