New Construction

The Sampson County Fire Marshal's Office and the Sampson County Inspections Department work together on all commercial construction projects. Commercial projects will require two sets of plans for review for each respective department. Plans for the Fire Marshal's Office may be submitted to the Inspections Department. Any fees associated with plan review and or required construction permits issued through the Fire Marshal's Office may also be paid at the Inspections Department.


Sprinkler Systems

Fire Marshal's Office

  • The Fire Marshal's Office is responsible for complete sprinkler system Electrical permit is required from the Inspection Department for wiring associated with electric fire pumps.
  • Permit Required

Inspections Department

  • Responsible for the system construction and inspection from the top of the riser to the end of the system. This includes all rough-in inspections and testing of above ground piping. Responsible for all wiring associated with Electric Fire Pumps. Reviews all sprinkler plans.
  • Permit Required

Fixed Suppression System(s)

Fire Marshal's Office

  • Responsible for plan review, witness testing of system(s) and inspection of all fixed suppression systems to include kitchen hood suppression systems. Testing of kitchen hood shall confirm the shutdown of make-up air, electrical equipment and gas supply
  • Permit Required

Inspections Department

  • Responsible for plan review and inspection of all kitchen hood installations.
  • Mechanical permit required for hood

Fire Alarm System

Fire Marshal's Office

  • Responsible for plan review, witness final acceptance testing of all devices with exception of duct detectors.
  • Permit Required

Inspections Department

  • Responsible for plan review (wiring only) of devices connected or supervised by the fire alarm system. Witness all smoke testing of duct detectors and HVAC shut down. Ensures all duct detectors are supervised by the fire alarm system where alarm systems are required.
  • Electrical Permit required

Additional Permit Requirements

Construction and Operational Permits for the following activities shall be obtained directly from the Fire Marshal's Office.

  • Amusement Buildings
  • Carnivals and Fairs
  • Exhibits and Trade Shows
  • Explosives / Pyrotechnics or Special Effects
  • Installation or removal of flammable or combustible liquid tanks
  • Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents

Construction Permits for the following activities shall be obtained directly from the Fire Marshal's Office unless the activity was submitted with all supporting documents with the construction plans and permitted with the initial construction plan review.

  • Battery Systems
  • Compressed Gases
  • Cryogenic Fluids
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Industrial Ovens
  • Spraying and Dipping

Building Final

Fire Marshal's Office
All new commercial construction projects requiring a plan review shall require a building final from the Fire Marshal's Office prior to requesting a building final from the Inspections Department.


Building Plan Review Fees

(effective July 1, 2016)

  • Plan Review (New Construction): .02 per square foot ($25.00 minimum)
  • Plan Review (Change of use, Alterations or Repairs): .01 per square foot ($25.00 minimum)
  • Sprinkler Plan Review: .03 per square foot ($25.00 minimum)

Construction Permits

Code Item To Be Permitted Amount
105.7.1 Automatic Fire Extinguishment System $100.00
105.7.2 Battery Systems $50.00
105.7.3 Compressed Gases $50.00
105.7.4 Cryogenic Fluids $50.00
105.7.5 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (New) $100.00
105.7.6 Fire Alarm & Detection Systems $100.00
105.7.7 Fire Pumps and Related Equipment $200.00
105.7.8 Flammable & Combustible Liquids $50.00 (per tank)
105.7.9 Gates and Barricades on Fire Access Roads (New) $50.00
105.7.10 Hazardous Materials $100.00 
105.7.11 Industrial Ovens $50.00
105.7.12 LP Gas (New) $200.00
105.7.13 Private Fire Hydrants $50.00 (per hydrant)
105.7.14 Smoke Control or Exhaust Systems (New) $100.00
105.7.15 Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems (New) $100.00
105.7.16 Spraying & Dipping $50.00
105.7.17 Standpipe System $50.00
105.7.18 Temporary Membrane Structures $25.00

Plan Review Submittal Information

Spraying and Dipping

  • Engineered drawings of spray booth, room, or area.
  • Floor plan of building housing the spraying or dipping operation.
  • Engineered drawings or manufacturer specifications of dip tank to include capacity in gallons and dimensions.

Tents / Membrane Structures

  • Tents (in excess of 400 Sq. Ft.)
  • Tent Size
  • Floor Plan if used for assembly of 50 or more. Must include exits, seating, and aisles.
  • Site plan
  • Certificate of Flame Propagation (NFPA 701)

Flammable / Combustible Liquids

  • Tank removal or installation
  • Quantity and size of tanks
  • Plot plan

Fire Alarm Systems

  • Plans drawn to scale
  • Cut sheets on all system components
  • Sequence of events
  • Battery calculations
  • Voltage drop calculations

Fixed Suppression Systems

  • Engineered plans to scale

Sprinkler Systems

  • Engineered plans to scale
  • Hydraulic Calculations
  • Safety factor of 10% of the available pressure at the test hydrant shall be observed but in no case shall be less than 5 PSI.