What is a fire and safety certificate? Know how to get an approved fire NOC

Fire safety is all about prevention and is everyone’s responsibility. Structures that are not compliant with the standard rules and regulations of fire safety often pose significant risks, including increased potential for fire hazards, difficulty in evacuation, and greater danger to occupants and emergency responders. 

Following the safety standards of fire safety ensures that the buildings have fire detection systems, emergency exits, and fire-resistant material. Upon inspection, the fire department or fire safety authorities issue a fire no objection certificate (NOC) or a fire safety certificate. 

Read below to find out everything about the fire and safety certificate and how to get it online. We’ve also added some important fire-safe…

 

What is a fire safety certificate?

Under the National Building Code (NBC), fire safety certificates, also known as Fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates), are mandatory in India. A fire no-objection certificate is issued to all kinds of buildings such as – residential buildings, hotels and guest houses, educational institutions, corporate buildings, industrial buildings, etc. The certificate is only issued after a fire safety audit and has to be renewed after a certain time period

 

What is included in a fire safety certificate?

When a property is thoroughly verified by the designated fire officer, a fire safety certificate is issued in the name of the property owner. The certificate includes some important information related to the property. Upon receipt of the fire certificate, the property owner can check the following details:

 

• Owner details 
• Property location 
• Property occupancy details
• Fire safety certificate issuing authority 
• Inspection confirmation 
• Compliance confirmation 
• Certificate issue date 
• Validity of fire safety certificate 
• Conditions for the validity of fire safety certificate 
• Inspection report 
• Signature of the inspecting officer 

 

When is a fire safety certificate issued?

The local fire authority of your state issues a certificate for both residential and commercial buildings. The owners have to apply for the fire certificate and upon inspection by an officer of the fire department, a fire and safety certificate is issued. Many people are often uncertain if they are required to apply for the fire certificate or not. A fire and safety certificate for buildings is issued at the following times:

 

When a new building is constructed: A certificate for fire safety has to be obtained before a building is occupied by the residents.

 

Business operations: To run a business legally, a fire and safety certificate is crucial to conduct business operations.

 

Renewals: The fire and safety department issues the fire safety certificate for a limited period only. Once the certificate’s validity has expired, the owner of the property has to apply for a renewal. 

 

Who needs to apply for a fire safety certificate?

Commercial buildings: Office complexes, shopping malls, hotels, and other commercial establishments.

 

Residential buildings: High-rise apartments, housing complexes, and gated communities, especially those above a certain height or with multiple units.

 

Industrial facilities: Factories, warehouses, and manufacturing units where fire hazards are more likely.

 

Public spaces: Schools, hospitals, cinemas, auditoriums, and other places where large numbers of people gather.

 

Specialized structures: Any building or facility that stores, handles, or processes hazardous materials.

 

Fire NOC exemptions

Small residential buildings: Individual houses or low-rise residential buildings, typically those that are under a specific height (usually below 15 meters) and do not have more than a specified number of floors. In Delhi, the fire NOC is exempted for all buildings having 17.5 meters or below height. This exemption can vary for other states.

 

Non-hazardous small businesses: Small commercial establishments that do not pose significant fire risks, such as small shops or offices, may be exempt, depending on the specific state’s regulations.

 

Temporary structures: Temporary structures, like small stalls or booths set up for events, might not require a Fire NOC, although this can vary depending on the size, location, and nature of the event.

 

Agricultural buildings: Buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes, such as barns or sheds, are often exempt unless they house flammable materials.

 

Certain low-risk industrial units: Small-scale industries or workshops that do not handle flammable or hazardous materials may be exempt from obtaining a Fire NOC.

 

Government-notified exemptions: Specific buildings or structures may be exempt based on government notifications or directives, particularly if they fall within special zones or serve critical public functions.

 

How to apply for a fire safety certificate?

To successfully apply for a fire safety certificate, you can follow the below steps:

 

Step #1 – Preparation and documentation

 

Building plan approval: To apply for a fire certificate, you must have an approved building plan. The plan must be approved by the local municipality. The plan must comply with national building codes (NBC) and fire safety regulations to get approved.

 

Gather documents: The following documents are required to be collected:

 

• Building layout and floor plans
• Site plan
• Building completion certificate (for existing structures)
• Occupancy certificate (if available)
• Proof of identity and ownership
• Fire safety equipment and system details (fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, etc.)

 

Step #2 – Online/offline application

 

Online submission: Many states in India have designated online portals for the submission of fire NOC applications. By visiting your state’s online portal for fire safety, you can submit the necessary documents.

