Plans Review
The review of construction plans is an essential part of the St. Petersburg Fire Prevention Division. During 2017, a total of 3,160 plans for new construction were reviewed, 811 revisions were made and 1,788 inspections completed. A Senior Plans Examiner follows the project from the first plan presented to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.
To ensure that all applicable Fire and Life Safety Code requirements are met, the Plans Examiner reviews construction plans for codes compliance, making any necessary recommendations prior to the actual expenditure of construction funds. This includes examination of the general site plan, structural details, and the review of submitted changes during the construction project.
All Plans are reviewed in the order in which they are received.
Additional information can be found on the City of St. Pete Building & Permitting page.
Commercial Fire Inspections
Commercial Inspections
Inspectors conduct on-site visits to review various fire protection equipment and systems installed within a structure, i.e. fire alarms, sprinkler systems and standpipes systems. This is to ensure that the completed system was installed as designed and is functioning properly to afford the greatest level of life safety for the building occupants.
Fire inspectors look for:
- Properly functioning and tagged fire extinguishers, exiting signage, exit lights (to direct in case of fire), smoke alarms
- Extension cords, zip cords, not used for permanent wiring
- Proper separation
- Any and all hazards
There are more than 18,000 commercial properties in St. Petersburg. Each building is inspected once every 3 years.
Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Services (CO)
Upon completion of any commercial construction project, a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection must be conducted prior to opening for business. SPFR is responsible for conducting this inspection to ensure that the new or remodeled structure meets the required Fire and Life Safety Codes of the specific occupancy for which it was built. Chapter 13 of the City of St. Petersburg Code covers fire department requirements and Chapter 12 covers city fees for inspections.
Total Number of Inspectable properties in 2017 was 9,507.
Fire Investigations
The Division is responsible for inquiry into the circumstances of suspicious, incendiary, and fires of undetermined cause that occur within the City. Investigators assist Operations personnel in the study of fires without an obvious cause.
Arson Task Force
A multifaceted Arson Task Force is supported by the Department and is called upon to assist with fires resulting in deaths, injuries, and large dollar losses. It is composed of members from SPFR, St. Petersburg Police Department, Florida State Fire Marshal's Office and The State Attorney's Office.
Fire Safety Concerns or Complaints
If you are concerned about a potentially hazardous fire or life safety condition at your place of residence or work, you may anonymously submit your concern. You can view the Pinellas County Open Burning Code here. The Fire Department will follow-up within its jurisdictional authority and ability. If you would like a response from the Fire Department, please include your contact information.
Visit the Forms & Requests page to submit your concern.
Home Safe Request
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue’s HomeSafe Program provides new smoke alarms to single-family homeowners in the City of St. Petersburg free of charge. Requests are dispatched to the fire station closest to the residence, on duty firefighters will contact resident and set up an appointment for installation.
Visit the Forms & Requests page to request an appointment.
Public Information Officer (PIO)
The fire department will strive to provide correct and factual information to the public and news media in a timely and impartial manner. For information or to obtain photographs, news articles and/or press releases, contact SPFR PIO Lt. Garth Swingle: garth.swingle@stpete.org or 727-893-7709.
For a Public Records Request, please visit www.stpete.org.