FAQs • Queen Anne's County, MD • CivicEngage

Must I apply for a permit to install a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous fire extinguishing system, a hood and duct suppression system, or a fire alarm system?: Yes. Any alteration or addition to existing buildings must have a fire review. A mechanical permit is required to be filed with the Planning and Zoning Office.

If this is new construction, a contractor must include 2 sets of plans for these systems when the building plans are submitted for review to Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning will assign the same permit number (Building Permit) to these suppression systems under the Mechanical Permit, but the plans will be reviewed by a different department.

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Office of the Fire Marshal

1. Must I apply for a permit to install a fire sprinkler system, a gaseous fire extinguishing system, a hood and duct suppression system, or a fire alarm system?: Yes. Any alteration or addition to existing buildings must have a fire review. A mechanical permit is required to be filed with the Planning and Zoning Office.

If this is new construction, a contractor must include 2 sets of plans for these systems when the building plans are submitted for review to Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning will assign the same permit number (Building Permit) to these suppression systems under the Mechanical Permit, but the plans will be reviewed by a different department.

2. What if I am doing any kind of work requiring a fire review in Centreville, do I need to file for a fire review through Queen Anne's County?: Yes. The Queen Anne’s County Office of the Fire Marshal is responsible for enforcing all fire protection codes for Queen Anne’s County, including all of the incorporated towns within the county.

3. What do I do if an inspector finds violations in my building?: The inspector will tell you exactly what needs to be completed before you can obtain an occupancy permit. You can work out a timeline with the inspector at the time of the inspection.

4. How much does a fire inspection or plan review cost?: It depends on the type of occupancy or type of fire suppression system. There are documents available on this same website that details the charges applied to specific inspections.

5. Why won’t the building inspector come out to give me a final inspection until the fire marshal completes his/her inspection?: A final inspection by our office is required prior to issuing a "Use and Occupancy" permit. As a courtesy to our office, MDIA (building inspector) will hold their inspection until we have completed ours.

6. Can I use a portable electric heater in my office or place of business?: No. The use of any portable electric heater in a commercial building is prohibited in Queen Anne’s County. These appliances are relatively safe for use at home provided the directions included with the heater are followed but they are not for use in commercial buildings.

7. I am building a new home in Queen Anne’s County, do I need a sprinkler system?: Yes. As of January 1st, 2015 ALL single family and two family dwellings must be protected by a residential sprinkler system in the state of Maryland. The system must be designed and installed by a licensed sprinkler contractor who is listed in the state of Maryland.

8. What if I am purchasing a modular home and moving to a lot in Queen Anne’s County?: Yes, the above stated requirement applies to new modular homes as well. Existing modular homes being moved from another jurisdiction do not require a sprinkler system provided there are no alterations or additions to the home.