 

Offline submission: If your state does not have an online portal or if you want to submit your documents offline, you can do so by visiting the local fire department office.

 

Step #3 – Payment of fees

Pay the prescribed fee for the Fire NOC application. The fee varies depending on the type and size of the building or structure.

 

Step #4 – Inspection by fire department

 

Site inspection: Once the application is submitted, the designated fire officials will schedule a site inspection. Fire officials will visit the premises to ensure that there are enough fire safety systems and that they comply with the set regulations.

 

Compliance check: Officials will check if the building meets the following fire safety standards: 

 

• Fire exits and evacuation routes
• Fire alarms and detection systems
• Sprinklers and fire extinguishers
• Accessibility for fire engines

 

Step #5 – Issuance of fire NOC

If the building passes the inspection, the fire department will issue the Fire NOC, usually within a few weeks. In case any deficiencies are found, the property owner will have to rectify them and request another inspection.

NOC validity and renewal

The fire safety NOC issued by the fire department is only valid for a limited period. Your fire NOC will include the exact date by which the issued NOC will be considered valid. Generally, the fire NOC validity is 3 or fewer years from the date of issue. 

 

However, depending on the type of building and your state’s regulations, this validity may vary. After the fire NOC expires, the owner has to get it renewed. The renewal process usually involves another inspection to ensure continued compliance with fire safety standards.

 

What is the implication of not having a fire NOC?

A property that does not have a fire safety NOC can be a threat to the occupants and hence, such matters are taken very seriously. Not having a valid fire NOC can lead to numerous troubles both legally and in terms of safety. Consequences can include:\

 

Legal penalties: Hefty fines and penalties are imposed on the property owner for not having a fire NOC certificate. In a few cases, the building may be sealed until the NOC is obtained.

 

Occupancy restrictions: Without a fire NOC, the property owner can not claim an occupancy certificate.

 

Insurance issues: All insurance claims in the absence of a valid fire safety certificate are denied, leaving the owner of the property vulnerable.

 

Increased safety risks: Not having a valid NOC means that the building is not compliant with the fire safety standards, increasing the risk of fire hazards, potential loss of life, and property damage.

 

Closure or demolition: In some cases, authorities may order the closure or even demolition of buildings.

 

Housing.com POV

At housing.com, we believe that fire safety should not be taken lightly. Fire NOC is not just a mandatory certificate but rather a commitment to ensure the safety of all occupants. Buildings that do not follow the fire safety regulations or do not have fire safety NOC can face numerous troubles – both legal and from a safety point of view. It is highly suggested to make your buildings compliant with the rules and regulations of the fire department of your state.

FAQs

What is a fire safety certificate, and why is it important?

A fire safety certificate, commonly referred to as Fire NOC or no objection certificate is an official document which is issued after the building has complied with all fire safety norms of the country. It makes certain that the property has all the necessary fire fighting and prevention attributes hence making it safe for occupancy.

Who needs to apply for a fire safety certificate?

Business owners of all kinds of buildings; commercial, residential, industrial buildings, educational institutions, health facilities, and any building dealing with inflammable products need to apply for Fire Safety Certificate.

When should I apply for a fire safety certificate?

You should apply for a fire safety certificate before occupying a new building, before starting business operations, and when renewing an existing certificate after its validity expires.

What details are included in a fire safety certificate?

Owner’s details, property location, occupancy details, the issuing authority, inspection confirmation, compliance status, issue date, validity period, etc.

How long is a fire safety certificate valid?

A fire NOC is valid for a time period of 3 years. However, it may vary as per your state’s authority.

What happens during the inspection for a fire Safety certificate?

During the inspection, fire officials check if the building has adequate fire exits, evacuation routes, fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and proper accessibility for fire engines, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Are there any exceptions to requiring a fire safety certificate?

Yes, small residential buildings, non-hazardous small businesses, temporary structures, agricultural buildings, certain low-risk industrial units, and some government-notified structures may be exempt from needing a fire safety certificate.

What are the consequences of not having a fire safety certificate?

Without a fire safety certificate, property owners may face legal penalties, occupancy restrictions, denied insurance claims, increased safety risks, and potential closure or demolition of the building.

How do I apply for a fire safety certificate online?

In states with online portals, you can submit your application and required documents online. Otherwise, you’ll need to visit the local fire department office to apply offline.

What should I do if my building fails the fire safety inspection?

If your building fails the inspection, you must rectify the identified deficiencies and request a re-inspection before a fire safety certificate can be issued or renewed.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com