Fire Safety Inspections

Fire Safety Plan Reviews

A fire safety plan review is a comprehensive review of a building's proposed layout and used to determine compliance with applicable child care center fire safety rules.

Plan reviews are required for original child care center applications and certain modifications to existing licensed centers.

Note: A plan review submittal is also required for the review of fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Be sure to review the applicable resources before submitting a plan review.

The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) partners with the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Fire Services (BFS), to provide resources to help applicants and licensees understand and complete the plan review process.

Plan Review Resources

Before submitting a plan review, review the following resources to learn when a review is required, what must be included in your building plans, and how to submit your application.

• A Child Care Center's Guide to Fire Safety

• Checklist for Submitting Child Care Center Fire Safety Plans for Review

• BFS Plan Review Webinar

• BFS Plan Review Presentation

• BFS Frequently Asked Questions

How to Submit a Plan Review

1. Visit the BFS Plan Review webpage.
2. Select Plan Review Submittal to access the Accela Citizen Access Portal.
3. Create an account or sign in to your existing account.
4. Complete the application and upload the required building plans and supporting documentation.
5. Retain your assigned Project Number (PR#) for future reference.

• Fire alarm and sprinkler system drawings must be submitted separately. Be sure to include the assigned project number in the project description, when submitting these drawings for review.

Important: If BFS requests corrections or additional documentation, submit them under your existing Project Number (PR#). Do not create a new project. 

All BFS correspondence will be sent electronically from noreply@accela.com to the email address associated with your Accela account. Be sure to monitor your email, including your spam or junk folder, for updates.

Requesting a Fire Safety Inspection

Once your plan review is approved, request a BFS fire safety inspection by emailing BFSInspectionRequest@michigan.gov or contacting a BFS inspector directly by phone or email. 

To identify the BFS inspector or regional supervisor assigned to your area, visit the Fire Safety Inspectors Regions Map.

Need Help With Your Plan Review?

CCLB's Filter First Licensing Consultants are available to assist applicants and licensees with questions about the Accela application and plan review submission process.

BFS Plan Review Office Hours

CCLB and BFS offer monthly virtual office hours to answer questions, provide guidance, and share updates about the plan review process.

When: First Thursday of each month, 3–4 p.m.

Registration for BFS Plan Review Office Hours

These may include:

• Renovating, remodeling, or expanding the building.

• Changing the use of existing rooms or child care spaces.

• Modifying the building layout or licensed capacity.

• Upgrading or altering building components.

Before making changes to your facility, review the Child Care Licensing Center Rules requirements, Child Care Center Technical Assistance and Consultation Manul and contact your licensing consultant or a filter first consultant to determine if a plan review is required.   

Changes That Do Not Require a New Plan Review

The following generally do not require a new plan review:

• Interior finishes: Replacing ceiling tiles, painting, or updating wall finishes. All materials must comply with R 400.8520. Documentation must be available to the Qualified Fire Inspector (QFI) during the next scheduled inspection.

• Routine maintenance and repairs: Work necessary to maintain a building and its components in working condition, including replacing individual components that are damaged or no longer operational.

If you are unsure whether your proposed changes require a plan review, contact  mileap-cclb-filterfirst@michigan.gov before beginning work.

Building Plan Requirements

• Projects greater than $25,000: Plans must be prepared and submitted by a registered architect or engineer.

• Projects less than $25,000: Plans may be self-drawn but must meet all applicable plan review requirements and be submitted through Accela.

Optional Consultation for New Facilities 

This optional consultation can help identify potential fire safety concerns before committing to a location.

A consultation does not replace the required plan review or inspection and does not guarantee approval or issuance of a child care license.

Fire Safety-Child Care Centers Operating in School Buildings

Child care centers located in buildings currently operating as an approved school may qualify to use existing school fire safety approval in place of a separate child care fire safety inspection.

Acceptable documentation includes a previous approval from BFS or the State Fire Marshal, or a completed Certification of School Building Compliance with Fire Safety Provisions (BCAL-5043) signed by the School District Superintendent or Equivalent School Leader.

By submitting BCAL-5043, the school certifies that:

• The building is approved for school use under Michigan Administrative Code R 29.1901–R 29.1934.

• The building has been continuously used as a public or nonpublic school for instruction of children in kindergarten or higher since receiving fire safety approval.

• Any building changes made since the original approval have been reviewed and approved by BFS or the State Fire Marshal.

• Portions of the building that have not been modified remain compliant with applicable fire safety rules for existing school buildings.

Fire Safety Inspections for Existing Licensed Centers

Licensed child care centers must obtain a fire safety inspection by a Qualified Fire Inspector (QFI) every four years as part of the license renewal process.

1. Select an inspector from the approved Independent Qualified Fire Safety Inspectors (QFI) list below.
2. Contact the inspector directly to arrange your inspection.
3. Ensure the inspection is completed in sufficient time to meet your license renewal requirements.