Ohio · Fire code

The fire code in force in Ohio now.

Ohio Fire Code, OAC 1301:7-7 (2025 update): 2021 IFC Chapters 1-11 and 20-80 plus 2024 IFC Chapter 12, with Ohio amendments, effective Nov 20, 2025. Enforced by Division of State Fire Marshal, Dept of Commerce (Code Enforcement Bureau; statewide interpretations, variances, state-issued permits); local fire chiefs, fire code officials and certified fire safety inspectors enforce locally and are the first-contact AHJ. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Fire code in Ohio

Verified on the source
In force

Ohio Fire Code, OAC 1301:7-7 (2025 update): 2021 IFC Chapters 1-11 and 20-80 plus 2024 IFC Chapter 12, with Ohio amendments, effective Nov 20, 2025

Replaced the 2017 Ohio Fire Code on Nov 20, 2025. Operational and maintenance rules apply to existing buildings; construction rules only in listed cases. SFM interpretations bind statewide. Update tightened ERRCS acceptance testing and Group A alarm thresholds.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Division of State Fire Marshal, Dept of Commerce (Code Enforcement Bureau; statewide interpretations, variances, state-issued permits); local fire chiefs, fire code officials and certified fire safety inspectors enforce locally and are the first-contact AHJ

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

In force

In force since Nov 20, 2025; no newer edition on the SFM proposed-rules page; next five-year rule review Nov 20, 2030

The federal layer

No federal fire code applies to a private building; OSHA's exit-route, fire-extinguisher and emergency-plan rules (29 CFR 1910 Subparts E and L) apply to every employer alongside the state fire code.

Dated items

Next 24 months
Dec 31, 2026
All Ohio hotel and SRO facility licenses expire; renewal applications must be received by the State Fire Marshal before this dateDivision of State Fire Marshal (ORC 3731.03)
Dated

Questions about the fire code in Ohio

Which fire code applies in Ohio today?

Ohio Fire Code, OAC 1301:7-7 (2025 update): 2021 IFC Chapters 1-11 and 20-80 plus 2024 IFC Chapter 12, with Ohio amendments, effective Nov 20, 2025. Replaced the 2017 Ohio Fire Code on Nov 20, 2025. Operational and maintenance rules apply to existing buildings; construction rules only in listed cases. SFM interpretations bind statewide. Update tightened ERRCS acceptance testing and Group A alarm thresholds.

Who enforces the fire code in Ohio?

Division of State Fire Marshal, Dept of Commerce (Code Enforcement Bureau; statewide interpretations, variances, state-issued permits); local fire chiefs, fire code officials and certified fire safety inspectors enforce locally and are the first-contact AHJ.

What changes next for the fire code in Ohio?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Ohio

Everything in force in Ohio

Priced per building. Your whole team is included.

One address, every authority that can cite it, and a record of who saw what. Cancel anytime. Public pages stay free.