About the Fire Prevention Bureau
The primary responsibility of the Fire Prevention Bureau is preventing fires from occurring by aggressive enforcement and educating the public on all laws and ordinances relative to fire safety. This is accomplished by conducting inspections, issuing permits, and following up on citizen complaints and fire company violation reports. Fire Prevention also reviews plans for new construction, additions, sprinkler and fire alarm system upgrades, and demolition of structures. Inspectors also monitor the installation and removal of underground and aboveground storage tanks. The Fire Prevention Office works closely with many City agencies to ensure fire safety, most notably Inspectional Services, the Board of Health, and the Planning Board.
The Flammable Liquid Compliance Unit specifically targets businesses using flammable and combustible liquids. This is an educational and enforcement unit. The primary goal is to locate occupancies using flammable and combustible liquids that are not in compliance with existing legal requirements. The occupancy is then entered into the permitting system and will require periodic inspection. Another goal is to inform and educate the users of flammable products of the many hazards that exist so that they can be used safely in the City. The Fire Prevention Bureau and Flammable Compliance Unit work closely together to create a fire safe environment.
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Schedule of Fees
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Regulations
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Permits and Applications
Schedule of Fees
Please note:
- All permits must be made in person paid for by check or money order made payable to City of Somerville, MA. We cannot accept cash, credit card, or electronic transfer.
- Effective November 12, 2019 the new rate for paid fire details will increase to $63.25 per hour.
Type |
Fee |
Duration |
| Annual Inspection | $50.00 | Must See Compliance Lieutenant |
| Barbeque Permit/Inspection | $75.00 | 6 Months |
| Dumpster Permit – on Property | $100.00 $300.00 | 3 Months over 3 Months |
| Fire Alarm System Install or Modification | $100.00 | 6 Months |
| Food Truck Inspection/Permit | $50.00 | Expires annually on April 30 |
| Fuel Oil Storage - Aboveground | $100.00 | 1 Year |
| Fuel Oil Storage - Underground - 500 Gallons or Less | $75.00 | 1 Year |
| Fuel Oil Storage - Underground - 500 Gallons or More | $150.00 | 1 Year |
| Garage Permit | $10.00 | 1 Year |
| Gun Powder Permit | Residential $50.00 Commercial $100.00 | 1 Year |
| Kitchen Suppression System Permit/Inspection | $75.00 | 1 Year |
| Oil Burner Permit/Inspection | $50.00 | 1 Year |
| Sprinkler System Install or Modification | $125.00 | Up to 6 Months |
| Smoke Detector Permit - Single Family Dwelling | $50.00 | 2 Months |
| Smoke Detector Permit - Two Family Dwelling | $100.00 | 2 Months |
| Smoke Detector Permit - 3-6 Dwellings | $150.00 | 2 Months |
| Smoke Detector Permit - 7 or More Dwellings | $500.00 | 2 Months |
| Temporary storage of Heaters/Flammables/ Generators/E-Generators/Tar Kettles etc., | $100.00 | Less Than 6 Months |
| Tents 10x12 or Larger | $75.00 per | No longer Than 6 Months |
| Tank/Truck Inspection | $100.00 | 2 Year |
| Tank/Line Gas Station Inspection | $100.00 | 1 Year |
| Tank Install - Aboveground (275 Gallons or Less) | $50.00 per Tank | 1 Month or as Needed |
| Tank Install - Aboveground (276 - 500 Gallons) | $75.00 per Tank | 1 Month or as Needed |
| Tank Install - Aboveground (501 Gallons or More) | $200.00 per Tank | 1 Month or as Needed |
| Tank Removal - Aboveground (275 Gallons or Less) | $100.00 per Tank | 1 Month or as Needed |
| Tank Removal - Aboveground (276 Gallons or More) | $150.00 per Tank | 1 Month or as Needed |
| Tank Install - Underground | $250.00 | 2 Weeks |
| Tank Removal - Underground | $250.00 | 2 Weeks |
| Welding/Cutting Permit | $75.00 $225.00 if pulled after stop work order | Up to 6 Months |
Regulations
Please note:
- All permits must be made in person paid for by check or money order made payable to City of Somerville, MA. We cannot accept cash, credit card, or electronic transfer.
- Effective November 12, 2019 the new rate for paid fire details will increase to $63.25 per hour.
Information about the City's fire regulations can be found in the links below. The regulations are orders issued by the Fire Chief under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 148 Section 28 Chapter 148 Laws and 527 CMR 1 Fire Code.
If you have any questions regarding fire regulations please call (617) 623-1700 x8400 or send an email to [email protected]
Permits and Applications
Please note:
- All permits must be made in person paid for by check or money order made payable to City of Somerville, MA. We cannot accept cash, credit card, or electronic transfer.
- Effective November 12, 2019 the new rate for paid fire details will increase to $63.25 per hour.
Links
- House Sale Inspection Permit Application (Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors)
- Fire Detail Permit Application
- All Other Permit Applications, Including:
- Construction Dumpsters
- Fire Alarm Installation
- Tank Installation/Removal
- Tentage
- And more