Fire Prevention Information

Download a FREE copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files. Click on the button below.

Fire Department Information

City of Madison Home Page

A fire code license (or permit) constitutes permission to maintain, store or handle materials, or to conduct processes, which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, or to install equipment used in connection with such activities.

• Applications can be obtained and submitted at the City of Madison Fire Department's Administration Building, located at 325 W. Johnson Street, Madison, WI  53703.
• Applications can also be obtained by clicking on the links to the appropriate application forms (pdf files) listed below.
• Applications should consist of:
  • Madison Fire Department application form(s) as required by the licenses, see specific details below - License List.
• All license applications shall be made 30 days prior to commencing the prescribed activities.
• License fees are $100.00 per license, except for the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material license which is $250.00 per license, payable to the City Treasurer.
• A license is not transferable and any change in equipment, ownership, use, or occupancy of premises shall require a new license.
• An inspection may be required before the issuance of a license. Additional information may be required to be submitted for review.
• Applications shall be acted upon within fifteen (15) business days.
• Licenses shall at all times be prominently displayed on the premises.
• Licenses shall be valid for no more than 1 year. The term of each annual license shall be from July 1 to June 30 of the next succeeding year.

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

Questions regarding the technical requirements of the licenses should be addressed to the Madison Fire Department Fire Prevention Division at (608) 266-4420

Madison General Ordinances for Fire Prevention Code can be obtained by either downloading the following file:

• Madison General Ordinance (MGO) 34 - Fire Prevention Code (pdf file)

or going to the following website:

• Municode - Online Codes

The International Fire Code (IFC) is available for purchase on-line at:

• International Fire Code (IFC)

Madison General Ordinance (MGO) - 34 & the International Fire Code (IFC) requires the following licenses (permits):

NOTE: License applications and other forms are available for download below.  Many of these forms are in Adobe PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader Software to view.  You can download a FREE copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software by clicking on the button below.

Aerosol Products (IFC 105.6.1)

A license is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in excess of 500 pounds net weight.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Amusement Buildings (IFC 105.6.2)

Please contact the City of Madison Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division at (608) 266-4420 for further information on Amusement Building licenses.

• Amusement Building License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Aviation Buildings (IFC 105.6.3)

A license is required to use a Hazardous or Storage Occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Battery Systems (IFC 105.6.5)

A license is required to install stationary lead-acid battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Cellulose Nitrate Film (IFC 105.6.6)

A license is required to store, handle or use cellulose nitrate film in an Assembly occupancy.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

 [Return to Licenses List]

Combustible Dust Producing Operation (IFC 105.6.7)

A license is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts, or handle such material in such a manner that substantial quantities of explosive dust may be produced without first obtaining a license.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Combustible Fibers (IFC 105.6.8)

A license is required for the storage or handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than one hundred cubic feet.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Compressed Gases (IFC 105.6.9)

A license is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9 of the International Fire Code (IFC).  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application* (pdf file)

*Note: If other hazardous materials are on site, then complete the Hazardous Materials License Application (pdf file) in replace of the Special Hazards License Application.

[Return to Licenses List]

Covered Malls (IFC 105.6.10)

Please contact the City of Madison Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division at (608) 266-4420 for further information on Covered Malls licenses.

• Covered Mall Buildings (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 105.6.11)

A license is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.11 of the IFC.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application* (pdf file)

*Note: If other hazardous materials are on site, then complete the Hazardous Materials License Application (pdf file) in replace of the Special Hazards License Application.

[Return to Licenses List]

Cutting and Welding (IFC 105.6.12)

A license is required to conduct cutting or welding operations within the jurisdiction.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

  [Return to Licenses List]

Dry Cleaning & Dry Dyeing (IFC 105.6.13)

A license is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry cleaning equipment.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Explosives (IFC 105.6.15)

A license is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material or within the scope of Chapter 33 of the International Fire Code.  Complete the following applications:

• Blasting License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance (MGO 34.28)

A license is required for qualified individuals, to recharge and service fire extinguishers. 

Complete the following applications:

• Fire Extinguisher Maintenance License Application (pdf file)

Upon passing an exam administered by the Madison Fire Department the application then can be reviewed and released.

[Return to Licenses List]

Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 105.6.17)

A license is required to store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building.   Or to store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application* (pdf file)

*Note: If other hazardous materials are on site, then complete the Hazardous Materials License Application (pdf file) in replace of the Special Hazards License Application.

