The imposition of fire protection fees under this article is pursuant to authorization set forth in W. Va. Code 8-13-13. In accordance with such statute, it is the legislative intent of this article that the fees imposed hereunder are based, in part, upon recognition of the following legislative findings:
(a) The size of a building, as reflected by the total square feet, is a factor which affects the cost of providing fire protection. Therefore, it is the intent and purpose of this article that the fees imposed hereunder be related, in part, to the size of a building.
(b) The number of stories contained in a structure is a factor which affects the cost of providing fire protection. In order to provide fire protection for buildings which contain more than two stories, the City has acquired, at substantial expense, equipment to enable it to provide effective fire protection to such buildings. It is therefore the intent and purpose of this article that the owners of buildings who directly benefit from the fire protection provided through such special equipment be charged additional fees to defray the cost of such equipment. (Ord. 0-234. Passed 7-26-83.)