Saugus changes propane permit policy

SAUGUS – Just in time for Fire Prevention Week, Saugus is changing its commercial propane permits from a one-time inspection to a yearly $50 checkup. The same goes for occupancy permits. Diminished maintenance and poor storage of propane tanks at about 33 local businesses were posing a serious safety hazard, according to Saugus Fire Deputy Chief Michael Newbury. Modeled after policies of surrounding communities, such as Melrose, Newbury proposed Saugus change its policy from a one-time-only check to an annual check, with a $50 fee to ensure the tanks were properly maintained.The change was swiftly accepted and approved at a Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, as was the new inspection fee for annual occupancy permits, which will also cost $50.The inspection fee will affect 88 establishments, said Newbury, including hotels, liquor establishments and assembly buildings.?We have a hotel in town with 100 rooms, and every exit light was out, every emergency light was out,” said Newbury. Often, he added, the businesses weren?t prepared and the inspecting firefighters were detained at an establishment for an entire day.?This is a glaring weakness I see in the Fire Prevention office,” he said.The inspection fee amount of $50 is the standard of surrounding towns, he said.