Business Licence Inspections

The following information will assist you to meet the Fire Department’s requirements for your Port Coquitlam Business Licence.  Every business in our community is required to operate in accordance with City Bylaws, BC Fire Code Regulations and the Fire Services Act.

At the time of your business licence application you will be provided a date and time for your fire inspection.

Business Licence Inspection Requirements

All Port Coquitlam business are required to have an initial business licence inspection.

The initial inspection ensures that your business meets life safety standards to protect your employees, customers, fire fighters and yourself from the harmful effects of fire.  Compliance also protects property and equipment investments.

Business Licence Inspections are regulated by City Bylaw No. 3880, Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw which states:

“Where an owner or occupant who has been notified of an inspection to be conducted under this bylaw or any other enactment relating to fire safety, fails to attend at the premises at the date and time specified in the notice to provide access for an inspection a fee will be charged for that inspection attempt and each additional inspection attempt required. Failure for the owner or occupant to pay the fee will result in those costs being added to the property taxes of the owner of the property.”

Inspection Checklist

The following is a list of basic safety items that we will examine during the initial inspection. Your cooperation in dealing with these items prior to our first inspection appointment will lead to a faster departmental recommendation regarding the issuing of your Business licence.

General
  • No flammable/combustible liquids or other hazardous materials are utilized within this occupancy. Exception: Cleaning supplies in limited amounts for building maintenance.
  • Address numbers are clearly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.
  • Access to fire hydrants and other fire protection equipment is not obstructed.
  • A (1) meter clear space is maintained around fire hydrants.
  • A minimum of one 2A-10 BC fire extinguisher is mounted on the wall and available within 75 feet of walking distance from any location within the occupancy and from each level. This may vary depending on your occupancy.
  • Fire extinguisher(s) are in an operable condition and have been serviced and tagged within the last year.
  • Extension cords are used only with portable appliances.
  • Extension cords, except for approved multi-plug extension cords, serve only one portable appliance.
  • Extension cords are not affixed to structures, do not extend through walls, ceilings, floors, or under doors or floor coverings or are subject to environmental or physical damage.
  • Fire lanes must be properly identified, and marked in accordance with the City of Port Coquitlam requirements.
  • All buildings equipped with a fire alarm are required to have a Fire Safety Plan.
  • A clear and unobstructed means of access with a minimum width of 30 inches and a minimum height of 78 inches is maintained between the electrical panel to an aisle or corridor.
Exits
  • Exit pathways, aisles and corridors are not obstructed in any way.
  • Emergency lights are installed and functioning properly and have been serviced and tagged in the last year.
  • Exit doors are operable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. They are not locked, chained, bolted, barred or otherwise rendered unusable. Exception: Key locking hardware may be used on the main exit when it consists of a single door or a pair of doors, if there is a readily visible, durable sign on or adjacent to, the door, stating THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED DURING BUSINESS HOURS.  The letters on the sign shall not be less than one inch high.
  • The unlatching of any exit door does not require more than one motion.
  • Exit signs and exit illumination are in proper working order.
Housekeeping and Storage
  • An approved metal container with a tight fitting cover is provided for oily rags and similar materials.
  • Combustible rubbish is removed from the occupancy at least once each business day.
  • Storage is a minimum of 1 meter below the ceiling in a building without fire sprinklers.
  • Storage is a minimum of 18 inches below the ceiling in a building with fire sprinklers.
  • Boiler, mechanical and electrical rooms are free of combustible storage.
  • Storage in the building over 12 feet high does not exceed 500 square feet of area.
  • All Compress gas cylinders secured to keep from falling over
Fire Protection Systems
  • All premises where a fire alarm system or an automatic fire sprinkler system, monitored or unmonitored, are installed, are required to have installed an approved flush mount lock box.  Contact Fire Protective Service Division for details.
  • All fire protection systems and appliances are in an operative condition.
  • Access to and clearance around the fire sprinkler riser is maintained.
  • The automatic fire sprinkler system has been serviced within the last year and a tag documenting that service is affixed to the riser.
  • The kitchen hood fire extinguishing system has been serviced within the last six months and a tag documenting that service has been attached to the manual activation handle.
  • One K Class fire extinguisher is provided within 30 feet of commercial cooking equipment if there is a hood fire extinguishing system.
  • Fire alarm systems have been tested and serviced within the last year and a tag documenting that service is affixed to the Fire alarm panel.
  • All sprinklered warehouses with high rack storage, in excess of 12 feet, are a) seismically protected, and b) conform to the Buildings Sprinkler System design criteria.
  • *Confirm Requirements with Building Owner or Property Manager and /or a Fire Protection Engineer.
  • Certain businesses have special hazards such as high rack storage, spray booth operations and Service Stations, to name a few.  These businesses are advised to  consult with a Fire Protection company to help Identify the requirements of the Local and Provincial Codes or Statutes.

Inspection Fee Cost Recovery

If an Officer notes violations of the BC Fire Code, Fire Services Act or Port Coquitlam Fire and Emergency Services Bylaw No. 3880 while conducting an inspection, the Officer will write an Order for Deficiencies requesting the violation(s) be corrected within a defined time period and will advise of a return date for a reinspection to ensure correction(s) is made. If the owner or occupant  has not complied with the Order for Deficiencies upon the re-inspection, the City will charge a fee of $150.00 for that re-inspection and a graduated fee of $300.00-$400.00 for each additional re-inspection if required.  Failure of the owner or occupant to pay a fee will result in those costs being added to the property owner’s property taxes.

Violation of Bylaw

Every person who violates any provision of the Fire and Emergency Services No. 3880, is guilty of an offense punishable on summary conviction and shall be liable to a fine of not more than $10,000.00 or to imprisonment for not more than six months, or to both.

Contact

Tel  604.927.5466
Email  fire@portcoquitlam.ca

Location and Mailing Address

#1 Fire Hall, 1725 Broadway Street
Port Coquitlam BC  V3C 2M9

Administration Offices Business Hours: 

8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)