Fire code compliance before plan review.
Check designs against NFPA 101, the International Building Code and the NFPA installation standards your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) enforces — and resolve comments before they reach plan review.
Codes and standards in United States
- NFPA 101 — Life Safety Code (NFPA): Means of egress, occupancy classification, protection features and life-safety systems.
- International Building Code (IBC) (International Code Council): Model building code adopted, often with amendments, by most states and local jurisdictions.
- International Fire Code (International Code Council): Fire prevention, fire protection systems and hazardous materials, adopted locally.
- NFPA 13, 72, 25 and 70 (NFPA): Sprinklers, fire alarm and signaling, inspection and maintenance of water-based systems, and the National Electrical Code.
How plan review and permitting work
Requirements are set by the AHJ, which adopts specific editions of the model codes. Knowing which editions apply is the first step.
- Confirm adopted editions: Identify the editions of the IBC, International Fire Code and NFPA standards your AHJ has adopted, including local amendments.
- Plan review: Building and fire plan reviewers check the construction documents and issue comments.
- Permit and construction: Permits are issued and fire protection systems are installed, often under separate permits.
- Inspection and certificate of occupancy: Fire and building inspections, acceptance testing, then the certificate of occupancy.
What Verify AI checks
- Egress capacity, travel distance and common path of travel — NFPA 101 / IBC
- Dead-end corridor limits and exit separation — NFPA 101 / IBC
- Fire-resistance-rated assemblies and opening protectives — IBC
- Sprinkler coverage and obstructions — NFPA 13
- Fire alarm, notification and emergency lighting — NFPA 72 / NFPA 101
- Working space around electrical equipment — NFPA 70 (NEC)
Frequently asked questions
Which fire codes apply to my project in the US?
Your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) decides. Most jurisdictions adopt the International Building Code and International Fire Code, and many reference NFPA 101 and the NFPA installation standards, often with local amendments and specific editions.
What is the difference between NFPA 101 and the IBC?
NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, focuses on protecting occupants: egress, protection features and life-safety systems. The IBC is a broader model building code that covers construction as a whole, including fire-resistance and egress. Many projects must satisfy both.
Does Verify AI replace plan review?
No. Verify AI is a pre-check that finds likely comments before submission, with the clause and location for each one. A licensed professional remains responsible for the design and the submission.
What files can I upload?
IFC (2x3 and IFC4), DXF and PDF drawings exported from Revit, ArchiCAD, Bentley, Tekla or AutoCAD.