Code Enforcement

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.

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.
Department Webpage Phone Number
Building Permits and Inspections (Jennifer Geda) 919-245-2607
Environmental Health 919-245-2360
Erosion Control/Storm Water 919-245-2575
Finance (Aurora Johnson) 919-245-2726
Land Records and GIS Services 919-245-2100
Planning/Zoning (Michael Harvey) 919-245-2575
Solid Waste 919-968-2788
  1. Fire & Life Safety



  1. Elizabeth Farnan

    Chief - Fire & Life Safety

Foster Care Homes:

Call the inspection request line at 919-245-6100 for inspections within the unincorporated areas of Orange County.

*If you are located within a municipality (Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough), please refer to the list below for other Fire Marshal Offices.

Other Fire Marshal Offices in Orange County:

Carrboro

(919) 918-7352

Chapel Hill

(919) 968-2781

Hillsborough

(919) 245-6100