Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I schedule an inspection? 

To request an inspection for any life safety system:

• Call 311 (within Baltimore City), or

• Dial 443-263-2220 directly.

Instructions for requesting an inspection are also included in your approval letter.

Once your request is submitted, the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) has up to 7 business days to follow up and schedule your inspection.

2. How do I check on the status of my e-plans?

Contractors can check e-plan statuses through the e-plans message board. 

• The Office of the Fire Marshal has 30 days to review submitted plans.
• If the plan is listed as “Fire Dept. Referral,” it is in the Fire Department’s review queue.
• The Office of the Fire Marshal has 30 days to review submitted plans.
• If marked “Fire Dept. Review,” it has been assigned to a reviewer—either listed by name or initials (e.g., DDAW).

Note: The guaranteed review date applies only to the Department of Housing Plans Review Division, not the Fire Department.

3. What should I do if it has been over 7 business days and I still haven’t been contacted to schedule? 

You can track your request by visiting 311 Baltimore Request Status and selecting “Check 311 Request Status.” 

You’ll see two tabs: 

• Tab 1: Shows when the request was made and the deadline to be contacted. 

• Tab 2: Displays the current status and includes the initials of the assigned inspector.

You may also use the SR# (Service Request Number) to check assignment details via the 311 system. 

4. Why have I not received a response to my posts that I placed on the message board? 

Please ensure your message was posted to the correct area: “Fire Dept. Review w/Plans.” 
If you are still waiting for a reply, you can contact the assigned reviewer directly using the name or initials shown in the review assignment.

5. When can I speak to someone?

Plans Review staff are generally available to take calls during the following times: 

• Morning: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 

• Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.