If you're managing a commercial property, you’ve likely encountered both third-party fire inspectors and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). While they may seem like two versions of the same job, they play very different roles in the fire safety ecosystem.
At AAA Fire Protection, with over 30 years in the fire safety industry, we often get asked: “Who does what?” Knowing the distinction is essential—not just for compliance, but for keeping your property, employees, and tenants safe.
The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is typically a city or county fire marshal or building inspector responsible for enforcing fire codes and issuing occupancy permits. AHJs:
The AHJ is the final authority. When they inspect, you either pass or get flagged—and there’s little room for negotiation.
Third-party fire inspectors are independent professionals, like the certified technicians at AAA Fire Protection. They are hired by businesses to:
They act as your advocate, helping identify vulnerabilities before they become violations. This is especially valuable in complex facilities like hospitals, industrial plants, and high-occupancy buildings.
It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other. Think of it as a relay race:
Working with both ensures:
At AAA Fire Protection, we tailor our inspections to your building type and industry—from office complexes and restaurants to healthcare facilities and warehouses.
No. AHJ inspections are mandatory and legally binding. Third-party inspectors help prepare you for these inspections but cannot issue official certifications or permits.
Not always—but they’re highly recommended, especially for complex buildings. Some jurisdictions may require third-party documentation before an AHJ review.
The property owner or manager typically hires and pays for third-party fire inspections. It’s an investment in compliance, safety, and fewer future headaches.
They’ll issue a report with corrections that must be made within a set timeframe. A third-party fire inspector can assist with resolving those violations and ensuring you pass re-inspection.
Ideally, once or twice a year depending on your industry and building use. High-risk environments like commercial kitchens or warehouses may require more frequent reviews.
We recommend scheduling an annual inspection at minimum. However, high-occupancy buildings or industries with stricter regulations may require quarterly or semi-annual inspections to stay compliant.
Yes. Every inspection includes detailed reports, code citations, and corrective recommendations — all formatted for AHJs, insurance providers, and internal audits.
We offer multi-location service coordination, centralized scheduling, and standardized reporting to keep everything organized and consistent across your properties.
Absolutely. If we identify any violations, our team provides clear next steps, correction plans, and priority timelines to get you back in compliance quickly.
Yes. All of our inspectors are certified, trained to current NFPA standards, and stay up to date with local, state, and federal fire codes.
Most inspections take between 1–3 hours depending on the size and complexity of your facility. Larger or multi-building sites may require more time or follow-up.
