Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

Fire Marshall Regulations

Fire codes can be complex, and professional advice is usually needed to make sure that a library is fully compliant. The local fire department is often a good place to start if you have a question.

Storage is a place where a library can become non-compliant over time. Below are a few guidelines to help keep your building safe. Remember that if you have any specific questions, please contact your KDLA Regional Consultant​​ ​or your local fire department:

  • In an unsprinklered room, leave 24" clear from ceiling
  • In a sprinklered room, leave 18" clear from bottom of sprinkler heads
  • Shelving in the center of a room should follow the above guidelines
  • Wall shelving in a storage room can go full height, to the ceiling
  • Keep all combustible materials at least 36" away from furnaces, boilers, water heaters, etc.
  • Maintain a 36" wide clear path from the door to all electrical panels

For more information, visit https://dhbc.ky.gov/.