Fire Inspections

Fire Inspections are based on 1-, 2-, and 3-year cycles.

1-Year: Hazardous, institutional, high-rise assembly. Daycare and Foster care fall into this category. The North Carolina fire code does not cover residential inspections, except for the two mentioned.

2-Year: Industrial, and educational, except for public schools (the county takes care of all schools)

3-Year: Assembly occupancies with an occupant load less than 100, business, mercantile, storage, churches, synagogues, and miscellaneous group "U" occupancies.

Inspection fees are based on square feet, with the minimum charge of $40 for 3,000 feet or less. When applying for Clayton utilities, at that time you will pay the fee for a Fire Inspection, and Customer Service will forward all the information to the Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshall contact number is on the application form, so the owner can call for an inspection. New construction, up-fits to existing businesses, and sprinkler or fire alarm installations that require plans/permits are normally provided Inspection information at the time of permit. If you have any questions concerning inspections, fire codes, or if an inspection is required, call the Fire Marshal's office at 919-553-1577. The Fire Marshal only covers the Town of Clayton city limits and ETJ. Outside of these areas, inspections are performed by Johnson County Inspections, and their number is 919-989-5060.

Life Safety Inspection Vault (LIV) is a web-based service used by the Fire Marshal’s Office to track and maintain code compliance, reduce false alarm activity, and provide safer communities through third party inspection reporting and maintenance.

The Town of Clayton Fire Department partnered with Life Safety Inspection Vault (LIV) effective August 1, 2025. All records of compliant & non-compliant fire protection systems within the jurisdiction are required to be uploaded electronically by your respective organization/contractor via LIV's online portal.

The Clayton Fire Department has contracted with FireRecoveryUSA to provide a new electronic invoicing and collections billing service effective August 1, 2025.

Inspection notices will be sent directly to you via e-mail* from the inspector who conducted your inspection.

Invoices and receipts will be sent via email from Fire Recovery USA.
*Please note: Inspection notices are delivered and tracked to the email address you provide to our inspectors. Business owners without email addresses will still receive their bills through traditional mail.

Payment Methods

You will have the option of several payment methods. Please follow the instructions provided in your emailed invoice.

Inquires/Questions

Invoicing and payment inquiries: Contact Fire Recovery USA at 888-640-7222, ext. 103.

Questions about your inspection or other fire code inquiries: Please contact your Inspector or you may contact the Clayton Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office, by calling 919-533-1520.