The Inspections Division is tasked with inspecting new and existing buildings in the City and managing the Fire Inspection Program. By working with and collaborating with other City agencies, this inspection program helps to identify and correct fire and life safety code violations to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents.
The main function of the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) is to promote life safety and property conservation through the annual fire inspection program. There are roughly 12,500 businesses in the city of Virginia Beach that require inspection. Inspections are performed annually and may be unannounced.
In April 2022, the city adopted a new procedure which notifies businesses when their inspection is due within the next 30 days. This notification provides the business with some helpful information including 10 of the most commonly found violations of the statewide fire prevention code.
Fire inspection reports, once completed, are provided to the owner or responsible party via email, or United States Postal Service mailed to the business address.
If violations are found, a reinspection will be scheduled anywhere from 24 hours to 30 days from the initial inspection depending on the severity of the violation. A business can be closed, and the building evacuated at the time of the inspection if the violation is an immediate life safety threat.
The Fire Prevention Bureau does not routinely inspect private homes or dwellings of any kind unless a request is placed. Any concerns regarding private residential homes should be brought to the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation, which can be reached at (757) 385-5750.
Questions regarding annual inspections or to report any issue should be directed to the Fire Prevention Bureau at (757) 385-4228 or by email at vbfmo@vbgov.com.
Inspectors also manage:
In addition to the daily tasks carried out by the Fire Marshals, they work with other City agencies to support the mission of each Task Force listed below:
This unit focuses on violations of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code that directly impact the environment. Depending on the severity of the issue this unit may work independently or in conjunction with state and federal agencies.
It is the property owner's responsibly to clean up and remediate all hazards, however individuals found to be illegally disposing of hazardous waste will be held liable as well.
The Fire Prevention Bureau partners with the Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation to address issues throughout the city when discovered during annual inspections and complaints. Any conditions that are considered hoarding are brought to the attention of the Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation and local fire companies.
To report a hoarding situation or seek help, contact the Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Services Unit at (757) 385-3550. For online information please visit the Housing & Neighborhood Preservation webpage on hoarding.
The Virginia Beach Fire Prevention Bureau Partners with the Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation and the Virginia Department of Health to inspect all hotels, motels, and bed & breakfast facilities in the city. All three agencies work together in order to maintain a high level of code compliance across the city in these establishments.
Throughout the year, periodic safety inspections are performed in places of assembly. Places of assembly include but are not limited to theaters, bars, night clubs, restaurants, banquet halls, amusement areas, or any other place that people may gather.
The inspections are focused on emergency exits, overcrowding, equipment access, and any other violations that would directly impact the safety and well-being of all occupants.
Major events that are held within the city are reviewed and discussed by Fire, Police, Special Events Office, and Parks & Recreation. All other inquires about special events requirements should be directed to the Resort Management Office at (757) 385-4800.
