Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews plans for fire code compliance for new construction, additions, and remodeling/alterations of all commercial/industrial buildings and certain multi-family dwellings in the City of St. Charles. Architectural plans are submitted to the Building and Code Enforcement Division to begin the permit process. All conditions stated in the plan review must be satisfied prior to final occupancy of the building/space.

Any installation, modification or substantial repairs to fire and life safety systems requires a separate submittal to the Fire Prevention Bureau for review. Fire Prevention Bureau approval is required prior to beginning work. In the case of an emergency repair, contact the Fire Prevention Bureau for verbal approval to begin impairment remediation.

Beginning Monday, August 31st, 2026, the following process should be used for every submittal to the Fire Prevention Bureau:

Application for Permit: A completed Application for Permit must accompany every submittal package. Applications for Permit can be found here. These applications replace the Plan Review Transmittal Form previously used.
Plans and Supporting Documentation: Each Application for Permit provides detailed information and guidance on plan and supporting documentation requirements.
Review Fee: Must be submitted at the time of Application for Permit. See the revised fee structure included with this letter.
Submittal: All submittals should now be directed to the Building & Code Enforcement Division located at 2 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. Digital submissions are not accepted. Submittals will no longer be accepted at the Fire Department.
Permit Issuance: Upon review, a City Permit will be issued for all stand-alone fire and life safety system work. Any work associated with commercial/industrial new construction or building alterations will be authorized under the project building permit. Fire Department approval is required prior to beginning work.

Fire Department Fees

The Fire Prevention Bureau will implement the following updated fee structure, contained in Chapter 15.101.150 of the City of St. Charles Municipal Code, on Monday, August 31st, 2026:

Fire Department Fees
Plan Review Fees
Review of Fire Alarm Plans (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$130.00 for 1-10 Devices $175.00 for 10-20 Devices $200.00 for Over 200 Devices
Review of Fire Alarm Communicator Plans (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$130.00
Review of Sprinkler System Plans (Includes (1) Aboveground Hydrostatic Test/Above Ceiling Inspection)	$130.00 for 1-20 Sprinkler Heads $250.00 for 20-100 Sprinkler Heads $500.00 Over 100 Sprinkler Heads
Review of Standpipe System Plans	$250.00
Review of Fire Pump Plans (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$250.00
Review of Kitchen Hood & Duct Plans (Includes (1) Light Test and (1) Fire Wrap Inspection)	$250.00
Review of Kitchen Suppression System Plans (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$250.00
Review of High Pile Storage/Rack Plans (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$250.00
Review of Special Hazard Plans (Engineered & Pre-engineered Systems, NFPA 2001, NFPA 12, NFPA 17 & 17A, NFPA 750, NFPA 770) (Includes (1) Acceptance Test)	$250.00 for 1-200 Pounds of Agent $500.00 for Over 200 Pounds of Agent
Review of Aboveground & Underground Storage Tank Installation/Removal Plans (Includes (1) Final Occupancy Inspection)	$250.00
Review of Tent/Temporary Structure Plans (Includes (1) Final Occupancy Inspection)	$80.00 for 400-1000 sq. ft. $160.00 for over 1000 sq. ft.
Review of Other Life Safety System Plans Not Already Listed (Includes (1) Final/Acceptance Test)	$130.00 per hour
Review of Revised Plans	50% of Initial Plan Review Fee
Inspection & Field-Testing Fees
Witnessed Dry Sprinkler Full Trip Test	$130.00
Witnessed 24-Hour Dry Sprinkler Air Test	$130.00
Witnessed Sprinkler Forward Flow Test	$130.00
Witnessed Fire Pump Acceptance/Reacceptance Test	$130.00
Witnessed Flush of New Underground Main Installation	$130.00
Witnessed Hydrostatic Acceptance Test of New Underground Main Installation	$260.00
Smoke Evacuation Test	$130.00
Witnessed Room Integrity Test	$130.00
Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Acceptance Test (Restaurants, Parking Garages, etc.)	$130.00
Hydrant Flow Test	$260.00 per test
Shunt Trip Acceptance Test	$130.00
Additional Required Life Safety Test/Inspection Not Covered	$130.00 per man hour
Re-Inspection Fee	$130.00 per inspection ($260.00 per Hydrostatic Test of New Underground Main)
No Show Fee (15-minute grace period given)	$130.00
Reimbursement for Fire Protection Services - Third party reviews or Inspections of Required Life Safety Systems	Applicant shall pay actual cost of services billed to the City by a fire protection company including outside plan reviews and any other associated task relative to any application for permit plus $130.00 Administrative Fee

Contact Us

(630) 377-4457

fd_fpb@stcharlesil.gov

Plan Review

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