About the Fire Prevention Bureau

The primary responsibility of the Fire Prevention Bureau is to prevent 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.

More

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.

Jump To:

Money Budget
Schedule of Fees
Fire Hose
Paid Fire Detail Fees
Gavel
Regulations
Info
Permits and Applications

Schedule of Fees

 

Please note: For timely processing of permit applications, all permit applications should be emailed to FirePrevention@somervillema.gov. Payments can be mailed to the address in the contact box.

Fire Prevention Permit Fees Effective November 1, 2021

Type

Fee

Duration

Annual Flammable Inspection

$75

Must See Compliance Officer

Barbeque Permit/Inspection

$75

6 Months

Dumpster Permit – on Property

$125

3 Months

Dumpster Permit – on Property

$500

12 Months
Fire Alarms Installation/Modification $100 Up to 6 Months

Food Truck Inspection/Permit

$50

Expires Annually on April 30

Fuel Oil Storage - Aboveground

$100

1 Year

Fuel Oil Storage - Underground - 500 Gallons or Less

$75

1 Year

Fuel Oil Storage - Underground - 500 Gallons or More

$150

1 Year

Garage Permit

$10.00 Per Parking Space

(Max $500)

Expires Annually on April 30

Gun Powder Permit

Residential $50

Commercial $100

1 Year

Kitchen Suppression (ANSUL) System Permit/Inspection

$100

1 Year

Oil Burner Permit/Inspection

$75

1 Year

Sprinkler System Install or Modification

$150

Up to 6 Months

Smoke Detector Permit - Single Family Dwelling

$50

2 Months

Smoke Detector Permit - Two Family Dwelling

$100

2 Months

Smoke Detector Permit - 3-6 Dwellings

$150

2 Months

Smoke Detector Permit - 7 or More Dwellings

$500

2 Months

Temporary storage of Heaters/Flammables/ Generators/E-Generators/Tar Kettles etc.,

$100

Less Than 6 Months

Tents 10x12 or Larger

$75 per tent

No longer Than 6 Months

Tank/Truck Inspection

$100

2 Year

Tank/Line Gas Station Inspection

$100

1 Year

Tank Install - Aboveground (275 Gallons or Less)

$250

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Install - Aboveground (276 - 500 Gallons)

$250

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Install - Aboveground (501 Gallons or More)

$250

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Removal - Aboveground (275 Gallons or Less)

$100 per Tank

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Removal - Aboveground (276 Gallons or More)

$150 per Tank

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Install - Underground

$250

1 Month or as Needed

Tank Removal - Underground

$250

1 Month or as Needed

Welding/Hot Works Permit (Short term)

$50

Up to 1 week

Welding/Hot Works Permit

$100

Up to 6 Months

Welding/Hot Works Permit After Stop Work Order

$300

Up to 6 Months
 
 

 

(Click to enlarge)

Thumbnail preview of paid fire detail rates links to PDF

 
 

Regulations

 

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, 527 CMR 1 Fire Code, and the State Fire Marshall Advisories. 

If you have any questions regarding fire regulations please call (617) 623-1700 x8400 or send an email to FirePrevention@somervillema.gov

 
 

Permits and Applications

 

Please note: For timely processing of permit applications, all permit applications should be emailed to FirePrevention@somervillema.gov. Payments can be mailed to the address in the contact box.

Links

 
 

Programs & Initiatives

HP 12C calculator alongside a stack of coins

Budget

An overview of how the budget process works and how it impacts residents and businesses in Somerville.
Electrician performs utility work

Careers

The City of Somerville has career opportunities for a diverse range of professionals and skill sets to reflect the culturally rich community we serve daily.
View All City Programs & Initiatives

Feedback

Please submit website feedback using this form. Be sure to include:

A description of the issue (if any)
A link to the affected pages

Thank you for your feedback!