Historic Main Street Annual Fire and Life Safety Inspection Information

Fire inspectors look at many items during a fire inspection. The following information is used to better understand some of the most common deficiencies found during a fire inspection. Due to the diversity of buildings and businesses on Main Street, this list is not all-inclusive.

Street address and unit identification must be clearly marked and contain the following:

• Contrasting with the colors of the building.
• Posted in a conspicuous place, visible from the street front.
• Be at least 4” high with a minimum stroke width of ½”.
• Unit entrances on the exterior of the building must follow the requirements for street addresses (noted above).
• Unit numbers on the interior of the building must be easily identifiable.

Exit doors must open easily from the inside. Locking mechanisms on doors shall not require special knowledge or use of keys. The only exception is a main storefront door having locking devices that are readily distinguishable with a sign above that reads, “This door to remain unlocked when building is occupied.”

Aisles, walkways, stairways, and paths leading to exits must be clear of storage and obstructions all the way to the public way (street or sidewalk).

Emergency lights and exit signs (illuminated from within) must work properly and function in both normal and emergency power modes.  Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times.

Electrical outlets, junction boxes, and circuit breaker panels must be covered with appropriate cover plates. Circuit breaker panels require 36 inches of clearance in front of each panel.

Electrical extension cords cannot be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. Extension cords are only approved for temporary use (operating a vacuum cleaner, powering tools while making a repair, etc.). Multi-outlet power strips with a built-in circuit breaker connected to a permanent power receptacle may be used to protect computers and electronic equipment.

Occupant Load Signs must be posted for all assembly (A) uses: restaurants, bars, galleries, nightclubs, etc.

Fire Evacuation/Safety Plans must be provided in all; assembly (A) uses: restaurants, bars, galleries, nightclubs, etc., business (B) uses: offices and professional services, sleeping units (R-1) uses: hotels, and multi-dwelling unit (R-2) uses: apartments and condominiums. Regular Fire and Evacuation Drills must be conducted.

Fire extinguishers must be visible, readily accessible, and serviced within the past 12 months or purchased with a manufactured date within the past 12 months.

Fire alarm systems shall be inspected by a licensed contractor annually.

Fire sprinkler systems shall be inspected by a licensed fire protection contractor once annually, and a fire sprinkler system obstruction investigation conducted once every five years.

Fire department connections (FDC) must have approved covers.

Fire suppression systems for commercial cooking operations (Hood Systems) must be serviced and cleaned, by a licensed fire protection contractor at least every six months, or more often if required per the International Fire Code regulations.

Please contact cherie.wellmon@parkcity.org with questions