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.
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.
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday - Friday
9 - 10 a.m.
1 Franey Rd.
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
NEW: Online Permitting with CitizenServeThe City of Somerville's Fire Prevention Bureau has upgraded its permit application process to a convenient online process hosted by CitizenServe. Applicants can now submit forms, track status updates, and make payments entirely online, reducing paperwork and delays. |
Click below to see a list of fee types, costs, and durations.
Fire Prevention Permit Fees Effective January 1, 2025 |
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| Type | Fee | Duration |
| Annual Flammable Inspection | $75 | 1 Year |
| Annual Combo Flammables Inspection | $110 | 1 Year |
| Annual Fuel Oil Storage | $100 | 1 Year |
| Barbeque Permit/Inspection | $75 | 6 Months |
| Dumpster Permit – on Property | $125 | 3 Months |
| Dumpster Permit – on Property | $500 | 12 Months |
| Fire Alarm Installation/Modification | $100 | Up to 1 Year |
| Food Truck Inspection/Permit | $50 | Expires Annually on April 30 |
| Garage Permit |
Flat rate of $500 for garages with 50 spaces or more. Garages with less than 50 parking spaces do not need to be permitted. |
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 1 Year |
| 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 |
| 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 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 | $100 | Up to 6 Months |
| Welding/Hot Works Permit After Stop Work Order | $300 | Up to 6 Months |
Fire Prevention Permit Fees Effective November 1, 2026 |
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| Type | Fee | Duration |
| Annual Flammables Permit Inspection | $150 | Annual |
| Bi-Directional Amplifier | $100 | Per Job |
| Blasting Permit | $100 | Per Job |
| Clinic (Annual) | $100 | Annual |
| Combination Flammables Permit Inspection | $150 | Annual |
| Cryogenic & Compressed Gases | $100 | Annual |
| Day Care (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Dumpster Located on Driveway or Property | $150-600 | Temporary |
| Dumpster Located on Driveway | $150 | Temporary |
| Dumpster located on Property | $600 | Temporary |
| Energy Storage System Installation | $100 | Per Job |
| Fire / Sprinkler Plan Review | $50 | Per Job |
| Fire Alarm System Installation or Modification | $150 | Per Job |
| Fire Suppression System - Clean Agent | $100 | Per Job |
| Fireworks - Conduct Display | $100 | Per Job |
| Food Truck Permit | $75 | Annual |
| Fuel Tank (AST) Permit Inspection | $150 | Annual |
| Garage CO Evacuation System | Per Job | |
| Gas Station Inspection | $250 | Annual |
| Group Residence (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Gun Powder (Sale) | $150 | Annual |
| Gun Powder (Storage) | $75 | Annual |
| Hazardous Material Processing Inspection | $50 | Annual |
| Hazardous Material Storage Inspection | $50 | Annual |
| Home Sale 26F Certificate of Compliance Inspection | $75-750 | 2 Month |
| Home Sale 26F Inspection Single Family Dwelling | $75 | 2 Month |
| Home Sale 26F Inspection Two Family Dwelling | $125 | 2 Month |
| Home Sale 26F Inspection 3-6 Family Dwelling | $200 | 2 Month |
| Home Sale 26F Inspection 7+ Family Dwelling | $750 | 2 Month |
| Homes For The Aged (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Hospital (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Hot Work - Includes Welding, Cutting, Brazing | $150 | Temporary |
| Hot Work (After Stop Work) | $900 | Penalty/Fine |
| Hotel/Lodging (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Independent Group Home (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Installation or Alteration of Oil Burner | $100 | Per Job |
| Kitchen Suppression System (ANSUL) | $150 | Per Job |
| Outdoor Grilling | $100 | Temporary |
| Parking Garage Permit Inspection (50+ Spaces) | $750 | Annual |
| Permanent Welding Area (Including Laser) Inspection | $100 | Annual |
| School Fire Drill (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Shelter (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Sprinkler and Standpipe Installation or Modification | $200 | Per Job |
| Tank Install (Above Ground) | $300 | Per Job |
| Tank Install (Underground) | $300 | Per Job |
| Tank Removal (Above Ground and Underground) | $200 | Per Job |
| Temporary Storage Generators, Flammables, Heaters | $200 | Temporary |
| Theatre (Inspection done quarterly) | $100 | Annual |
| Transfer Truck | $200 | Annual |
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
The City of Somerville's Fire Prevention Bureau has upgraded its permit application process to a convenient online process hosted by CitizenServe. Applicants can now submit forms, track status updates, and make payments entirely online, reducing paperwork and delays. Key benefits include:
For more details and to apply for a permit, please visit the CitizenServe portal.
1) Access the CitizenServe Portal:
2) Register an Account (if you don't already have one. Otherwise, skip to the next step):
3) Apply for a Fire Permit:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Monday - Friday
9 - 10 a.m.
1 Franey Rd.
Somerville, MA 02144
United States
Every time you change your clocks in the spring and fall, remember to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, too!
Ensure your alarms are functioning properly by testing them regularly and replacing the batteries if needed. Smoke and CO alarms don’t last forever—make sure to replace them at least every 10 years.
More than 2,200 people die each year due to unintentional home fires. Almost two-thirds of these deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms.
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