Inspections

North Whitehall Township Ordinance 2025-2 authorizes the Township Fire Codes Administration to inspect all commercial properties subject to the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition). The ordinance established a Fire and Life Safety inspections which are proactive evaluations conducted on non-residential buildings and facilities to identify potential hazards, mitigate risks, and ensure compliance with local township regulations. These inspections typically include an assessment of the building's construction, occupancy status, fire protection systems, and operational features.

Inspection Program Details

Inspections of Existing Commercial Buildings

1. Non-residential inspections will be conducted every 2 years by the township fire code administration office in coordination with the property owner.*
2. Owners or property managers are sent notification of request for a Fire and Life Safety Inspection. The owner or property manager must respond to the request within 30 days and schedule the inspection with the township inspector.
3. The inspector will conduct a walkthrough of the facility, accompanied by the owner or their representative.
4. After completing the inspection, the inspector will deliver a report indicating whether the inspection has passed or failed.
5. In the event of deficiency, the owner is granted 30 days to implement the necessary corrections and to reschedule a re-inspection.
6. A certificate of completion will be issued upon successful inspection and receipt of the inspection fees.

* The expiration date is set based on a two-year cycle as required by Fire & Life Safety Ordinance. This policy does not apply during times when the occupant changes, the type of occupancy is modified, or other facility changes that require additional inspections.

Other Required Inspections

New construction:
Inspections must happen before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (see Chapter 440, Zoning) for new construction. Getting a Certificate of Fire Code Compliance is necessary before you can receive a Certificate of Occupancy for new buildings.

Expansion of, or change in use of, existing facilities:
Inspections must happen before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy (see Chapter 440, Zoning). A Certificate of Fire Code Compliance is required before you can get the Certificate of Occupancy for the building when expanding or changing use of the building.

Modifications or renovations to an existing facility:
Inspections must happen when a zoning permit is required by Zoning Chapter 440, but a Certificate of Occupancy is not required by Chapter 440, inspections shall occur following the completion of such modification(s) or renovation(s), and receipt of a Certificate of Fire Code Compliance shall be a prerequisite to re-occupancy of the facility.

The Fire Code Official is authorized to inspect a facility at any time where the Fire Code Official has a reasonable belief that such facility is not in compliance with the North Whitehall Township Fire and Life Safety Code.

Inspection Fees
The fee for Fire & Life Safety inspections is based on a fee schedule that considers the building's occupancy type, usage, and square footage. A copy of the current fee schedule is available upon request.