Complaints & Requests
As a public service agency, the Virginia Beach Fire Department is committed to providing quality customer service and encourages residents to contact us with all questions and concerns.
Any residents, businesses, or organizations who have concerns about general Fire Code violations, illegal dumping of hazardous materials, improper servicing of fire protection equipment, or other possible life safety issues, are encouraged to contact the Fire Prevention Bureau with that information.
Once the information is received, an inspector will be notified of the situation. Please know that complaint information is confidential and anonymous.
The following requests are the most common:
- Red tag removals
- Occupancy load calculations
- Removal from fire watch
- ABC inspections
Businesses may request a fire inspection at any time, but please note that only an annual fire inspection is required.
To request an inspection please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (757) 385-4228.
After normal business hours and on the weekends please call (757) 385-5000 and your requests will be handled by the duty Fire Marshal. Please understand that all inspection requests will be handled during normal business hours, however red tag removals and fire watch removals can be taken care of at any time.
In order to be removed from fire watch, documentation shall be provided which shows that all deficiencies have been repaired by a qualified contracting company.
To schedule occupancy load calculations please contact the FPB and have all required documentation available.
- Permits and Inspections must have issued a certificate of use and occupancy
- The zoning and planning department must be contacted in order to verify if a conditional use permit is required or that a disclosure statement must be signed
- A scaled and measured drawing of the floor plan shall be available in 8 ½ x 11 size
- Floor plans shall include all final seating arrangements and interior layout of the building. This includes but is not limited to: tables and chairs, bars, booths, DJ booths, stages, and game areas
- Occupancies with only 1 exit will be given an occupancy load of 49 or less
- Once an occupancy load has been established above 49, the business shall be permitted yearly for that occupancy load
- A fee of $50 will be charged for any occupancy load calculation
ABC may require a new fire inspection when applying for a license to serve and sell alcohol. All ABC inspections will be performed as requests are received and will be scheduled with the Fire Inspector for that area.
Please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau to request an ABC inspection if you require one. Note that there is a $50 fee which is separate from your fire inspection fee. All billing is handled by the City of Virginia Beach Treasurer's Office.