The Fire Inspection division is responsible for conducting fire inspections of commercial buildings, industrial buildings, businesses, restaurants, schools, churches and multi-family housing that are open to the public. The majority of these inspections are completed on an annual basis. These inspections are completed to ensure and encourage fire safety, access and proper storage and containment of hazardous materials to protect the building occupants, firefighters and the community.
The Fire Inspector inspects both existing and new businesses under all occupancy types. These inspections cover a variety of items throughout the establishment but some of the more common items checked are exits and locks, clear corridors, fire extinguishers, maximum allowable occupancy and exit lighting. Two of the most common violations found are expired fire extinguishers and inoperative exit signs.
New businesses require a Certificate of Occupancy to be issued before they can open for business. The Fire Inspector will work with the Building Inspector to ensure that all fire and building inspections and code requirements are met before a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued.