Fire and Life Safety Inspections

Why does the Fire Department conduct fire and life safety inspections?

Regular fire and life safety inspections are a critical part of fire prevention. Inspectors enforce the International Fire Code during these inspections, working to detect fire hazards and minimize the risk of life and property loss from fire. These inspections also help to promote safe practices by creating an awareness of fire and its potential for occurrence. 

How often will my business be inspected?

Our goal is to inspect every occupancy on an annual or biennial basis, with emphasis on high-hazard occupancies.

Does the Fire Department charge a fee for fire and life safety inspections?

There is no fee for inspections.

What can I do to be ready for my inspection?

To help you prepare for your inspection, use the Fire Inspection Checklist of the most frequently cited deficiencies in the Supporting Documents below. Making sure these violations don't exist on your property will help you pass your fire inspection and keep your building safe. 

A fire inspector found a code violation in my building, what must I do?

When an occupancy fails to meet a provision of the fire code, the owner will be notified and given reasonable time to fix the problem. A re-inspection will confirm that fire and life safety standards are met. Serious fire code violations are required to be corrected on the spot, but in most other cases building owners are allowed thirty days to make corrections. We do not assess penalties and fines for violations as our philosophy is to focus on fire prevention through the education of our local building owners/businesses. However, when all normal enforcement efforts are exhausted without compliance, violations shall be pursued through legal action.