Safety Inspections

Safety Inspection Certificates

The Fire Department conducts a safety inspection of each business or multi-family residential premise within the city limits of Great Falls based on the risk classifications at least every 3 years to ensure the property is safe for the employees, customers and residents. To cover the cost of this safety service, each business premise needs a Safety Inspection Certificate.  The fee for this Certificate is based upon the square footage of the premise.

Per Title 5 of the City Code, the City of Great Falls issues Safety Inspection Certificates in lieu of Business Licenses to businesses located within the city limits.  The Safety Inspection Certificate is your licensure to operate with the City of Great Falls and the Fire Department is a small part of this overall licensure process.

If a business does not have a current Safety Inspection Certificate, they will need to complete a Safety Inspection Certificate Application form.

Please note the following updates to the City Code:

5.1.060   Certificate, permits and special business license duration - renewal.

A.    All certificates, permits or special business licenses issued pursuant to this Title shall expire on December 31 of the year in which such certificate, permit or special business license is issued, unless otherwise specified.

B.    Failure to renew a certificate, permit or special business license and to remit all applicable fees within sixty (60) days after expiration shall result in immediate revocation of said certificate, permit, or license.

5.1.07     Late charge

Failure to renew the safety inspection certificate or special business license by December 31 of the year in which such certificate, permit, or special business license is issued, shall result in a delinquent charge as determined by Commission resolution.  (Resolution No. 10207, Delinquent Fee  =  $30)

Also please note that pursuant to Title 13 Chapter 12 of the City Code any discharge to the sanitary sewer of waste generated from commercial preparation, cooking, and handling of food; or, discharge of any waste that is not strictly lavatory waste or similar matter commonly associated with the sanitary facilities at a residential property must complete an Industrial Waste Survey prior to City issuance of a Safety Inspection Certificate.  Please call the Environmental Division at 727-8390 for additional information or with questions.