Inspections

Obtaining operational approval from Richmond Fire-Rescue

In order to operate a Food Truck or other Mobile Outdoor Food Service Unit (MOFSU) in Richmond, the MOFSU operator must obtain a valid Richmond Fire-Rescue decal that is issued annually.  This decal is an indication that the MOFSU has met the requirements for fire and life safety as it pertains to the systems on the MOFSU (fire protection systems are tested, inspected and maintained, fire extinguishers are in place, applicable gas and electrical decals are provided on the vehicle/trailer). This decal does not relieve the Operator of ensuring compliance with all other City of Richmond Bylaw Requirements related to Business Licencing, Zoning, etc.

Every Spring, Richmond Fire-Rescue hosts a single-day free MOFSU Inspection Event. This event is the only opportunity to receive a free MOFSU Fire and Life Safety Inspection. All other inspections and re-inspections are subject to the fees set in accordance with the City of Richmond Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 8306.

How to schedule a Food Vendor/Mobile Food Trucks Inspection

Step 1 – Download the fillable PDF form (Below in Red).

Step 2 – Fill out Page 2 of the forms.

Step 3 – Save a copy of the form to your computer for you records.

Step 5 – That’s it! A member of Richmond Fire-Rescue will be in contact with you soon.

Richmond Fire-Rescue inspects buildings, venues and events, which include: 

• Public buildings
• Multi-family residential buildings
• Commercial buildings, including retail businesses, restaurants, industrial facilities.
• Major event venues 
• Food trucks  
• Childcare facilities

These inspections are assigned on a regular basis, to ensure buildings are safe for occupants, the general public and emergency responders.

We also inspect buildings based on complaints of fire and life safety hazards.

Some of the common fire and life safety inspection items include:  

• Fire alarms
• Sprinklers
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire exits
• Emergency lights
• Emergency generator
• Fire hose
• Standpipe
• Hydrants
• Business license
• Building alterations

NOTE: All buildings are expected to be in compliance with the BC Fire Code and BC Building Code, the Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 8306 and any other applicable regulations.

There are potential fire and life safety issues associated with vacant properties which pose risks to members of the community and city staff.

In the City of Richmond, it is the responsibility of the property owner to secure and maintain the security of their vacant premises, until demolition is achieved.

The property owner(s) or their agent(s) who have vacant properties are responsible for:
• securing and maintaining the condition of their property (structures and land)
• reducing the risk of fire and other life safety matters
• inspecting regularly and taking corrective measures

The hazards and risks associated with vacant premises are mitigated through the enforcement of maintaining and securing vacant premises under the powers of the Fire Protection and Life Safety Bylaw No. 8306 (Section 9.7)

Please check out the information pertaining to Vacant Premises Securing Procedures within the City of Richmond.

Applying for a daycare license

If you are in the process of applying for a daycare license, you will need to have the proposed childcare facility inspected by Richmond Fire-Rescue to ensure fire and life safety requirements are fulfilled. 

You can do this by following these steps:

Step 1:

Visit Creating Child Care Spaces in Richmond for information on the process of obtaining municipal approval for the childcare space.

Step 2:

Once you have received municipal approval for the childcare space, you can schedule an inspection with Richmond Fire-Rescue by submitting a completed Request An Inspection Form at the bottom of this page. There may be an associated fee.

You can never have too much safety information.

Find out about putting preventative measures in place and what to do in the event of an emergency in the workplace.

Useful links and downloads: