Orange County Fire & Life Safety Division conducts inspections and issues mandatory and operational permits in all unincorporated areas of Orange County. If you are located within a municipal area, please refer to the list below for other Fire Prevention Offices.

All third-party fire and life safety inspection reports must be uploaded to www.thecomplianceengine.com by the service provider

Permits can be obtained by applying online through our Permitting Information Portal (Coming Soon) or by submitting an application through the Fire & Life Safety Division; see the Applications and Fees page

Mandatory Construction and Operational Permits:

1. Amusement Buildings
2. Automatic Fire-Extinguishing System
3. Battery Systems  - Stationary Storage Battery Systems Having a Liquid Capacity of More Than 50 Gallons
4. Carnivals and Fairs
5. Combustible Dust-Producing Operations
6. Compressed Gases – Where Compressed Gases in Use or Storage Exceed the Amounts Listed in Table 105.6.9 of the N.C. Fire Prevention Code (including Carbon Dioxide for Beverage Dispensing Systems)
7. Covered and Open Mall Buildings
8. Cryogenic Fluids – an Outdoor Stationary Cryogenic Fluid Storage System Where the System Capacity Exceeds the Amounts Listed in Table 105.6.11 in the N.C. Fire Code
9. Emergency Responder Radio Coverage
10. Exhibits and Trade Shows
11. Explosives/Fireworks
12. Fire Alarm/Detection Systems and Related Equipment
13. Fire Pumps and Related Equipment
14. Flammable and Combustible Liquids
15. Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging
16. Gates and Barricades for Fire Access Roads
17. Hazardous Materials - Use or Storage Exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21 in the N.C. Fire Prevention Code
18. Industrial Ovens
19. Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Buildings
20. LP-Gas – May be Required or Approved by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services http://www.ncagr.gov
21. Private Fire Hydrants
22. Pyrotechnic Special Effects Materials
23. Smoke Control/Smoke Exhaust Systems
24. Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems
25. Spraying or Dipping – To Install/Modify a Spray Room, Dip Tank or Booth (This is a Separate Permit from the Fire Extinguishing System for the Spray Room, Dip Tank or Booth) 
26. Standpipe Systems
27. Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents – Having an Area in Excess of 800 Sq. Ft. or 1800 Sq. Ft. if Opened on all Sides

View the complete 2018 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code (external link)

There is a fee for failing to obtain the proper permit.

The Fire & Life Safety Division works closely with Planning/Zoning, Building Inspections and other departments in Orange County to perform various inspections, review construction plans and specifications, and for the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.