The Moreno Valley mall, which temporary closed last month following numerous safety and fire code violations that posed “life-threatening” safety risks, will be permitted to reopen as soon as Thursday as a result of an agreement between the facility’s owner and the city manager.
City officials issued an order to vacate on Feb. 19 after the Riverside County Fire Department and Cal Fire identified several code violations that included the potential loss of life in the event of a fire. The fire department recommended that portions of the building be shut down immediately and red-tagged — deeming it unsafe to occupy — until the violations are fixed.
Macy’s and JCPenney were allowed to remain open because they have sufficient exits for their occupancy and provide their own fire protection. Harkins Theaters also remained open after making modifications to their normal business practices.
Last Thursday, a special city council meeting was held, where city council unanimously voted 5-0 to direct city officials to negotiate with the mall owner, who was not identified, to facilitate the reopening pending all violations can be resolved, city officials said.
According to a city document, nine fire code violations were found, including problems with the fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire doors and fire/smoke dampers. As of Thursday, eight of the nine violations had been resolved.
City officials announced on Wednesday that the mall can reopen under certain conditions, which include:
— prior to reopening, the mall will retain qualified Fire Watch personnel to monitor and assist with opening and closing two of the fire doors,
— prior to reopening, the mall shall temporarily seal two fire-rated doors to prevent passage of smoke and hot gases,
— the onsite permanent emergency generators shall be restored, repaired or replaced prior to the expiration of the temporary generator permit and
— the mall owner agrees to indemnify the city for any loss, injury, death or damage to persons or property during a fire or evacuation.