The Kitsap County Fire Marshal's Office (KCFMO) mission is to enhance fire safety through quality fire inspections, plan review, fire investigation and fire prevention education to minimize property loss, maintain community awareness of fire safety and to reduce the tragedy of fires in Kitsap County.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What fire code requirements do I need to follow for my project?
Fire code review generally looks at three things.
- Fire Access. Can emergency responders and their vehicles properly access the property and structures?
- Fire Flow. Is there appropriate and verified water supply available for fire fighting efforts?
- Fire Protection. Are fire sprinkler or alarm systems sufficient for the structure and risk?
Q: How do I prepare for a sprinkler test?
Q: How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy for my business?
To get a Certificate of Occupancy, apply through the Permit Application Portal.
Before applying it is helpful to know:
- address & suite number,
- floor plan
- whether your business is using septic or sewer, and
- the name of the last tenant in the space (contact your property manager, if needed).
Apply through the Permit Application Portal. Read more about Starting a Business in Kitsap County.
Q: Can I get a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?
A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is separate from a Certificate of Occupancy. TCOs are granted on a limited basis and only once all life safety requirements have been met. This can include, but is not limited to, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, and unapplied permits.
A link to apply will be provided to you when a Building Fire and Safety staff member refers you for a TCO.
For more questions about TCOs contact our office.
Q: What is Risk Check?
Risk Check is Kitsap County's routine commercial occupancy inspection program. Risk Check schedules the frequency of fire and life safety inspections based on a score, calculated from known hazards and mitigations at a business location. This means higher-risk businesses are inspected more frequently than lower-risk businesses.
Find out more about Kitsap County's Risk Check program.
Q: Are fireworks allowed in Kitsap County?
Kitsap County releases information about fireworks in unincorporated Kitsap each year before the July 4th holiday. You are encouraged to celebrate safely and "leave it to the pros".
Visit the Fireworks Information page for more details.
Q: What rules does Kitsap County have for Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles?
Any food preparation vehicle equipped with appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors, or that utilize LP-Gas or CNG systems require a Fire Code Operational permit.
Most appliances that use heat, electricity, or gas to prepare food produce smoke or grease-laden vapors. This can include grills, griddles, flat tops, fryers, frying pans, woks, barbecues, pizza ovens, and similar equipment.
Read about Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle requirements.
Apply through the Permit Application Portal.
