All of the local engine
companies perform inspections of public buildings in their
districts. The Office of the City Fire Marshal conducts
inspections and life safety evaluations for all places of assembly, bar
and restaurants. This office issues occupancy load certificates
displaying the maximum number of occupants in assembly spaces, and
conducts night inspections to prevent overcrowding, blocked
exits and other unsafe conditions.
This office inspects building fire alarm and sprinkler systems. We
conduct residential time of sale inspections only upon request.
Routine inspections for rental units are handled by the DPW Code
Enforcement Office, or in the case of section 8 housing, the
Burlington Housing Authority. The Office of the City Fire Marshal
responds promptly to complaints and referrals from other agencies,
regardless of the type of building.
In addition to working with new buildings and renovations, the
Burlington Fire Department responds to complaints and inspects all
existing public buildings periodically. The department investigates the
origin and cause of fires and refers cases to law enforcement where
appropriate.
Municipal Inspection Agreement
The
City of Burlington operates under a municipal inspection agreement with
the State of Vermont, Division of Fire Safety. The inspection
agreement involves enforcement of the State Code for all new and
existing public buildings except federally certified health care
facilities, state owned buildings, and the testing and reporting of
fire protection systems by technically qualified people. Fire Safety
issues are handled by the Office of the City Fire Marshal, while
electrical, accessibility, plumbing and structural building codes matters are handled by the Department Of
Public Works' Inspection Services Division. (DPW ISD).
Municipalities are permitted to be more restrictive than the adopted
State Code.
The NFPA codes
referenced here are copywritten and available here for online public
viewing or by appointment at the Burlington Fire Marshal's
Office. Copies may be purchased at
www.nfpa.org or through
their authorized vendors.
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