Third-Party Plan Review

In certain cases, the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD) allows approved third-party agencies to conduct plan reviews to help expedite the permitting process. Third-party reviews ensure that fire protection systems and life safety features are designed to meet all applicable codes, while providing flexibility for project teams on tight schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Third-Party View Allowed?

Third-party plan review may be permitted for:

Fire Alarm Systems (Add / Relocate 20 Fire Alarm Devices or less – Notification and Initiating Devices – Only for Existing Approved Fire Alarm System
Automatic Sprinkler System (Add / Relocate 50 sprinkler heads or less- Only for Existing Approved Sprinkler Systems)
Commercial Kitchen Suppression System (New or Modifications to Existing Systems)
A Specialized or Large-Scale Building Project (Fire and Life Safety Design Evaluation - FLSDE)

All third-party reviews must be completed by a BCFD-approved reviewer and meet the department’s standards.

Note: Even with a third-party review, BCFD retains the authority to perform final review and approval.

How The Third-Party Process Works?

Obtain Approval: Contact the BCFD Fire Prevention Office to request authorization to use a third-party reviewer for your project.
Select an Approved Third-Party Plan Reviewer (TPPR). Please refer to the qualifications listed in the Third-Party Plan Review Certification Letter; or the Fire and Life Safety Design Evaluation. Click here for the FLSDE evaluation.
Third-Party Review and Report: The reviewer examines the plans and provides a report with findings, corrections, or a recommendation for approval.
Submit to BCFD: Submit the third-party review report, stamped plans, and all required documentation to BCFD for final review and approval.
Once the review is completed, applicant shall apply for the applicable permits via the Department of Housing and Community Development. Click here for the ePlans Portal.
Applicant shall clearly indicate in the Permit Description that this project is an Expedited Third-Party Plan Review.
For Fire Protection Systems, applicant shall submit the following:
- Third-Party Plan Review Certification Letter
- Fire Protection Submittal Form
- Stamped Fire Protection System Plans with supporting documentation
For Fire and Life Safety Design Evaluation (FLSDE) , the applicant shall submit the following:
- FLSDE report
- Stamped Plans with supporting documentation
The assigned Fire Reviewer shall review the permit application and all submitted documentation.
For Fire Protection Systems, if all required documentation for an Expedited Third-Party Plan Review is submitted, Fire Department approval will be issued within approximately seven (7) business days of the DHCD referral for a Fire Department Plan Review. A Fire Department Approval Letter will be emailed to /Applicant.
Applicants shall complete the permitting process by paying corresponding permit fees and obtaining the approved plans from DHCD lead plan coordinator.
For Fire and Life Safety Design Evaluation (FLSDE), an initial plan review will be conducted by BCFD within approximately fifteen (15) business days of the DHCD referral for a Fire Department Plan Review. Plans will be subject to a comprehensive review; however, any resubmissions will be reviewed within seven (7) business days of the DHCD referral.

Note: Failure to provide required information may result in a delay in permit approval.

Important Requirements?

All third-party reviewers shall be Maryland Registered Fire Protection Engineers or NICET Level IV Technicians. Please refer to the qualifications listed in the Third-Party Plan Review Certification Letter; or the Fire and Life Safety Design Evaluation.
Plans must still be submitted to BCFD for recordkeeping and final approval — third-party review does not eliminate BCFD oversight.
Any major changes during construction must be re-reviewed and re-approved by both the third-party agency and BCFD.
Additional fees for third-party review are the responsibility of the applicant.

Benefits of Using Third-Party Review?