Plan Review
The Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) Plan Review Division is responsible for reviewing construction, renovation, and system design plans to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes. Our goal is to support safe development throughout Baltimore while helping property owners, designers, and contractors move their projects forward smoothly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Plans Review Matters?
Plan review is a critical step in the development process. Before construction begins, BCFD ensures that all fire protection features are properly designed and integrated into the project. This includes fire alarms, sprinkler systems, means of egress, and other life safety components.
Our review helps:
- Prevent costly redesigns or delays later in the process
- Ensure occupant and firefighter safety
- Maintain compliance with Baltimore City Fire Code and NFPA standards
- Reduce the risk of fire-related property damage or injury
- What Requires A Plan Review?
You must submit plans for review if your project involves:
- New building construction
- Interior renovations or tenant fit-outs
- Fire alarm or sprinkler system installation/modification
- Standpipe or fire pump systems
- Commercial kitchen hood suppression systems
- Smoke control systems
- Emergency generator installation
- Hazardous materials storage or use
- Change in use/occupancy classification
- Emergency Responder Communication Coverage
- How To Submit Plans?
All plans must be submitted electronically via the ePlans system in coordination with the Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD).
Steps:
- Register and log in. Click here to access the ePlans Portal
- Upload complete construction documents, system drawings, and specifications
- Pay all applicable plan review fees
- Track your review status and comments through the ePlans dashboard
Important: Incomplete or non-code-compliant submissions will delay the review process.
- Review Timeline?
- Initial Review: 10–25 business days (varies by project size and scope)
- Re-Submissions/Corrections: 5–10 business days
- Expedited Reviews: Must be requested in advance and are subject to availability
- After Approval?
Once Plans are approved:
- You may proceed with paying applicable permit fees
- You will receive stamped, approved set of document via Eplans.
- All BCFD inspections for a Fire Protection System shall be completed prior to the Use and Occupancy Inspection and before a Fire Protection System is approved.
- Third-Party Review Option?
Some projects may qualify for third-party plan review by a BCFD-approved Third Party Plan Reviewer. This can help expedite reviews for qualified projects. Click here to visit our Third-Party Review page to learn more.