The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for the enforcement of city of Thornton laws, codes, and ordinances, including the International Fire Code and nationally recognized standards. Through plan review, inspections, meetings with citizens and design professionals, and continuing education, the Prevention staff works toward the protection of life and property from the effects of fire.
Once you have all of the information gathered for a complete submittal package the application and plans can be submitted electronically. The amount of time to process and review a plan from the initial submittal date to the completion of the first review (the turn around time) will vary with the type of project. Delays may occur due to high volume of applications.
- New Commercial - 18 working days or less
- Commercial Tenant Improvements & Remodels - 13 working days or less
- New Residential except Multifamily - 13 working days or less
- Residential Remodels and Misc. - 8 working days or less
Please call 303-538-7007 to set up inspections.
To submit plans for a permit, please use the CityView Portal link.
For instructional videos on specific topics related to CityView or to utilize the CityView Help Portal, visit the Thornton City Development webpage.
There are several different types of permits that are required by the Fire Prevention Bureau, they include but are not limited to the following. Please Note: The forms and documents on this page are all in PDF format.
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler System [PDF/225KB]
- Carbon Dioxide Dispensing System [PDF/213KB]
- Kitchen Hood Extinguishing System [PDF/184KB]
- Emergency Radio Coverage [PDF/165KB]
- Fire Alarm System [PDF/174KB]
- High Hazard Area Requirements [PDF/151KB]
- High Piled Combustible Requirements [PDF/284KB]
- Owner's Statements
- Tank Installation/Removal
- Propane Exchange [PDF/204KB]
- Tent/Canopy [PDF/268KB]
Adopted Codes as of July 1, 2025
| Code | Edition |
|---|---|
| International Fire Code | 2024 |
| Thornton Fire Code Amendments | 2024 |
| International Building Code | 2024 |
| International Plumbing Code | 2024 |
| International Mechanical Code | 2024 |
| International Fuel Gas Code | 2024 |
| International Residential Code | 2024 |
| International Existing Building Code | 2024 |
| National Electric Code | 2023 |
| International Energy Conservation Code | 2024 |
| Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13) | 2025 |
| Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes (NFPA 13D) | 2025 |
| Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height (NFPA 13R) | 2025 |
| Standard for the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72) | 2025 |
| Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems (NFPA 25) | 2011 |
Thornton Fire Department personnel visit businesses each year to perform a routine annual or biannual Fire Safety Survey. The purpose of the survey is to verify that the use and maintenance of buildings comply with the important fire and life safety requirements of the International Fire Code, as adopted by the City of Thornton. Special attention is given to hazards that pose a serious fire and life safety threat to buildings, its occupants and its neighbors. The survey also provides firefighters with the opportunity to become familiar with buildings and businesses in order to respond to an emergency in a fast, safe and efficient manner.
We have provided a checklist [PDF/116KB]of common hazards and special items that are checked during the survey. The survey may reveal that a business has additional requirements. We ask businesses to take the time to make sure all of these items have been addressed so that the surveys are quick and informative. The Thornton Fire Department personnel conducting the survey can answer any questions that a business owner may have.
Remember, compliance with International Fire Code requirements is mandatory and contributes toward the goal of making the City of Thornton a safer place to live and work by reducing the loss of life and property from fire. Most hazards, when identified, will need to be addressed in a short time depending on the severity of the hazard(s). The Thornton Fire Department will make every effort to work with all businesses toward compliance. However, Fire Code violations are illegal, and serious violations or the need for repeated follow-up surveys may result in a criminal summons being issued for violation of the International Fire Code.
When: Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. by appointment.
How: Contact Fire Prevention to schedule inspection.
Email: FirePrevention@ThorntonCO.gov
Phone: 303-538-7007
Cost: Inspection fee $75
Before Inspection:
- MUST have a current license from a Colorado Health Department.
- Denver Health Department only valid in Denver
- Application with Thornton Business License
Contact Laura.Alexander@ThorntonCO.gov or Visit Business Licenses for more information or to apply for a license.
The City of Thornton currently follows the 2024 ICC codes and Thornton Fire Amendments.
Yes, Thornton has locally adopted amendments to the IFC and IBC.
The 2025 edition of NFPA 13 is currently adopted.
The best point of contact is the Fire Prevention Division at FirePrevention@thorntonco.gov.
Submittals are processed through the CityView online portal.
Yes. Please check with the City when you are ready to process your application to confirm the current fee amounts.
Projects are assigned to the Fire Prevention Division with certified Fire Plan Reviewers. TFD Prevention may ask for additional Engineering Review and analysis based on project needs.
Plans must be signed by a design professional certified as a NICET Level III or IV, a Professional Engineer, or other approved certification.
No, the City of Thornton does not allow deferred submittals.
Yes, fire alarm systems are required to have separate permits.
A permit is required for its installation.
A permit is required for compressed gases used for carbonation at amounts specified under code – IFC Chapter 53.
A permit is required for anything over 100 lbs. inside a facility/building.
It depends on the system; for small systems no, but for large and elaborate systems it is determined during the review process.
Requirements for seismic anchoring, automatic shut-off valves, power monitoring, battery backup, and labeling are governed by 2024 IFC Chapter 53.
Yes, the City requires licensed contractors for all construction, remodeling, or utility work, typically categorized by Class A, B, C, or D.
A safety factor of 10% is enforced.
The flow test must have been conducted within the past 12 months.
Yes, they are evaluated by Building and Fire Reviewers. A pre-application meeting is suggested prior to submittal.
Fire watch is enforced according to IFC requirements. Systems out of service for more than four hours require a designated fire watch.
Yes, access is required to the fire pump room.
Thornton uses the Brycer Compliance Engine.
It is classified as a High-Hazard Group A Unexpanded Plastic under the IFC.
Without a specialized suppression system, storage must not exceed 6 feet. Adequate aisle widths (minimum 44 inches) must be maintained.
Yes, any change to storage configuration—including transitioning to rack storage—requires a permit under IFC Section 105.6.14.
This requires specialized high-density ceiling sprinkler protection and potentially in-rack sprinklers per NFPA 13 and IFC Section 3208.
The office requires a completed Owner's Statement for high-piled storage and hazardous materials.