The Fire Marshal’s Office conducts fire and life-safety inspections for commercial, industrial, and public facilities within the City of Sumter. Inspections ensure compliance with adopted fire codes, identify potential hazards, and verify that safety systems are maintained in accordance with regulatory standards.
The office performs the following types of inspections:
- Initial Occupancy Inspections for newly opened or newly constructed businesses
- Annual Fire Inspections for ongoing code compliance
- Mobile Food Vendor Inspections to verify safe operation of cooking equipment and fuel systems
- Follow-Up and Complaint-Driven Inspections as required
- Hazard-Specific Inspections for high-risk occupancies or specialized operations
Inspection requirements help safeguard the public, protect property, and maintain a consistent level of safety throughout the community. Businesses can refer to posted checklists and forms to prepare for upcoming inspections.
Business Self-Inspection Worksheet - Use this to prepare for your business's upcoming inspection.
Food Truck Safety Checklist - If you are a mobile food vendor, use this checklist to prepare for your inspection.
The annual and initial inspection process is in place to ensure that all buildings comply with all applicable codes and standards. The International Fire Code provides comprehensive regulations that guide fire-prevention measures and life-safety requirements for existing buildings, new construction, and renovation projects within the City of Sumter.
The purpose of fire inspections is to identify and reduce fire risk within city limits. Routine inspections verify that required fire-safety systems—such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and portable extinguishers—are properly maintained and functioning as intended. Inspections also evaluate general housekeeping, egress conditions, and compliance with operational requirements.
Mobile food vendors have become a regular presence at community events and local venues. The Fire Marshal’s Office works to ensure these operations are conducted safely, supporting continued business activity while reducing hazards that may pose a risk to the public. Routine inspections are conducted to identify and correct fire hazards, verify code compliance, and provide education to vendors on safe operational practices.
Mobile food vendors operating within the City of Sumter are required to obtain a permit issued by the Fire Marshal’s Office. Permits must be renewed annually in order to continue operating within city limits.
Please note: A business license cannot be issued until the Fire Marshal’s Office has completed and approved the required inspection. Inspections will be scheduled only after an application and all applicable documentation for the vendor’s operational category have been submitted and verified.
Mobile food vendors found to be operating out of compliance may be required to cease operations until all deficiencies are corrected. Repeated violations may result in additional enforcement actions, including suspension or revocation of the vendor’s ability to operate within the City of Sumter.