Notice! A new fee schedule for annual permits and plans review fees will go into effect July 1, 2007.  If you have any questions concerning the fee schedule and payment options, contact the Division of Fire and Life Safety at 343-0696. The permit fee schedule is available for download.

The Fire and Life Safety Division conducts plans reviews for all site development, commercial construction, fire alarm, fire sprinklers, suppression systems and above and underground storage tanks.

New commercial construction permits are issued by New Hanover County Inspections.  Within the City of Wilmington, New Hanover County Inspections conducts building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing code inspections.  The Fire and Life Safety Division enforces the North Carolina Fire Code for plan reviews and works in conjunction with New Hanover County Inspections during the review process for new construction and alterations.  All commercial permits require the Fire and Life Safety Division’s approval before a permit is issued.

Click here to track the plan review process with New Hanover County Inspections.

Separate reviews are also conducted for fire alarms, fire sprinklers, suppression systems and site development.  All permits must be obtained prior to construction.

Contact Captain Herman Born at 910-343-3918 for questions regarding commercial and fire alarm plan reviews.

Contact Captain Chris Elrod at 910-343-3917 for questions regarding sprinkler and suppression system plan reviews.

Contact Asst. Chief Frank Blackley at 910-343-3939 for questions regarding site plan development plan reviews.  A checklist can be downloaded to assist a developer prior to site plan review regarding fire service requirements.

Permit applications and plan review information for fire alarm, sprinkler and suppression systems are available for download.

Click on North Carolina Fire Prevention Code to access an online version.