All new buildings, additions to existing buildings, renovations and upfits, and changes of use to an existing building require an inspection by a fire official for the purpose of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). Due to the continued rapid growth and the resulting demand for more CO inspections, it is important to notify your assigned inspector as far in advance as practical for a scheduled inspection. Please note:  Inspectors are allowed 48 hours for returning phone calls, and scheduling appointments no less that 4 days in advance.

Who can request an inspection?

1.The contractor of record on the permit:

Any work on the site could be inspected, including work performed by a sub-contractor, and the permit-holder contractor is the only one who can call for a TCO or final CO inspection.

2. An appropriate sub-contractor:

Only the work performed by that sub would be inspected (i.e. fire sprinklers, fire alarms, etc.). The sub cannot request a TCO or final CO be issued.

3. The property owner:

If the property owner also pulled the permit and is licensed to perform the work, then they may request the inspection. They may also call in a request to extend an expiring TCO since the work performed by the original contractor has already been inspected and approved.

In an effort to try and provide some basic requirements, you may download the CHECKLIST FOR FINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY INSPECTION (2).pdf (34k) form for information that may be beneficial to you in getting a CO quicker. This list is not intended to imply that the items listed are the sole requirements for obtaining a CO; its purpose is to indicate the basic and most common requirements. If a Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan is required by your CO inspector, see the "Fire Evacuation Plan Requirements" link to the left side of this page to access important information for the development of the plan. 

Fire Protection and Life-Safety Systems Acceptance Tests

In addition to the base inspections, the CO inspector will be required to conduct full acceptance tests on all fire protection and life-safety systems. Upon being notified of the required test, the job superintendent is responsible for ensuring that the person(s) in charge of the installation of any system being tested is present for the test. Fees for these acceptance tests are charged during the plan review process, and this fee includes the initial test, and one additional test ONLY. Any additional tests will require a separate fee charged for each system. 

Additional tests will require the completion of the Performance Test Fee Form. pdf (87k). This form may be downloaded, completed, and mailed with a check payable to "The City of Charlotte" to the address indicated at the bottom of this page, or may be completed and collected on-site by the inspector. The testing of any system that is not linked to a construction project, such as the replacement of an existing kitchen hood suppression system, will require an initial fee charged prior to the test.

On Site Plans

Your inspection will require that the stamped and approved plans are on the job site. This includes any revisions to the initial plans. Your inspection will not take place if these plans are not available to the inspector at the time of the inspection. Important: Effective July 01 2009, shop drawings for fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler systems will be required to be submitted for review prior to installation of systems. See attached guidelines Shop Drawing Guidelines (77k) for further information. 

Change of Use Permit Information

Any time the use of a structure changes, a "Change of Use" permit is required. This process involves several steps and coordination with Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Agency (LUESA) to ensure compliance with the applicable codes and standards. For further information, you may contact LUESA'a web site at charmeck.org.

CO Inspection Contact Information:

Patricia "Dale" Carter, Senior Fire Inspector: 704-336-8800 email: pcarter@ci.charlotte.nc.us

Timothy Basham, Fire Inspector: 704-336-8918 email: tbasham@ci.charlotte.nc.us

Steven Dolschenko, Fire Inspector: 704-336-8929 email: sdolschenko@ci.charlotte.nc.us

Dallas Garrett, Fire Inspector: 704-353-0971 email: dgarrett@ci.charlotte.nc.us

Colin Triming, Fire Inspector: 704-353-0970 email: ctriming@ci.charlotte.nc.us

David Williamson, Fire Inspector: 704-353-0469 email: dwilliamson@ci.charlotte.nc.us

Mail fee and Performance Test Fee form to:

Charlotte Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau, 441 Beaumont Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204.