Inspection Process

Inspections

Each commercial occupancy in the Town of Normal is inspected at least once a year, and for certain occupancy types, such as daycare centers and liquor license establishments, at least twice a year.

Inspectors are looking for anything that could be a life safety issue, such as exit lighting, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems and paths of egress. The inspectors are enforcing NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and the Town of Normal Municipal Code.

Violations

If an inspector notates a violation, depending on the severity, the business will have the opportunity to correct the violation. The inspector will give the business adequate time to make the corrections and reinspect the occupancy.

If the violation is not corrected, or if the violation is an immediate risk to life and health, the inspector has the authority to issue violations, or close the occupancy until the violation has been corrected.

Paperless Inspection System

Normal Fire Department Prevention Division utilizes a tablet-based paperless inspection system. In addition to streamlining the inspection process, the system allows us to make sure we have updated emergency contact information for your business.

At the conclusion of your inspection, you will digitally sign the inspection report, review any violations and receive a copy of the inspection report in your email.  This report will include any violations, inspector notes and when to expect a reinspection. For this, we will request an email address for us to send the inspection reports.

If you do not have access to email, printed copies are still available at your request.

If a violation goes uncorrected after reinspection, a written notice will be mailed to the occupant and/or building owner informing them of the violation and the consequences and our return date.    Further violations may result in referral to the Town of Normal Legal Department.

We appreciate your time and for working with us to make sure that the Town of Normal is a safe place for you and your business.

Questions

If you have questions about the inspection process, please contact the Prevention Division at (309) 454-9616.