Fire code by state

Fire code by state: adopted codes and who enforces them

Every row has a link to where the adopted code comes from. Choose your state to find rule numbers, licensing rules, and details about inspections.

What an adopted fire code means for your building

Rules set by a fire code govern exits, alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and their upkeep. A federal fire code does not cover all buildings. A state chooses a model code, amends it, and puts it into law by rule or statute.

Most of the work falls to two model codes. The IFC (International Fire Code) comes from the International Code Council. NFPA 1 is the fire code from the National Fire Protection Association. For example, NFPA 1 and NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, are written into statute by Florida.

Local changes to a state fire code

The statewide code can be amended or replaced by cities and counties in many states. Any change made locally in Florida must only strengthen the code, never weaken it. A city in Kansas that modifies an adopted code sends the state fire marshal a summary of the change. In Colorado the setup goes further, since no general statewide fire code exists, and each local government creates the code for its area.

So the final say belongs to the AHJ, the authority having jurisdiction, who is usually your local fire marshal. Find out from that office which edition they enforce before scheduling an inspection or planning any work.