Prior to the installation of an underground storage tank or aboveground storage tank containing flammable or combustible liquids a Flammable Liquid Tanks Installation Application (SBD-9)  must be completed, and along with four sets of drawings and required fees for plan review be forwarded to the State of Wisconsin for tanks 5000 gallons or larger.  Tanks smaller than 5000 gallons are reviewed by the Madison Fire Department.

Prior to the removal or closure of an underground tank or aboveground storage tank containing flammable or combustible liquids a City of Madison Tank Closure Application (pdf file) must be completed and forwarded to the Madison Fire Department along with the required drawings and fees at least 15 days prior to any work being performed.

[Return to Licenses List]

Floor Finishes (IFC 105.6.18)

A license is required for floor finishing or surfacing operations exceeding 350 square feet (33 m2) using Class I or Class II liquids.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Hazardous Materials (IFC 105.6.21)

A license is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21 of the International Fire Code.  Complete the following applications:

• Hazardous Materials License Application** (pdf file)

**Note: A Hazardous Materials Worksheet shall be completed prior to submitting a Hazardous Materials License Application.

• Hazardous Materials Worksheet (pdf file)
• Hazardous Materials Worksheet Instructions (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Hazardous Production Materials (HDM) Facilities (IFC 105.6.22)

A license is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

High-Piled Storage (IFC 105.6.23)

For important information regarding High-Piled Combustible Storage Permits, please read the following informational notice:

• High-Piled Combustible Storage Permits SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION  (pdf file)

A license is required to use a building or portion thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet (46 m2).  Complete the following applications:

• High-Pile Combustible Storage License Application  (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Lumberyards, Woodworking Plants, and Building Material Dealers (IFC 105.6.26)

A license is required for the storage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333 ft3) (236 m3).  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Magnesium (IFC 105.6.29)

A license is required to melt, cast, heat treat, or grind more than ten pounds of magnesium.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

*Note: If other hazardous materials are on site, then complete the Hazardous Materials License Application (pdf file) in replace of the Special Hazards License Application.

 [Return to Licenses List]

Open Burning (IFC 105.6.31)

A license is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the license shall be adhered to.  Complete the following applications:

• General Burn License Application (pdf file)
• Natural Lawn Burn License Application (Prairie) (pdf file)

For supplemental information on campfires, outdoor fireplaces, clay fireplaces, LP-assisted ignition fireplaces, home-built fireplaces, cooking fires, charcoal & LP-gas grills and other open-flame cooking devices, please click on the Outdoor & Open Burning Informational Bulletin link below.

• Outdoor and Open Burning Informational Bulletin

[Return to Licenses List]

Organic Coating (IFC 105.6.33)

A license is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an organic coating in one day.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

*Note: If other hazardous materials are on site, then complete the Hazardous Materials License Application (pdf file) in replace of the Special Hazards License Application.

[Return to Licenses List]

Places of Assembly (IFC 105.6.34)

A license is required to operate a place of assembly.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material (IFC 105.6.36)

A license is required for use and handling (display) of pyrotechnic special effects material.  The license fee is $200.  Complete the following applications:

• Pyrotechnic Display of Fireworks License Application (pdf file)

In addition to the above application materials, the Mayor's Office and Common Council Office must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the day of the event using the following form:

• Notification of Fireworks Display (pdf file)

To determine who your Alderperson (Common Council Member) is, please go the the following website:  City of Madison Elected Official Query 

[Return to Licenses List]

Pyroxylin Plastics (IFC 105.6.37)

A license is required for storage or handling of more than 25 pounds (11 kg) of cellulose nitrate (Pyroxylin) plastics and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving Pyroxylin plastics.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Repair Garages, Service Garages (IFC 105.6.39)

A license is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet service stations.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Retail Sales of Fireworks (MGO 34.31)

A license is required for the retail sales of recreational fireworks.  Complete the following applications:

• Retail Sales of Fireworks License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Spraying or Dipping (IFC 105.6.41)

A license is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Storage of Scrap Tires, Tire Byproducts (IFC 105.6.42)

A license is required to establish, conduct, or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopies (IFC 105.6.43)

Please contact the City of Madison Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division at (608) 266-4420 for further information on Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopy licenses.

• Tents and Canopies - Complete Package (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Waste Handling (IFC 105.6.45)

A license is required for the operation of wrecking yards, junkyards and waste material-handling facilities.  Complete the following applications:

• Special Occupancy License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]

Wood Products (IFC 105.6.46)

A license is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 m3).  Complete the following applications:

• Special Hazards License Application (pdf file)

[Return to Licenses List]