DALLAS — The city of Dallas relocated employees from an office tower it purchased for its building permitting department after the building had issues with a fire inspection, a city spokesperson confirmed.
Dallas Assistant Director of Communications Jennifer Brown said a fire inspection this month found visual and audible fire alarms were "deficient" in the building at 7800 N. Stemmons Freeway.
A previous inspection in February found the alarm system working properly, she said.
Brown said the issues led a "fire watch" to be put in place -- a temporary measure where authorized personnel continuously surveil the building for signs of fire, often required when automatic fire detection equipment is not working properly.
Brown said employees working in the building moved back to the existing permit office at the Oak Cliff Municipal Center.
"This move is the result of additional facility improvements recently identified at their current location," she said in an email to WFAA. "Remaining improvements include work on the fire suppression system, IT equipment, connectivity, elevator work, and other key tenant improvements."
City Council authorized the purchase of the building in August 2022 for more than $14 million with the vision of creating a "one-stop shop” experience for builders, developers, and residents.
Assistant City Manager Majed A. Al-Ghafry told City Councilmembers in December 2023 that the cost to purchase and renovate the building was approximately $21 million.
Brown said the inspection issue has not affected the public's ability to get permits.