Low Risk Inspection Information

Fire Inspections are required for all occupancies in Mesa (excluding one and two family dwellings and home based businesses) to assist our community in eliminating hazards to create and/or maintain a safe environment.

Low Risk business such as offices and small merchants can expect a fire inspection visit from certified Fire Inspectors every three years. As with High and Medium Risk occupancies, Low Risk occupancies will get a complete fire inspection which may identify unknown fire code violations and dangerous conditions. Inspectors will also provide information on best practices and ways to mitigate of any code violation. Businesses will receive a completed fire inspection report for their records or to supply to their insurance carrier.

Inspections are conducted in consideration of staff resources, and generally not scheduled. If there is a specific requirement for an inspection to be conducted, such as licensing or certification, please contact Fire Prevention 480-644-2622 or email fireprevention@mesaaz.gov.

Occupancy type, use, and size define how Risk Classifications(PDF, 183KB) are established.

Fees

Frequently Asked Questions in Low Risk Fire inspections

Are fire inspections necessary?

Yes. Both Arizona Administrative Code and Mesa City Code require fire inspections.

Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Ch. 36
Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety

ARTICLE 2. ARIZONA STATE FIRE CODE R4-36-201. Incorporation by Reference of the International Fire Code

Unless otherwise provided by law, any person residing, doing business, or who is physically present within the state of Arizona shall comply with the provisions of the International Fire Code (2012 Edition). City of Mesa Ordinance 4789 outlines the City of Mesa Fire Code and amendments.

Is there a fee for fire inspections?

Yes. Mesa City Ordinance 4658 outlines the Fire Safety Operational Permit program. City of Mesa Resolution 8894 outlines the frequency of inspection based on hazard class and the associated fee for inspection.

Fees

Will I still get a Fire Safety Operational Permit?

Yes. The annual FSOP program supports the maintenance of static information related to businesses in Mesa. All business and multi family occupancies receive this annually. It’s purpose is to insure ownership and contact information in case of emergency response.

How are the occupancy hazard classifications created?

The benchmarks for occupancy hazard classes are defined by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 1730, Standard on Organization and Deployment of Fire Inspection and Code Enforcement, Plan Review, Investigation, and Public Education Operations.

How does fire inspection benefit my business

Identifying and correcting fire code violations makes your business safer for you, your employees, and the general public. Regular fire inspections also help keep City of Mesa firefighters safer should there be a fire in your business, despite our collective best efforts to avoid that.