# City of Waterloo Council Work Session - Monday, October 19, 2026

The City of Waterloo Council work session on October 19, 2026, considered the Fire Marshal’s report on commercial fire inspections. The current ordinance calls for annual inspections of roughly 2,500–2,700 commercial occupancies, but the department averages about 1,384 inspections per year and estimates it takes about eight years to reach all properties. The Fire Marshal presented two options: add inspectors to support annual inspections, with staffing-cost estimates cited at approximately $135,000 and more than $542,000 for a four-inspector model, or amend the ordinance to move to a biennial schedule. Council members raised questions about staffing costs and which department’s budget would bear them; the Fire Marshal was asked to provide additional comparisons with other cities.

The presentation also discussed annual fee increases, revised reinspection charges, and adding exit/egress lights and fire extinguishers to the inspection, testing, and maintenance reporting process. No inspection schedule, ordinance amendment, fee change, staffing allocation, contract award, or purchase was approved; council requested direction and further information. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Public Safety
**Published:** October 19, 2026

### Sources
- [City of Waterloo Council Work Session - Monday, October 19, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPSTMSD32sw) - City of Waterloo