Fire NOC
The increasing number of fire-related accidents in the recent past has amplified the need for deploying fire safety measures. Most commercial establishments, residential buildings, and industrial facilities are prone to fire hazards which can put hundreds of lives at stake. The local fire department mitigates this severity by devising guidelines elevating fire safety and prevention. The department mandates all such premises to have Fire NOC. Securing this legal certificate requires following several steps such as approving the building plan, filing the application, undergoing inspection, etc. Let’s understand these requirements in detail.
Which establishments fall under the Fire NOC in India?
Fire NOC applies the following establishments on the height and area-based parameters. The table below will help you comprehend its applicability better.
| Building Category | Requirement for Clearance |
| Residential buildings | Exceeding 15 meters in height or having ground plus four or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Hotels and guest houses | Exceeding 12 meters in height or having ground plus three or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Educational buildings | Exceeding 9 meters in height or having ground plus two or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Institutional buildings | Exceeding 9 meters in height or having ground plus two or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Assembly buildings | All Assembly buildings must obtain clearance. |
| Business buildings | Exceeding 15 meters in height or having ground plus four or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Mercantile buildings | Exceeding 9 meters in height or having ground plus two or more floors, including a mezzanine. |
| Industrial buildings | Having a total covered area on all floors exceeding 250 square meters. |
| Storage buildings | Having an overall area on all floors exceeding 250 square meters. |
| Hazardous buildings | Having a total covered area on all floors exceeding 100 square meters. |
| Underground structures | All underground structures must obtain clearance. |
Pre-registration Checklist for Securing Fire NOC
Ensure to comply with the following pointers before you proceed to apply for Fire NOC:
1. Ensure compliance with the National Building Code (NBC)
Ensure your premises comply with the NBC fire safety norms, including life safety, fire prevention, and fire protection measures.
2. Install Fire Safety Equipment
Equip your establishment with fire-safety equipment, including fire alarms, extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke detectors, fire hydrants, and emergency lighting.
3. Draft Building Design and Layout
Ensure clear making of the emergency exits, fire-rated staircases, escape routes, and fire compartments to reduce fire hazards.
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4. Devise a Fire Safety Plan and Training
Devise an all-encompassing fire safety plan, conduct safety training, and organize fire drills at set intervals to ensure preparedness.
5. Documentation and Records Maintenance
Documents the details (technical specs) and installation date of the fire safety equipment. Also, keep a record of their maintenance and inspection to keep their quality and productiveness intact.
6. Approval from Local Authorities
Secure required permits from concerned authorities, including building plan approval confirming adherence to fire safety norms.
List of documents mandatory for securing Fire NOC
- Building plans approved by the local authority
- Layout plans showing fire safety systems
- Details of installed fire safety equipment
- Completion certificate (for existing buildings)
- Building use certificate
How to secure the Fire NOC: A 7 Steps Guide
Once you have met the above conditions, proceed to apply for the Fire NOC in the following way:
Step 1: File online application
Head to the official portal of the state’s fire department and create an account via valid credentials. Once done, tap on the services section to explore the e-application concerning Fire NOC. Enter accurate details into the form including
- Address
- Type of building
- Height
- Number of floors
- Occupancy details
Step 2: Document Upload
This step requires you to upload the supporting documents in the standard format. These include the following:
- Approved building plans
- Layout plans showing fire safety systems
- Details of installed fire safety equipment
- Completion certificate (if applicable)
Step 3: Fee Payment
After uploading the documents, the portal will redirect you to the payment page wherein you can submit the applicable fee. The fee may vary depending on the compliance threshold and area of the premises.
Step 4: Submission and Tracking
As soon as you submit the application, the portal will generate the reference number. You must note this number as it helps keep track of the application progress.
Step 5: Inspection
The submitted document and application shall undergo inspection for compliance and accuracy in this step. The inspection may also involve on-site vetting of the facility, which will be performed within the purview of the provisions of UBBL 2016/National Building Code of India.
Step 6: Provide rectifications, if required
Authority may point out some error in the application during the inspection and prompt you to reconcile the matter in the given timeframe. In such an event, you must ensure a timely response to avoid potential delays.
Step 7: Issuance of NOC
Finally, the authority grants the Fire NOC to the applicant after being satisfied with the paperwork and on-site inspection.
Understanding what is Building plan and its significance
A building plan refers to an architectural drawing that entails the design and specs of the establishment in question. These plans are created by the certified architect, reflecting the layout, structural elements, and dimension materials of the building.
Building plans are vital for securing construction approvals, guiding workers, and ensuring compliance with building codes and regulations. Further, they enable stakeholders to take a good look at the final structure, organize construction tasks, and optimize quality. Approving a building plan via municipal bodies is critical to secure various approvals, including Fire NOC, life clearance, etc.
Conclusion
In summary, applying for the Fire NOC involves adherence to a few basic steps such as getting the building plan approved by local authorities, filing an online application, installing equipment for fire prevention, undergoing inspection for compliance, etc.
If you struggle to comply with any of these steps, let our experts at Adviso do the heavy lifting. We ensure the timely grant of licenses by ensuring accurate paperwork and unwavering compliance with underlying norms.
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