Emergency Planning & Preparedness Guide
The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) requires certain occupancy types (Use Group) to develop and maintain Fire Safety and Evacuation plans. All requirements set forth in the SFPC for requiring these plans are driven by the “Use Group” of structures as defined by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). This is the City's SFPC-approved guide.

New Plan Review Fee Effective July 1, 2007
Revised January 2, 2008
A fee for all plan reviews conducted by the Fire Marshal’s Office will be charged. This fee will cover the plan review process including all necessary code(s) and standard(s) research to verify compliance, actual review of the plan, time spent consulting with contractors, developers, engineers and/ architects and field inspections. This fee must be paid prior to any plan being accepted for our review.

Operational Fire Code Permits
The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) regulates the requirements for an Operational Fire Code Permit. Various activities, businesses and occupancies shall be required to obtain a permit for; handling, use and storage of certain hazardous materials, open burning, assembly and educational facilities. (For more in depth information, click here.)

Operational Fire Code Permit Application

Operational Fire Code Permits Table

Operational Fire Code Permits - Informational Handout

Virginia Statewide Fire Code with State Amendments

Life & Fire Safety Inspections
The Fire Official may inspect all structures and premises for the purpose of ascertaining and causing to be corrected any conditions liable to cause fire, contribute to the spread of fire, interfere with firefighting operations, endanger life, or any violations of the provisions or intent of The Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code.

City Burn Law
Section F-403.1 - City of Chesapeake Leaf Burning Law

CO Detector Program
Our department has established a Carbon monoxide (CO) detector loaner program for the citizens we serve.

Fire Drills Information
Employees and employers must be prepared. Study the fire escape floor plan posted by your employer, and always PARTICIPATE IN DRILLS!

Grilling Safety
Includes related changes to the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code

Smoke Detector Program
Useful information and City & State codes.

TRUSS Consruction ID Program
Truss stickers are used for quick recognization of potential Collapse Dangers associated with TRUSS constructed buildings.

Summer Checklist
Tips and guildelines in a checklist format with topics especially for summer such as camping, grilling, mobile home/recreation vehicles and vacations (before and during).

Spring Checklist
Tips and guildelines in a checklist format with topics especially for spring such as housekeeping, yard & garage, public gatherings, kitchens and smoke alarms.

Links for Kids
Links to some really fun and also informative sites for kids having to do with fire safety such as Smokey the Bear, the Great Sparky the Fire Dog, FEMA activities and Keep Away Card Game.

National Fire Protection Association
The NFPA mission is to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards on the quality of life by providing and advocating scientifically-based consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education.

Fire Prevention Week - Information
Lots of useful information and tips.

International Code Council
BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI formally consolidated into a single, 50,000-member organization: the International Code Council (ICC). ICC will provide world-class service to members and customers, and remains dedicated to public safety through the development of building safety and fire prevention codes.

Virignia Building and Code Officials Association
The Virginia Building and Code Officials Association is a Statewide organization of construction regulators and representatives dedicated to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of all persons who live, work, or visit the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia Department of Forestry
The Virginia Department of Forestry is charged with protecting Virginia's 15.8 million acres of forest land from fire, insects and disease.

Special Events Fire Safety Requirements
Selected fire safety and general requirements for special events, tents, air-inflated or tension-membraned structures, carnivals, fairs, amusement buildings, exhibits or trade shows based on the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (SFPC) and/or the Uniform Statewise Building Code (USBC), effective date October 1, 2003

Special Events Alternate Sketch for Vendors