This information outlines the minimum criteria for Minnesota State Fire Marshal (SFM) division approval of local fire code officials to conduct inspections required for licensure under Minnesota statutes.  

State statute requires many Departments of Human Services (DHS)-licensed facilities to comply with the Minnesota State Fire Code (MSFC) as part of the licensing process.  The statute states that when licensure under state statute requires an inspection by a fire marshal to determine compliance with the fire code, a local fire code inspector approved by us may conduct the inspection.  

Local authority to enforce the state fire code

• The fire chief for the jurisdiction 

• Other members of the fire department authorized by the fire chief  

• Persons designated by municipal ordinance to enforce the fire code for that jurisdiction  

• The state fire marshal and the state fire marshal’s authorized representative  

Minimum requirements for inspector approval 

• Certified fire inspector by Minnesota certification board or equivalent 

• Primary responsibility is the enforcement of the fire code through an inspection program 

• The inspector has attended DHS-licensed facility inspector training provided by the SFM 

• The inspector must attend DHS-licensed facility inspector training provided by the SFM at least once every four years