We have outlined some key items that must be complied with at all times.
We understand there can be some questions about what is required and how often things need to be completed, so we are providing these guidelines to assist you in ensuring you are ready for your inspection!
Licensing requirements are outlined at Business Licences | City of Windsor, this includes what to bring with you when you purchase your City of Windsor license, the current fee schedule, and links for Small Business information, Small Business | City of Windsor.
If you are operating a business with intention to sell alcohol, you do require an additional license from the Building Department to satisfy the AGCO application process. This information can be found at Building Department | City of Windsor.
You must be in compliance with the fire code at all times. Upon inspection, if you are not compliant, your business license will not be issued and your file may be sent to the Windsor Licensing Commission. Re-Inspection fees for non compliant businesses are charged as per City of Windsor User Fees, Visit the City of Windsor’s By-laws Online webpage to view the Fees & Charges By-law 392-2002 for the most up to date user fees. Effective February 2026, the re-inspection fee is $185.00 plus HST.
For additional information about your fire code requirements, please contact your Fire Prevention Officer, or firesafety@citywindsor.ca for more specific information.
Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Business License Checklist
Annually
- Fire safety plan review (over 30 seats) update contact and building information and send updated pages as PDF to fpinspectors@citywindsor.ca
- Emergency lighting annual inspection
- Portable fire extinguishers annual inspection
- Fire alarm system annual inspection
- Sprinkler system annual inspection
- Generator annual inspection
- Private hydrant annual inspection
6 Months
- Commercial cooking suppression system inspection
- Commercial cooking hood professionally inspected and cleaned if required
(frequency of cleaning based on volume of cooking and accumulation of combustibles)
Monthly
- Fire extinguisher check
- Test emergency lighting
- Check closures and doors in fire separations
At All Times
- Emergency exits maintained (not blocked, closures maintained, easily opened, no keyed locks, only one locking mechanism)
- No combustibles stored in mechanical room, near electrical panel or around building
- Instruction for manually operating fire suppression system posted
- Exit signage illuminated
- Weekly check of hoods, ducts and filters and cleaned as required
- Fire department connection maintained
- Two years of documents on site (records of checks, test and inspections)
- Service room doors kept closed
- Fire alarm system fully functional
- Commercial cooking suppression system nozzles properly pointed
You must be in compliance with the fire code at all times. Upon inspection, if you are not compliant, your business license will not be issued and your file will be sent to the Windsor Licensing Commission.
Windsor Fire & Rescue Services supports a harrasment-free environment.
