Access Control
Include a PDF spec book if applicable.
Fire Prevention Bureau
Fire Prevention Bureau
The point for all activities related to fire prevention, from building plan review to inspections to public fire education to working with builders and contractors on fire code issues.
01 · The Bureau Office of the Fire Marshal
Building code inspections, plan reviews & fire prevention.
The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for building code inspections, plan reviews, and fire prevention activities. Deputy Chief – Fire Marshal Matt Taetz reports to the Chief of the District, and the Fire Marshal's office also has an Assistant Fire Marshal.
Coordination of activities and communications with the City of Maryland Heights Building Department on all new construction and existing construction remodeling projects helps to ensure that residents and builders receive the appropriate permits and inspections.
The Bureau Provides
- Fire prevention
- Annual inspections
- Required permits
- Fee schedules
- Permit applications
- Informational documents
2021 IFC
International Fire Code Adoption
Effective 04/23/2024, the Maryland Heights Fire Protection District has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code. All new plan submissions and applications will be reviewed to this standard. Also adopted are all current and future NFPA standards that are referenced in the 2021 IFC. Any questions about this change should be forwarded to the fire marshal's office.
02 · Permits & Fees Construction & Use Permits
How to submit.
Please submit all building plans and permit applications via email to planreview@mhfire.org. Any plan set greater than 4 pages requires electronic submission, and electronic submission is preferred for all plans. If files are too large to be emailed, you may also drop them off on a portable flash drive. If you are an architect and have large files, please contact planreview@mhfire.org for information on sharing the files via Dropbox.
A permit application must be completed, submitted electronically, and approved for any construction project in the district. All plans are reviewed under the adopted 2021 International Fire Code.
Fees
Plan Review Fee Payable in advance $150
Base Permit Fee $100
+ $3 per $1,000 of construction costs, upon approval
Payment
The district accepts credit card payments, cashier's checks, or company checks for payment of permit fees. No personal checks will be accepted.
03 · Inspections Inspections & Plan Review
Plan review comes first.
All new construction inspections will not be conducted without prior review of site and underground plans. Once plans are approved and the permit is issued, inspections are coordinated through the Fire Marshal's office alongside the City of Maryland Heights Building Department.
Scheduling an inspection
To schedule annual or construction inspections, contact the Fire Marshal's office at (314) 298-4400 or firemarshal@mhfire.org. Online scheduling and payment are planned for a future phase.
Permits Office Hours
Mon–Fri · 8 AM – 3 PM
Wednesdays: 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM
04 · Requirements Construction Permits A–Z
Standard Submission — All Permits
Every permit below requires electronically submitted PDF plans, signed and sealed by a licensed engineer. Each entry lists only the requirements specific to that permit type. Email plan sets to planreview@mhfire.org.
Updated 04/23/2024
Architectural
Standard submission, with plans signed and sealed by an architect rather than an engineer.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
The system must list an approved emergency disconnect device, with its location shown on the site plan.
Fire Alarm
NICET II designerInclude a PDF spec book and battery calculations if applicable.
- All fire alarm and detection systems shall be monitored by an approved central station as defined in NFPA 72.
- A UL Certificate or FM Placard, in accordance with the current edition of NFPA 72, shall be issued by the UL Listed or FM Approved prime contractor for all newly installed required fire alarm systems.
Fire Stop Binder
NICET II designerSubmitted as signed/sealed PDF binders, complete with all UL and fire-stopping systems being used on the job. Required for large additions or renovations and on all new construction.
Hood Suppression
Direct to Fire DistrictMust include flow rates and total amounts required from all nozzles.
Public Safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
Must include PDF spec books and the through-penetration firestop systems to be used.
Racking
City review firstPlans must be reviewed by the City of Maryland Heights before submission to the Fire District. Must include:
- An analysis and stamped summary letter from a fire protection engineer confirming the existing sprinkler system is sufficient for the proposed commodities and storage method.
- A floor plan with aisle dimensions, racking heights, and a commodities list.
Site
Direct to Fire DistrictNICET II designerMust include separate sheets illustrating:
- Fire apparatus access roads, with widths showing acceptable access about the property.
- Vehicle movements based on the specifications of our largest apparatus. Specs are available on request and must be used when calculating truck movements.
Solar
No requirements beyond the standard submission.
Sprinkler
Direct to Fire DistrictA safety factor shall be applied to all flow tests:
- A parallel curve drawn to the actual flow test curve, reduced by 20% of static pressure.
- The system design shall not exceed the 20% curve, with safety margins illustrated in psi and %.
Underground
Direct to Fire DistrictNICET II designerMust include:
- Existing and proposed water mains and fire hydrants
- Results of water flow testing
- Seismic considerations
- Connection methods
Revisions: All revisions must be accompanied by a cover letter that outlines the scope of changes.
Inspections: New construction inspections will not be conducted without prior review of site and underground plans.
NICET II designer: For permits marked “NICET II designer,” the designer must be NICET Level Two or higher. If the designer is not an engineer, plans must still be sealed/signed by an engineer. Site and underground plans must be from a fire protection engineer.