How to Respond to a Fire Department Deficiency Notice
If you receive a deficiency notice from your local fire department or fire marshal—often sent through c/o LIVsafe — it's important to review the notice carefully and take prompt action. Here’s how to understand and respond to the notice so you stay compliant and keep your premises safe.
Step 1: Identify the Sender
At the top of your notice, check the header for your local fire department, fire marshal, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) name. C/o LIVsafe is platform the notice is sent through. LIV does not independently inspect or enforce code.
Step 2: Confirm the Affected Business and Location
Review the business name and address listed to see which of your properties the deficiency concerns. This is especially important if you own or manage multiple locations.
Step 3: Review the Deficiency Description
Read the brief description outlining what issue was found during the inspection. To the right, the deficiency classification is listed. The classification is important and references the table below including key milestones and a specific time frame to correct the deficiency. For critical issues in this example, you may have as few as 14 days from the notice date.
Step 4: Identify the Reporting Contractor or Inspector
Below the deficiency, you’ll see who reported the issue (for example, Apex Fire and Safety Solutions). This information helps you know who to contact first.
Step 5: Read Any Additional Clarifications or Requirements
The notice may include extra paragraphs outlining further instructions or local requirements. These details depend on your AHJ and must be followed carefully.
Step 6: Locate Your AHJ Points of Contact
Toward the bottom, find the signature section with a representative's name from your fire department or marshal’s office. Direct code-related questions to these contacts.
Step 7: Update Business Information if Needed
If your business details have changed, scan the provided QR code or follow this link Update Premise Contact Info to open a form where updates can be submitted.
Step 8: Review Attachments for Additional Details
The notice may include a link to view the original inspection report submitted to the AHJ. This gives you more context about the deficiency.
Step 9: Take Corrective Action
Contact the third-party contractor who discovered the deficiency to arrange repairs or corrections right away. Submission of a new inspection report, or updating an existing report by an Inspector is the only way to resolve or clear a deficiency.
If you believe you have received this notice in error, here are some potential steps to take.
This inspection has been completed. | Please kindly reach out to the inspection company that completed your inspection and request that they submit the report to the LIV portal. The report must be uploaded to LIV by the inspection company that completed your inspection or repair; the fire department cannot accept inspection reports any other way. |
This inspection is scheduled | Thank you for this update. Please kindly remind the inspection company that is performing your inspection that they must submit the report to the LIV portal once the inspection is complete. The report must be uploaded to LIV by the inspection company that completed your inspection or repair; the fire department cannot accept inspection reports any other way. |
The business has changed type/name/contact | Follow this link Update Premise Contact Info to open a form where updates can be submitted |
Staying on top of deficiency notices helps you keep your premises safe, avoid penalties, and maintain a good relationship with your local authorities. Always read each notice thoroughly, meet deadlines, and work directly with inspectors or listed contractors to resolve any issues.