Community Standards is part of the City of Blaine’s Safety Services Department. Community Standards consists of four divisions; Neighborhood Services, Fire Inspections, Housing Services, and Facilities. This department includes the City’s Fire Marshal and Deputy Fire Marshal who are also part of Blaine’s Emergency Management team. Additionally, 11 of the staff members are also firefighters and respond to emergency calls in partnership with the SBM Fire Department during the day.

Neighborhood Services enforces city ordinances relating to the public health, safety, general condition, and upkeep of the community. They respond to resident inquiries about code issues. In most instances, residents are simply unaware of the code and correct the situation immediately. Neighborhood Services strives to work cooperatively with residents and business owners to gain voluntary compliance of community standards.

Fire Inspections covers new construction and remodel plan review and inspections to ensure the proper installation of fire life safety equipment, extinguishing systems, and fire alarm systems. Fire Inspections also conducts routine inspections of commercial and industrial buildings to ensure safety and health requirements are being met and to obtain updated information on hazardous materials.

Housing Services is responsible for the rental license program rental properties within the City of Blaine. All rental properties are required to obtain an annual license and have scheduled inspections to ensure rental properties are being properly maintained in accordance with the City’s Residential Maintenance Code. Housing Services is also responsible for conducting the fire inspections of all apartments and residential board and care facilities.

Facilities are responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleaning of the City’s buildings. Facilities also work to prepare spaces for both internal meetings and building rental groups.

For more information, visit BlaineMN.gov/CommunityStandards.