I just started a business and moved into a new building; what do I have to do?

You must obtain a Certificate of Change of Occupancy. In order to get this certificate, you must call the Fire Marshal's Office and schedule a Fire Inspection for Change of Occupancy. An inspection is required because buildings are built based on the contents or operations to be performed inside the building. When the occupancy changes, the Fire Inspector has to check to make sure the fire protection related construction features of the building are consistent with the new occupancy and its contents and operations. You will be advised at the time if additional fire protection systems or fire resistive construction must be added based on your operations. The fee for the inspection is $150.00, and must be paid at the time of the inspection. This fee also covers the cost of one (1) reinspection. The Inspector will collect this fee on-site, and will give you a written receipt for the payment. If the building is found to meet the fire code for your occupancy requirements, the Certificate of Change of Occupancy will be mailed to you. If the building does not meet the specific Fire Code requirements, the Inspector will provide you with information on how to proceed from that point, and who to contact.

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1. What authority does the County have to conduct Fire Inspections?
2. Why does the County conduct Fire Inspections?
3. What is a Fire Code?
4. What Fire Code does the County enforce?
5. Why does the County charge a fee for conducting a fire inspection?
6. How often does the County conduct a fire/safety inspection?
7. A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building; what must I do?
8. The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?
9. If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?
10. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Alarm System?
11. Why am I being told I have to install a Fire Sprinkler System?
12. Is my building is "Grandfathered" from having to meet current codes?
13. How is the occupant load for my building calculated?
14. My business is regulated or licensed by the State, and they use the Life Safety Code; why is the Fire Inspector telling me I have to comply with the County Fire Code?
15. I just started a business and moved into a new building; what do I have to do?
16. I want to install fuel tanks at my property; what must I do?
17. I believe I saw a fire code violation at a business I visited; what can I do about it?
18. What does the Inspector look for during an inspection?
19. What is an "Exit" Strategy, and why is it important?
20. Why does my mobile food vending truck require an annual fire inspection and permit?
21. Why does my fuel dispensing operation require an annual fire inspection and permit?