Building & Development Information
BSFD actively reviews building and development plans for both commercial and residential projects within the fire district. This process involves close collaboration with architects, contractors, business owners, and residents to ensure compliance with fire and life-safety codes. These efforts help ensure that both new and existing structures meet the necessary codes and standards to protect occupants and first responders.
Adopted Fire Code
Fire & Life Safety Acceptance Testing
BSFD conducts acceptance testing for all commercial and residential Fire and Life Safety systems in the district.
- Acceptance testing for commercial projects is coordinated with the State of Montana Building Codes Official.
- Acceptance testing for residential projects is conducted by BSFD personnel. Use this link to review the requirement for Residential Fire & Life Safety Acceptance Testing.
Annual Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (IT&M)
All commercial and residential Fire & Life Safety Systems are required to have annual Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (IT&M) completed by a licensed contractor. For this reason, BSFD has partnered with InspectionReportsOnline.net (IROL) Inc. for third-party reporting and compliance.
- All Fire & Life Safety System Contractors are required to submit IT&M reports to IROL HERE.
Fee and Permit Schedule
Schedule an Inspection
County Subdivision and Zoning
Use the following links to review subdivision and zoning regulations.
Gallatin County Land Use Permits & Madison County Pre-Construction Safety Reviews
All Land Use Permits (LUPs) and Pre-Construction Safety Reviews (PCSRs) are subject to review and coordination with the respective county planning departments. LUP/PCSR submissions should include the following components for review, such as driveway design, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and private water systems. Submit your LUP/PCSR HERE.
Driveway Design
- Use this link to review BSFD Driveway Standards.
- Submit your Driveway Design for review HERE.
Water Systems
- Use this link to access the BSFD Dry Hydrant Manual.
- Use this link to access examples of Suction Draft Cisterns.
- Use this link to access examples of Fire Cistern Details
- Use this link to access an example of a Draft Hydrants
- Use this link to access an example of an alternative Dry Hydrant
- Submit your plans for review HERE.
Building in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI)
Use the links below to access additional information that BSFD uses during development stages for commercial and residential projects within the Wildland Urban Interface.
Plan Reviews
Plan reviews are a significant step in the building and development process, ensuring the highest level of fire and life-safety within the district. For that reason, BSFD has partnered with Fire Safety Consultants, Inc. (FSCI) to conduct third-party reviews of all commercial and residential systems/plans. FSCI is contracted to conduct plan reviews only; they do not provide on-site inspections. Submit your systems/plans to FSCI for review HERE.
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems for Commercial Occupancies
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems for All Residential Occupancies
- Fire Pumps
- Standpipe and Hose Valve Systems
- Fire Protection Storage Tanks
- Fire Alarm Systems
- Kitchen Hood Wet Chemical Systems
- Alternative/Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems
- Paint Booth Extinguishing Systems
- Underground Systems
- Area of Rescue Communication Systems
- Commodity vs Density Study
Operational Permits
Vegetation Management Plans
Submit your Vegetation Management Plan HERE.
BSFD Inspections & Safety Compliance
The primary goal of the Big Sky Fire Department during inspections is to prevent injuries, loss of life, and property damage. BSFD achieves this by conducting inspections for both commercial and residential structures within the fire district. To guide building owners and occupants during Fire and Life Safety Inspections, the BSFD utilizes the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), which provides information specific to their structures and occupancy classifications.
Types of Inspections BSFD Provides
BSFD conducts the following types of Inspections in the district:
- Annual Commercial Property Inspections
- Department of Revenue Licensing Inspections, including Liquor and Cannabis
- Department of Public Health and Human Services: Child Care Facilities (13 or more students)
- Commercial and Residential Fire & Life Safety Systems, including Rough-In and Final Acceptance Testing
- Short Term Rental Inspections
- Residential Driveway Review and Inspections
- Commercial Kitchen Hood Review and Inspections
- Water Systems Review and Inspections
- Operating Permit review and inspections
- Mobile Food Vendors permit Inspections
Items Commonly Reviewed During Inspections
- All smoke, carbon monoxide, and explosive gas alarms/detectors are operating properly and not expired
- All emergency lighting systems are working as designed
- Exit signs are in the correct locations and are visible in low light conditions
- Exits are unlocked, unblocked and working properly
- Fire extinguishers are mounted in an accessible location with a valid inspection tag from a licensed extinguisher provider
- Fire alarm system is in a properly operating condition, and annual Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance (IT&M) has been conducted by a licensed provider
- Fire sprinkler system is in a properly operating condition, and annual Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance (IT&M) has been conducted by a licensed provider
- Business address is clearly marked in a contrasting color, with numbers no smaller than 4” high on the building.
- No extension cords are used to power any equipment permanently.
Common Concerns Identified During Inspections
- The wrong type of fire extinguisher for its intended use
- Dead batteries in smoke alarms/detectors, exit lights, and emergency lights
- Burned out bulbs in exit lights and emergency lights
- Exit signs not posted
- Exits obstructed
- Fire extinguisher(s) out of date or not mounted in an accessible location
- Electrical panels are not accessible or labeled properly
- Missing ceiling tiles or unrepaired holes in ceilings and walls
- Use of extension cords in place of permanent wiring
- Lack of Class K fire extinguishers for commercial cooking areas
- Lack of approved & semi-annual tagged hood systems for commercial cooking
- Excessive storage in mechanical rooms
Ready to Schedule an Inspection?
BSFD provides plan reviews, permitting, and fire & life safety inspections for properties across the district.