Fire & Life Safety Inspections

The fire and life safety inspection program was created in 2004 by ordinance of Chesapeake City Council. The program's goal is to have every public building in Chesapeake free of fire hazards and to ensure compliance with the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC).

Inspection Tips

Common Code Violations

The following is a list of the most commonly identified hazards uncovered during a fire and life safety inspection. Reviewing these areas in advance will increase your business's safety and assist you in preparing for an inspection.

• Address not posted
• Maintenance of fire lanes
• Blocked/locked exits
• Maintenance of exit signs and emergency lighting
• Fire extinguishers not serviced annually
• Fire sprinklers and alarms not serviced annually
• Improper use of extension cords
• Inadequate or missing emergency evacuation plan
• Housekeeping
• 6-Month hood inspection
• 3-Month hood cleaning
• Combustible materials in equipment rooms
• Surge protectors plugged into each other
• Swinging fire doors not operational
• Reliability of exits
• Compressed gas containers and tanks not secured
• Storage height from ceiling and roofs
• Missing smoke barriers and smoke partitions (ceiling tiles)
• Flammable and combustible liquids for equipment operation stored in buildings (gas, diesel, kerosene, oil, etc.)
• Missing electrical cover plates, open spliced wires, and open junction boxes
• Improper space heaters used

Please discuss any questions or concerns before, during, or after your fire and life safety inspection with your Inspector. Our goal is always to assist you in maintaining a safe environment for your employees and customers. Review the Pre-Inspection Checklist (PDF).