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Fire Inspections

The Fire Department conducts inspections of existing buildings, new construction and facilities and events that must comply with state and local licensing requirements.

The Fire Marshal inspects all existing commercial, retail and office establishments—as well as the common areas of apartments and condominiums—once a year for compliance with the Fire Code. The Fire Marshal also regularly inspects day care centers, family day care centers, assisted living facilities, nightclubs, bars and other establishments.

Inspection Billing

Baltimore County has selected Fire Recovery USA, LLC to help automate the inspection billing process by implementing new technologies to make the Fire Department more efficient and productive. Following your fire inspection, you will receive an emailed invoice with a link for online payment. Upon payment, and once any violations are cleared, you will receive a digital certificate verifying that your business complies with the applicable fire codes.

If you have any questions or concerns about your invoice, contact Fire Recovery Hub by email at inspections@firerecoveryusa.com or by phone at 888-650-5320.

Inspection Schedules

If your business or establishment is a new occupant of an existing building, you must register with the Fire Marshal's Office by calling 410-887-4880 to ensure a place in the annual inspection rotation.

Business owners and other private parties do not need to reschedule inspections year after year; a business or establishment becomes part of the Fire Marshal regular inspection schedule after it has been inspected once.

For new structures, except one- and two-family dwellings, compliance with the Fire Code is required before issuance of a use and occupancy permit. The inspections for new structures are scheduled automatically as part of the County's permit process.

Single-Family and Townhomes

The Fire Code does not require the routine inspection of privately-owned single-family residences, duplexes and townhomes. The code does not grant right of entry by fire marshals into these homes.  

Fire prevention, including the installation of smoke alarms—the single most important fire safety step—is the responsibility of the homeowner; the same is true for installation of carbon monoxide alarms. Familiarize yourself with the laws pertaining to smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

Multi-family dwellings

The Fire Code requires the inspection of the common areas of rental apartment units and condominiums. It does not grant right of entry by fire marshals into individual units.

Types of Inspections

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Contact Us

Office of the Fire Marshal

Public Safety Building
700 East Joppa Road
Towson, Maryland 21286

Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone

Fax

410-832-8511

Fire Marshal

Bureau Chief Gretchen Yingling