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Building & Fire Codes

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Two sets of codes regulate all buildings in Mt. Lebanon to keep residents and businesses safe from fires: the 2015 International Building Code and a customized version of the 2015 International Fire Code.

The International Fire Code regulates fire protection features in new constructions, renovations and additions, and it requires maintenance of built-in fire protection features.

The International Building and Fire Codes are developed from best practices, industry standards and historical events that resulted in large life or property losses. They not only address safety but environmental concerns as well.

We often say the basic tenets of fire prevention are engineering, education and enforcement. We sometimes require fire protection that you wouldn’t regularly notice, such as fire doors that close when the fire or sprinkler systems activate. But when that’s not possible, we educate occupants on the importance of keeping doors closed and properly maintaining fire protection systems. We ensure compliance by our thorough inspection program to quickly identify hazards.

That makes enforcement a rare last resort, only needed when other forms of fire prevention fail. If you have ANY questions not addressed below, please call fire prevention at 412-343-3402.


Fire Department

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A hot work permit is required to do any work with an open flame in a commercial building.

Download Fire Watch Procedures
YOU MAY NEED A MUNICIPAL BUILDING PERMIT. Contact the Mt. Lebanon Inspections office at 412-343-3400. The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department performs plans reviews and acceptance testing of fire and life safety systems in Mt. Lebanon. The fire prevention office will review the plans and return them within 30 days of receipt. You must fill out a construction permit and submit two sets of plans, cut sheets and any calculations done for:



  • Automatic extinguishing systems (Commercial Cooking Hood)

  • Commercial cooking hoods

  • Fire alarm systems

  • Fire pumps and related equipment

  • Flammable and combustible liquids production/dispensing

  • Hazardous materials production/dispensing

  • Industrial ovens

  • Life safety systems (Exit lights, emergency lights, fire extinguishers)

  • Private fire hydrants

  • Spraying/dipping operations

  • Sprinklers systems

  • Standpipe systems

  • Temporary membrane structures (tents)


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Although the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department understands the importance of special occasions, the 2015 International Fire Code does not permit the release of sky lanterns unless they are tethered, due to the risk of landing on a roof and causing a significant fire.
Our municipal code requires a Knox Box® system to retain keys to buildings that have a fire protection system (fire alarm, sprinklers, etc.) If you have a key box on your building the fire department will need to get keys for common areas of your building.

Visit The Knox Box Store web site for Mt. Lebanon
No. The fire code specifically prohibits the use of any open flame grill on a patio or deck of an apartment building. For apartment buildings, the open flame grill must be 15 feet from the building and any other combustible materials.
In 2014 the Mt. Lebanon Commission amended the Fire Code to require vendors that test or inspect any fire or life safety systems in Mt. Lebanon to upload the inspection report to the Compliance Engine®.  The compliance engine automatically tracks and send out notices when systems are 30 days from being due for testing/inspection and when the system is out of current inspection. It is the responsibility of the vendor to upload the report but it is your responsibility to ensure that the vendor uploaded the report.

Systems that are tracked by the Compliance Engine® are:

  • Fire alarm systems

  • Sprinkler systems and five-year obstruction inspections

  • Fire Pumps

  • Smoke Control Systems

  • Standpipe hydrostatic tests

  • Commercial Kitchen Hood Cleaning

  • Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems

  • Fire escapes

  • Emergency Generator Inspections


Visit The Compliance Engine web site
The Mt. Lebanon Fire Department has a comprehensive fire inspection program to protect your investment and ensure the safety of your customers or tenants. The fire department has three types of inspections, depending on the type of building and business. If you have questions about your scheduled inspection, please call fire prevention at 412-343-3402.


  • Annual inspections — Any property that is issued an operational permit other than an alarm permit receives an annual inspection. These include, but are not limited to, churches, schools, restaurants and properties having any additional hazards.

  • Bi-annual inspections — Any apartment building containing three or more apartments receive a bi-annual inspection.

  • General inspection — Any business that does not receive and annual inspection receives a general inspection every three years


Download the Self-Inspection Form
Hazardous waste reuse, recycling, and reclamation can avoid environmental hazards, protect scarce natural resources, reduce the nation’s reliance on raw materials and energy and provide economic benefits.


Please visit our Household Hazardous Waste page to learn how to recycle household hazardous waste.
Recreational fires, controlled in a safe manner, can be a fun way to enjoy an evening or entertain guests. Follow the link to see the Allegheny County and Mt. Lebanon requirements on recreational fires. If your fire does not meet these regulations, a fire official may order you to extinguish it.

Guidance on Outdoor fires
Burglar and fire alarms installed and monitored inside commercial buildings or private residences are required to have a private alarm permit, in order for us to have up-to-date records and contacts for the property in the event of an emergency. We bill a nominal fee each January. The fee is set annually by the Mt. Lebanon Commission. Please submit the private alarm permit application and contact form below and we will send you an invoice.

Private Alarm Permit Application & Contact form
Burglar and fire alarms installed and monitored inside commercial buildings or private residences are required to have a private alarm permit. If you are receiving this bill, the fire department or police department most likely responded to an automatic alarm at your property and we did not have a private alarm permit on file.

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GET ON THE

TRUCK!

Being a volunteer firefighter is challenging and rewarding. As a volunteer, you can expect to be challenged. Because firefighting is a dangerous job, you will receive a great deal of training to ensure that you are well versed in the art and science of fire and rescue.

Volunteer
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department firefighters along with Bethel Park Fire Department assist at a Dormont structure fire
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department firefighters
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department firefighters at incident
Mt. Lebanon Fire Department fire lieutenant at incident