Fire Department
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  • Your business must have the address displayed, including the suite number printed on the door. Size of numbers varies according to distance to street.
  • There must be fire department access provided if any part of your building is more than 150 feet from the street.
  • There must be a fire hydrant within 300 feet of your business.
  • There shall be no holes or open areas permitted in walls, ceilings, or floors.
  • This includes ceiling tiles, which must be in place as designed.

  • The main entrance to your business must have a locking mechanism that operates from the inside without the use of a key. If your front door has a key lock on the inside, you must display the sign "THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED DURING BUSINESS HOURS" above the door.
  • The hallways and corridors that lead to the exits must be kept clear at all times.
  • Any exiting hardware that is installed (exit lights, signs, doors, etc.) must be maintained and fully functional at all times.

  • The use of extension cords as a permanent power supply is prohibited. Extension cords may be used only for temporary operations.
  • The use of multi-plug adapters is prohibited. Surge protectors are an approved alternative to multi-plug adapters.
  • The area in front of the electrical panel must remain clear at all times.
  • Electrical outlet covers must be in place at all times.


  • Every business is required to provide at least one fire extinguisher. The minimum size extinguisher permitted is 2-A: 10-BC (listed on extinguisher). Some hazardous businesses may require a larger sized extinguisher.
  • Extinguishers must be serviced annually by a licensed company, and must have the approved State Fire Marshal tag affixed indicating the last date of inspection. If you have purchased a new extinguisher, you must keep your receipt of purchase to prove the date it was bought. If you do not have proof of purchase, you will be required to have your extinguisher tagged by a licensed company.
  • Extinguishers must be mounted on the wall with the top no higher than 5 feet above the floor.
  • There shall be at least one fire extinguisher for every 3000 square feet and/or one extinguisher for every 75 feet of travel distance.
  • The placement of fire extinguishers depends greatly on the layout of the area where it is to be used. You should try to select a location that is in the path of egress (in exit corridor, near front door) or near any hazardous areas (kitchen, combustible material storage area, etc).

  • Storage shall be in approved areas only. Storage shall be placed so as to not obstruct an exit or exit pathway.
  • General indoor storage shall be limited to a maximum height of 12 feet. Any storage over 12 feet in height will require a fire department permit.
  • Storage indoors must be kept a minimum of 24" from the ceiling in non-sprinklered buildings and 18" from the sprinkler head in sprinklered buildings.
  • Storage shall not be arranged in a hazardous or unsafe manner. Storage of combustible materials is not permitted near water heaters or anywhere there is a risk of fire.


  • Any fire sprinkler system, alarm system, kitchen hood and duct system, fire pump, fire hydrant, or other fire protection system must be maintained and tagged by a licensed company. The inspector may require a copy of your maintenance agreement for any systems.
  • All devices and or hardware associated with those fire protection systems must be maintained operational at all times. This includes sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, alarm signaling devices, manual pull stations, and any other fire protection system component.
Special Note:   Depending on the terms of your lease, your business may not be responsible for the maintenance of fire protection systems.


  • There are additional requirements if your business is considered a place of assembly (more than 50 person occupancy).
  • The occupant load (as determined by the building department) must be posted near the front entrance.
  • Any decorative items must be flame treated. This includes wall coverings, hay or straw, curtains, or any other decorative item.
  • Additional exiting requirements apply to assembly occupancies. This includes panic hardware on exit doors, lighted emergency exit signs and lighting, and multiple exit routes.
  • Businesses that are home occupancies normally require just a phone consultation for license approval. If your home business deals with hazardous materials (pool services, exterminators, cleaners) you may be required to have an inspection.
 
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