Kentucky fire code
Kentucky's fire code for existing public buildings is set by a state regulation, 815 KAR 10:060, which works together with the 2018 versions of NFPA 1 and NFPA 101. Not sure which rules apply to your building? Call the State Fire Marshal's office.
NFPA is short for the National Fire Protection Association, the organization behind these codes. Fire prevention falls under NFPA 1, while NFPA 101 is about protecting people so they can safely exit a building.
Code in force: 2018 NFPA 1 and 2018 NFPA 101. Enforced by: Office of the State Fire Marshal. Your local fire marshal can add rules, so check with that office too.
- fire and life safety codes for existing buildings 2018 NFPA 1 and 101
- state regulation known as Standards of Safety 815 KAR 10:060
- state agency that inspects public buildings Office of State Fire Marshal
- agency that handles suppression installer licensing Division of Building Code Enforcement
Asking about a house? For a house or duplex, smoke alarm and sprinkler rules usually come from the residential building code (the IRC) instead, so ask your local building department.
Kentucky State Fire Marshal
Education, licensing, inspection programs, and fire code administration all fall under the Office of the State Fire Marshal. This office is part of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction, and enforcement of the fire codes for public buildings, facilities, and certain regulated vehicles is handled by its Division of Fire Prevention.
Under the Kentucky Standards of Safety, Deputy State Fire Marshals carry out periodic inspections of existing public buildings. Their job is to confirm that exits, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and similar equipment stay maintained. To schedule a commercial inspection, call the State Fire Marshal's office.
Fire alarm inspectors are certified through the State Fire Marshal's Office. Fire suppression system installers, on the other hand, get their licenses from the Division of Building Code Enforcement, a separate office. The State Fire Marshal no longer inspects mobile homes, RVs, or travel trailers; that work now belongs to the Manufactured Housing team within State Building Code Enforcement.
Anyone selling consumer fireworks has to register annually and comply with local zoning rules, local ordinances, and the Kentucky Building Code.
Louisville Fire Prevention Bureau
In its jurisdiction, Louisville's Fire Prevention Bureau inspects all facilities except one- and two-family homes. Inspections follow a routine schedule based on priority, plus extra visits when complaints come in. For an inspection, a complaint, new construction or plan review, call the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Building or renovating in Louisville? The Bureau reviews your plans first, then follows the work as it goes. If you're building or renovating, call the Bureau early.
The Louisville Fire Department inspects more than 800 locations that hold hazardous materials. A Hazardous Materials Permit application is required for these locations. If your property is in Louisville's Urban Services district, you can join the Knox Box program.
Two people lead this office. The Fire Marshal is Lt. Colonel Brian S. Meurer. Major Joseph J. Williams serves as Assistant Fire Marshal and head of fire prevention.
Codes Lexington enforces
Lexington follows the state codes and adds its own list of editions, enforced locally by the Lexington Office of the Fire Marshal:
| Standard | Version | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 1 | 2018 | Preventing fires |
| NFPA 101 | 2018 | Keeping occupants safe |
| Kentucky Building Code | 2018 edition, based on the 2015 International Building Code | How buildings are constructed |
| NFPA 13 | 2016 | Installing sprinklers |
| NFPA 72 | 2016 | Fire alarm systems |
| NFPA 25 | 2017 | Inspecting, testing, and upkeep of water-based systems |
On top of that, Lexington has its own fire prevention code under Chapter 9 of its Code of Ordinances, plus a fireworks ordinance in Chapter 9A. Planning a public fireworks display? You'll need to apply for a permit ahead of the show.
What inspectors look at
When deputies visit, they examine your means of egress, meaning the route people take to get out of the building. Fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and other equipment get checked too. Everything has to be kept maintained.
Think you may be dealing with arson? Call the Kentucky Arson Task Force hotline at 1-800-27-ARSON.