Inspections

Schedule an Inspection or Report a Code Violation

Anyone needing to schedule a fire inspection, report a possible fire code violation or having questions about the Fire Code are encouraged to contact the fire marshal at 910-424-0948 ext. 3397 or by email to Bobby Carter.

Inspection Fees, Permits & Fines

The Town of Hope Mills charges for fire inspections and permits.

Fees

Fees for fire inspections are based on the square footage of the occupancy.

Permits

All permits are obtained through the town’s inspection department.

Fines

Fines will be issued for fire code violations and are assessed on a per violation and per occurrence basis.

Scheduled Inspections

The fire marshal is responsible for conducting state mandated fire inspections and fire code enforcement in all new and existing buildings, except for 1 and 2 family dwellings. On July 1, 1991, North Carolina adopted the state “Fire Code” and state legislation enacted a mandatory inspection schedule. This schedule governs the frequency of inspections based on occupancy classifications.

Inspection Details

Type	Example	Frequency of Inspection
Hazardous	Auto body shop Paint Booths	Annually
Institutional	Rest Homes Nursing Homes	Annually
High Rise	Any building four stories or more	Annually
Assembly	Restaurants Night Clubs	Annually
Multi-Family	Apartment Buildings (common areas only)	Annually
Day Cares		Annually
Industrial	Factories	Every two years
Educational	Learning Center (public schools are inspected on a biannual basis)	Every two years
Businesses	Offices Convenience Stores Specialty Shops	Every three years
Mercantile	Department Stores Grocery Stores	Every three years
Storage	Mini Storage Warehouse	Every three years
Religious	Churches Synagogues	Every three years

Commonly Observed Fire Code Violations

Failure to have fire extinguishers serviced annually
Failure to have automatic fire protection systems (Sprinkler Systems and Fire Alarm Systems) serviced annually
Hood Suppression Systems not serviced (must be serviced every six months)
Improper use of extension cords
Inoperative exit signs and emergency lighting
Improper locking devices on required exits
Blocked or locked fire exits
Poor housekeeping and storage practices