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Fire & Life Safety Inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why has the City of Murray passed an ordinance that requires fire and life safety inspections?
- Which types of occupancies are required to have fire and life safety inspections?
- What will the inspector look for?
- What if violations are found?
- When will the inspection program be launched?
- How long will the inspection take?
- What are the fees for Fire and Life Safety Inspections?
- How will I receive the inspection fee invoice?
- What if I fail to pay my inspection fee?
Why has the City of Murray passed an ordinance that requires fire and life safety inspections?
Fire and life safety inspections are done to protect property owners and residents from the devastating effects of fire. By promoting a safe living environment in these types of occupancies, the chance for fire decreases. Inspections are performed in accordance with KRS 227.320 and the Kentucky Standards of Safety 815 KAR 10:060.
Which types of occupancies are required to have fire and life safety inspections?
Places of Assembly, Non-Public Educational, Business, Storage, Mercantile, Industrial, Lodging and Rooming Houses, Special Occupancy, Apartment Buildings with three (3) or more units and common areas, Hotels/Motels/Dormitories and Residential Board and Care facilities are required to have fire and life safety inspections. The Fire Department will strive to conduct annual inspections in these types of occupancies on an annual basis. Additionally, inspections are mandatory for new businesses or businesses re-locating prior to a business license being issued.
What will the inspector look for?
Some of the things that will be looked for during an inspecting include: use of extension cords; improper storage of flammable materials; adequate and clear exit signs; available fire extinguishing equipment that is mounted properly, in servicable condition, and displays a current service tag; and, properly displayed addresses. The entire Fire Prevention Ordinance is viewable on-line by accessing the City of Murray website.
If violations that DO NOT present an immediate threat to life, property, or the environment are found, the owner/occupant will be given written notice and an adequate correction period prior to a re-inspection of the property. If compliance has not been achieved prior to the re-inspection, the violation will be referred to the Code Enforcement Board for further actions and possible monetary fines. Violations that present an IMMEDIATE threat to life, property, or the environment, shall be remedied immediately. The Fire Prevention Bureau will make every effort to work with the building occupant and/or owner(s) to bring the building into compliance to avoid having to take further action.
When will inspections be conducted?
Inspections will typically be conducted Monday through Friday during the hours of 8:30am and 3:30pm; however, special arrangements may be made to accomodate circumstances. Property owners will be contacted to arrange a time the inspection can take place.
How long will the inspection take?
The inspection time will vary depending on the size of the property and the number of fire protection devices located in the property. The majority of inspections will require 30 - 60 minutes to complete. A copy of the inspection report shall be provided to the owner/occupant.
What are the fees for Fire and Life Safety Inspections?
In accordance with the City Ordinance, an initial inspection fee is assessed based on the square footage, occupancy type, and/or special fire protection equipment and systems that might be present in a structure.
Fee Schedule
Non-Public Educational, Assembly, Business, Storage, Mercantile Industrial, Lodging & Rooming Houses and Special Structures
| Square Footage | Fee Amount |
| Up to 799 Sq. Ft. | $30 |
| 800 Sq. Ft. - 2499 Sq. Ft. | $40 |
| 2500 Sq. Ft. - 4999 Sq. Ft. | $50 |
| 5000 Sq. Ft. - 7499 Sq. Ft. | $60 |
| 7500 Sq. Ft. - 9999 Sq. Ft. | $80 |
| 10000 Sq. Ft. - 11999 Sq. Ft. | $100 |
| 12000 Sq. Ft. - 14999 Sq. Ft. | $110 |
| 15000 Sq. Ft. - 17999 Sq. Ft. | $125 |
| 18000 Sq. Ft. - 20999 Sq. Ft. | $140 |
| 21000 Sq. Ft. - 23999 Sq. Ft. | $160 |
| 24000 Sq. Ft. - 29999 Sq. Ft. | $180 |
| 30000 Sq. Ft. - 34999 Sq. Ft. | $200 |
| 35000 Sq. Ft. - 41999 Sq. Ft. | $220 |
| 42000 Sq. Ft. - 49999 Sq. Ft. | $240 |
| 50000 Sq. Ft. or Greater | $300 plus $2 for every 1000 Sq. Ft. above 50000 Sq. Ft. |
| Fee Amounts | |
| Apartment Buildings with 3 or More Units and Common Areas: | $2.50 |
| Hotels/Motels/Dormitories and Residential Board and Care: | $5.00 |
Additional Fees for All Occupancy Types, if Applicable (These fees are in addition to the fees described above)
| Special Equipment/Systems | Fee Amount |
| Fire Sprinkler Systems, Fire Alarm Systems | $30 |
| Fixed Extinguisher Systems | $20 |
| Commercial Cooking Hoods | $20 |
Re-inspection Fee Schedule
| Re-inspection Fee Type | Fee Amount |
| First Re-inspection | No Charge |
| Second Re-inspection | $100 |
| Third Re-inspection | $250 |
| 4 or more Re-inspections | $500 |
How will I receive the inspection fee invoice?
Inspection fee invoices will be mailed by the Finance Department to the owner as it appears on the occupancy's Business License.
What if I fail to pay my inspection fee?
Owners that fail to pay the inspection fee may not be re-issued a City Business License.
