Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office provides a number of inspection services to Guilford County business and industry. Mandated by general statutes, inspections are conducted in all existing commercial occupancies, including residential greater than duplex, on a six month, one year, two year or three year rotation, depending on the state requirements.

The North Carolina State Building and Fire Codes are periodically updated and adopted by local ordinance and are enforceable by state law. The provisions of the code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

The purpose of the fire code in North Carolina is to establish minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practices for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion, or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures, and premises.

The Fire Marshal's Office also serves to educate the citizens in all aspects of fire and life safety. Along with a comprehensive list of education objectives, fire inspectors provide a number of other inspection services including tent, blasting, daycare, foster care, fireworks usage, hazardous materials inventory, underground tank removal, and other types of courtesy inspections.

Inspectors are involved with every aspect of construction, from blueprint plan review to final acceptance testing of all fire protection equipment. Residents must contact the Fire Marshal's Office to inquire about burn permits, blasting permits, and underground tank removal permits. Inspections are divided up into zones and specialty areas to provide consistent and knowledgeable guidance to all residents and business owners.

Ask a question about fire inspections.

 Learn more about related requirements for your project by visiting Guilford County Planning and Development.