Fire Safety

For buildings where many people congregate, you need a use notification. This includes hotels, daycare centers, nursing homes, hospitals and other buildings in which people have little control over their own safety.

The Permit Check of the Environment Counter shows you whether or not you need to file a use notification. 

Do the check through the Environment Counter

How does it work?

In these cases, you must file a use notification:

  • If there will be more than 50 people in the building at the same time. Or more than 150 people if it is an office or industrial function.
  • If there is rooming with 5 or more residential units.
  • If a hotel or care facility sleeps more than 10 people.
  • If more than 10 persons under the age of 12 are staying in the building during the day.
  • If the building houses more than 10 physically or mentally handicapped persons during the day.
  • If it is an apartment where care is provided.
  • Notify at least 4 weeks in advance that you will be using the building.

Filing a report is free of charge.

Existing use notice no longer up to date?

Then file a new use notification. For example, if:

  • more persons are on the premises at one time than indicated in the existing notification or permit;
  • users cannot manage themselves as well as before;
  • the new users' familiarity with the building is less, or;
  • fire safety features disappear. For example, an escape door being closed.

You are responsible for the fire-safe use of your structure. The rules on the use of structures are scattered throughout the Building Works Decree living environment. The rules for submitting use notifications are also in the Building Works Living Environment Decree § 6.1.2. Section 6.8 lists what must be on the drawing. More information can be found under the heading Laws and regulations.

Want to know more or have questions?

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