NEWS RELEASE

March 19, 2018

For Immediate Release

City Response to Deck Collapse

SAVANNAH, GA (March 19, 2018) — City of Savannah’s Department of Development Services issued a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for 38 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in 2002 when the deck was initially constructed. Upon issuance of the CO, the City does not have any ongoing responsibility to inspect the building. The responsibility to inspect and maintain the building falls on the property owner.

The latest Savannah Fire fire marshal inspection occurred on February 28, 2018. Savannah Fire does not inspect buildings for structural soundness. The purpose of a fire marshal’s inspection is for fire safety and building capacity. The set maximum occupancy load for the building is 165.

Information provided by first responders indicates overcrowding does NOT appear to have been a factor. On Saturday, Savannah Fire required the property owner to close off access to the deck and exterior courtyard immediately following the incident. The deck area is isolated from the rest of the establishment.

Additional questions should be directed to the property owner.