Inspections

Reasons for an Inspection

Madison Fire and Rescue inspects commercial occupancies for fire and life safety violations and hazards. We inspect occupancies such as:

  • Schools
  • Daycare centers
  • Businesses
  • Restaurants
  • Hotels


The codes that we operate under:

Codes the fire department follows and enforces: 2021 IFC code and the current referenced NFPA codes. The City of Madison uses 2018 IBC – that said, we will follow the most restrictive concerning fire safety between us and the city. 

This service eliminates potential fire hazards and provides a great educational opportunity for owners, tenants, and occupants on how to recognize and eliminate hazards.

Common Violations                                                                                                                  Door Handle RequirementDoor

Some of the common violations found are:

  • Exit and emergency lights inoperable
  • Blocked paths of egress
  • Fire extinguishers not serviced annually and minimum size not being 4A40BC (10LB)
  • Fire alarm systems not serviced and tested annually
  • Automatic sprinkler systems not serviced and tested annually
  • Incorrect building lettering. Must be 8" letters. 

Requesting an Inspection

If we have not inspected your occupancy within the past year, please call Melvin Malone at (256) 772-2888 to schedule an inspection. This is for existing occupancies only.

If an inspection is needed on a new occupancy, please contact the Permitting Division at (256) 772-5644.

If you need a quick reference guide, feel free to use the Zoning Compliance Checklist Pamphlet