What if I do not agree with the code or how it is being applied?

The Bridgeport Fire Department and Bridgeport Charter Township are always willing to resolve any issue you may have with the code. When and issue arises, we would like to schedule a meeting between you and the fire inspector to discuss the issue you have with the fire code. If needed, the Fire Chief and Township Manager can be involved at your request. If you still disagree with the code or how it is being applied you can request a hearing with the Board of Appeals. All forms for the appeals process are available at the Bridgeport Charter Township Office. Existing buildings require the Hearing Officer Form. New building projects require the Construction Board of Appeals Form. The adopted 2015 edition of the International Fire Code, Section 108; Board of Appeals is written as follows:

108.1 Board of appeals established. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official relative to the application and interpretation of this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall be appointed by the governing body and shall hold office at its pleasure. The fire code official shall be an ex officio member of said board but shall have no vote on any matter before the board. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business, and shall render all decisions and findings in writing to the appellant with a duplicate copy to the fire code official.

108.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the intent of this code or the rules legally adopted hereunder have been incorrectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or an equivalent method of protection or safety is proposed. The board shall have no authority to waive requirements of this code.

108.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to hazards of fire, explosions, hazardous conditions or fire protection systems and are not employees ofthe jurisdiction.