On this page
Which buildings need a fire NOC?
It depends on the building’s height, use and size, and on the rules in force. It usually covers residential, hotel, hospital, educational, assembly, office, mercantile, industrial, storage, hazardous and multiplex buildings.
The rules behind it
The process follows the National Building Code of India (NBC), Part 4: Fire and Life Safety; the Kerala Municipality Building Rules (KMBR) or the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules (KPBR); and the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services department’s own rules and guidelines.
Step 1: Initial NOC, before the building permit
The Kerala Fire and Rescue Services checks the proposed plans against the fire safety requirements. Once it issues the Initial NOC, submit it to the Municipality or Grama Panchayat to get the building permit.
Before you build: structural work should start only after the building permit is issued.
Step 2: Build and install to the approved plans
Build to the approved plans and install the fire protection systems they specify. Depending on the building, these can include:
and also fire extinguishers, emergency exits, emergency lighting and exit signs. Everything must meet the approved specifications and standards.
Step 3: Final NOC (Fire Safety Completion Certificate)
When construction and the fire systems are complete, apply to the department through its online portal with the Initial NOC, the approved building plans, supporting documents and the fee. The department checks that what was installed matches the approved plans and requirements, and then issues the Final NOC or Fire Safety Completion Certificate. Submit it to the local body wherever it is needed for completion and occupancy approvals.
Step 4: Renew it every year, where required
Where annual renewal applies, apply through the online portal before the deadline, with a copy of the Final NOC, the approved drawings, supporting documents and the fee. Keep every fire safety system in working order in the meantime.
Don’t let it lapse: a lapsed NOC can lead to action by the authorities and, depending on your policy, may affect insurance cover or claims.
Fees and documents
The Initial NOC and the final approval each have their own fee, set by building category. Check the current fees, documents and renewal procedure with the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services before applying.
How AAA helps
We design and install fire protection to the NBC and local fire rules, and carry the Initial and Final NOC through to clearance as part of our work.
From automationasia.in/articles/fire-noc-kerala · Last checked 20 October 2026