MINNESOTA FIRE CODE

All adult day programs must comply with the Minnesota State Fire Code (Minnesota Statutes
section 245A.04, subd. 2a). The state updates the fire safety rules every few years, and the
most recent version is the 2015 Minnesota State Fire Code.

The 2015 Minnesota State Fire Code is available on the International Code Council's website
(http://premiumaccess.iccsafe.org/document/toc/451/), and the ICC also sells a useful hard
copy of the code through its on-line store (http://shop.iccsafe.org/2015-minnesota-fire-code-
1.html). This new code replaces the 2007 Minnesota State Fire Code. It is based on the 2012
International Fire Code (IFC), as promulgated by the International Code Council, but with
modifications that make the IFC consistent with other Minnesota laws and with issues and
practices that are specific to Minnesota.
At the time a programs license is issued, and periodically during the programs subsequent
years of operation, the Minnesota State Fire Marshal will conduct an inspection to determine
compliance with the State Fire Code under section 299F.011. In some areas, the State Fire
Marshal delegates to the local fire authority. The State Fire Marshal maintains an online list of
local fire code inspectors trained and approved by the State Fire Marshal Division to conduct
the required inspection for DHS licensed facilities. If a community does not have an approved
local fire code inspector, the State Fire Marshal must conduct the inspection. An inspection fee
may be required.
It is recommended that you contact your communitys local fire code inspector prior to
submission of your application to DHS Licensing to ensure that the proposed space complies
with applicable code requirements.
The Fire Code addresses a wide range of issues, including storage of combustible materials, the
pathways by which individuals can exit a programs location in the event of fire, interior finish
and decorations, construction requirements, as well as fire detection and protection systems.
The most important thing for your program to know is the occupancy classification that applies
to your building. There are three classification groups that could apply (residential,
educational, or institutional), which are based on the number and type of individuals being
served, and each classification has specific requirements that must be met.
To learn about the different classifications, review the definition of care facility in Minnesota
Rules part 7511.0202 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=7511.0202), as well as
Minnesota Rules part 7511.8100, section 8102
(https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=7511.8100), then contact the State Fire Marshal, or
your local fire official, if you have questions.
Fire code questions may be submitted by email to firecode@state.mn.us. Code staff monitor
this email address on a daily basis and will respond to your question, usually within 24 hours,
but always within three working days. The phone number for the office of the State Fire
Marshal is (651) 215-0500.

Katie Adult Day Center Policies and Procedures Manual 01-003.16

A Product of LeadingAge Minnesota October 2016