Fire Inspections

The Mecklenburg County Fire Marshal's Office provides a variety of administrative and field based public safety services for the Towns of Pineville, Matthews, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson, their unincorporated areas, and the Charlotte ETJ, which consists of Steele Creek, West Mecklenburg, Cooks, Long Creek, Carolina and Robinson Fire Protection Districts.

All areas within City of Charlotte limits are protected and serviced by the Charlotte Fire Department.

The Fire Marshal's Office conducts new construction and recurring code mandated fire inspections for all occupancies, except for single and two-family residential dwellings.

Open-Flame Cooking Devices

It's not uncommon to see people cooking on grills year-round, but some grills may be used or positioned in places that can cause a serious fire and life safety hazard.

Per the requirements of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code , charcoal burners and other open flame cooking devices (grills) shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction, unless the building, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system.

Additionally, propane (LP) cylinders or containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds, [nominal 1-pound LP-gas capacity] shall not be stored or used within 10 feet of combustible construction, unless the building is protected by an automatic fire sprinkler system.

One and two-family dwellings are exempt from these requirements.

The storage and use of grills on an unprotected balcony or near combustible construction poses a serious fire and life safety hazard due to the proximity of the cooking appliance and the potential for life loss, injuries and/or devastating property losses.

If you have any questions or concerns about grill regulations, please contact us.

Current Fire Code Enforced: 2018 edition of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which is the 2015 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) with the NC amendments.

Please contact the Deputy Fire Marshal servicing your area or location.

Fire Inspection Forms:
For Fire Inspection Forms and Permit Applications See FMO Forms Page.