Fire Code Compliance (FCC) Permits Application Process
The Fire Code Compliance (FCC) team at the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) ensures that buildings and facilities adhere to established fire safety regulations to protect occupants and property from fire hazards.
Mandatory FCC Permit:
- Every commercial building and commercial tenant space in Montgomery County must have an FCC permit issued by DPS.
- Ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards for life safety and fire prevention.
- Essential for the safety of County residents, employees, and visitors.
- Covers all agency-required permits and related inspections.
- Applicable to businesses, childcare, group homes, health facilities, hotels, private education institutions, and more.
- Conditions of FCC permit approval include annual testing, inspection, and maintenance of all fire protection systems.
- Each fire protection system requires a separate endorsement with an associated fee.
- DPS reviews the FCC permit and all inspection, testing, and maintenance documentation.
- Documentation needed for active and passive fire protection systems, including:
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Smoke control systems
- Fire-rated assemblies
- Private fire hydrants
- Submit all required documents and renew the FCC permit annually.
- FCC permit renewal is contingent on providing complete documentation and demonstrating no system deficiencies.
- To renew an existing FCC permit or apply for a new one, follow the steps in the Process Guide (below).
- To find your FCC permit number, use the Data Search feature on the DPS homepage and search by address.
Watch this video and read the news release for more information about FCC inspections.
Please visit our fee schedule for information about the fees associated with this permit and inspection process. You are also welcome to contact the Customer Support and Outreach Division directly by using the staff directory at the bottom of this page or by calling 240.777.0311.
Some FCC permits require annual/bi-annual inspections, and some require an administrative review. Permits may take 7 – 14 days to review and issue. Ensure that all documents are uploaded into ePlans for review to prevent unnecessary delays.
The notices from DPS are sent as a courtesy. You may check the status of your permit at any time under the Check My Permit Status button on the DPS homepage using your FCC permit number or address.
An Emergency Safety Plan is a document that details the actions your building will take in the event of an emergency. All multifamily apartment buildings are required to submit an ESP. Take a look at the ESP process page for more information, including a template and best practices guide.