Fire Department Plan Review

A review of building plans by the local fire department or fire marshal to ensure compliance with fire codes, including fire access, sprinkler systems, alarm systems, egress, and hazardous materials storage.

What Is Fire Department Plan Review?

Fire department plan review is a separate review of building plans conducted by the local fire department, fire marshal, or fire prevention bureau. This review focuses specifically on fire and life safety requirements — ensuring that a building's design provides adequate fire protection, safe evacuation routes, firefighter access, and compliance with the applicable fire code (typically the International Fire Code or a local amendment).

What Gets Reviewed

Fire department reviewers evaluate fire apparatus access roads and turnarounds, fire hydrant placement and water supply adequacy, automatic fire sprinkler system design, fire alarm and detection systems, emergency egress paths and exit signage, fire-resistance ratings of walls, floors, and structural elements, hazardous materials storage and handling, commercial kitchen hood suppression systems, and high-piled storage configurations. For larger projects, the fire department may also review emergency operations plans and fire safety during construction.

How It Fits in the Permitting Process

Fire department plan review typically runs in parallel with the building department's plan review, but it is a separate approval. A project cannot receive a building permit until the fire department signs off. In many jurisdictions, the fire department also conducts separate inspections during and after construction — particularly for sprinkler systems, alarm systems, and fire access — before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.

Typical Timeline

Fire department plan review in the US averages 2 to 6 weeks, depending on project complexity and local staffing. Simple tenant improvements may take 1-2 weeks; large commercial or high-rise projects can take 4-8 weeks. Some jurisdictions offer expedited review for an additional fee. Resubmittals after corrections typically add 1-3 weeks per cycle.