Inspections

This division involves the periodic inspection of the city’s many commercial occupancies and uses. According to the United States Fire Administration, almost 85% of the businesses involved in fire never recover – even if they have insurance to cover their losses. Regular fire inspections coupled with conscientious fire safety and prevention programs in the workplace are very effective at reducing both the incidence and severity of fires when they do occur. Regular fire inspections also help to reduce the rate we all pay for fire insurance in our homes as well as our businesses.

• Maintain the aisles leading to exits clear and unobstructed
• Make sure exit doors are working properly, clearly marked, and unobstructed
• Periodically check and test exit signs, general exit lighting, and emergency lighting to assure their proper operation
• Regularly conduct fire drills involving all staff – be sure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire
• Back up important data and copies of financial statements and records in a secure place away from the business. These records are invaluable in case of a fire when you have to recreate financial records.

The form "Building Inspection Card" that is given to the customer from the Permits, Zoning & Code Enforcement Department has the various Inspection Types for the final. Once all other applicable finals are signed, then the customer shall submit the form for Request for Fire Marshal Inspection; which will be scheduled for a date and time for the Fire Marshal or his designee to come out to the business to inspect and sign off for the Final Fire Marshal Inspection. The Fire Marshal Inspection is the last inspection completed prior to the customer submitting the "Building Inspection Card" to the Building Permit Department for a Certificate of Occupancy.

View an electronic request for an Inspection.

A Certificate of Occupancy is only issued after there is approval from the Inspector, Zoning Administrator, City Engineer, and the Fire Marshal.