The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

Travis Fire Marshal Cracking Down On Code Violators


The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office says they're attempting to put an end to property owners who construct buildings without meeting fire code requirements.

Fire officials say they issued a total of 12 notices this week for six separate commercial structures in the 9600 block of Brown Lane in Northeast Austin.

"A building that is not built to meet fire code is a danger to occupants, neighboring structures and firefighters who must respond when these buildings catch on fire," said Fire Marshal Hershel Lee.

Lee says that when a violation is determined to exist, the marshal's office leaves notices on the building and through the mail.  Each day that the violation exits results in further penalties that accumulate daily. "Those who are not in compliance will face civil lawsuit for enforcement of the code, a court ordered injunction and civil penalties.  Building and operating in compliance of the fire code is much cheaper than ignoring it."

All commercial and public buildings built after February 2005 requires a permit and approval from the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office.