Fire Prevention Bureau

The function of the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) is to manage all fire prevention and life safety programs. The Bureau’s activities include the enforcement of codes, standards, plan reviews and inspections. The FPB reviews and inspects all permitted projects from basic remodels of existing properties to new building construction.

The Fire Prevention Bureau is managed by the Deputy Chief of Administration, who oversees two Lieutenants assigned to the FPB. These Lieutenants concentrate on plan reviews and inspections (fire alarm, sprinkler system, kitchen suppression, above/below ground hydrostatic test, underground flush, hydrant flow test, final occupancy, etc.) related to remodels and new construction. Additionally, all Community Unit School District 303 buildings are also inspected annually by the Fire Prevention Bureau, in conjunction with representatives from the Kane County Regional Office of Education.  Occupancies classified as target hazards (hotels, nursing homes, assisted living, etc.) are also inspected by the FPB quarterly.

The Fire Prevention Bureau follows the International Code Council (ICC) 2021 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) with local amendments and the 2021 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code by ordinance. 

St. Charles Fire Prevention Bureau enforces the following codes:

• City of St. Charles Code of Ordinances
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
• Reference NFPA Standards