Milton Businesses Must Complete Fire Inspections Before Getting Occupational License

New businesses opening in Milton must undergo inspections by the City of Milton Fire Department before receiving an Occupational License. This requirement ensures compliance with the Florida Fire Prevention Code, which the Milton Fire Department actively enforces. The initial step for any new business involves submitting an Occupational License Application to the Planning Department at City Hall, located at 6738 Dixon Street.

Businesses planning to operate in existing buildings, especially those involving a change of occupancy, face additional scrutiny. The Code requires these changes to be evaluated as new occupancies, necessitating a review by the Santa Rosa County Building Department. This process ensures that the building meets current safety standards for its intended new use, safeguarding both employees and customers.

For new construction, renovations, alterations, modifications, or any change of occupancy, the Fire Department conducts a Life Safety Review. This review must occur before the city issues any building permit. Developers and business owners submit these plans, along with a completed Application for Development Approval, to the city's Planning Department. This step is crucial for integrating fire safety measures from the ground up or during significant structural changes.

Furthermore, the City of Milton Fire Department oversees all commercial fire alarm, fire suppression, and automatic fire sprinkler systems installed within city limits. State-licensed system contractors must submit two sets of permit drawings and an Application for Fire Prevention Permit to the City of Milton Planning Department. This ensures that all fire protection systems meet rigorous standards and function effectively to protect commercial properties and their occupants.