When displayed inside a building, gas- and liquid-fueled motor vehicles such as automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and motor homes create a unique fire concern because of the types and amounts of fuel these vehicles can contain. Moreover, alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and hydrogen fuel cells (HYD), may pose unique hazards unlike those of common fuels such as gasoline and diesel.

Unlike structures such as parking garages, automobile repair shops, automobile dealers, and warehouses, most commercial buildings where vehicle displays are conducted were never designed, built, and approved for the purpose of displaying fueled vehicles inside. Vehicles are displayed inside buildings for a variety of reasons including promotional events, marketing and advertisement, and decorative display. Regardless of the reason, however, gas- and liquid-fueled vehicles can be potentially hazardous to the occupants of a building if not displayed in a safe and approved manner.

The County Fire Marshal regulates this activity through an inspection and permiting process. Any person, firm, or corporation must first obtain a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) before displaying any gas- or liquid-fueled vehicle inside any structure not approved for such a purpose.

The Fire Prevention Code prohibits be storage, operation, or repair of fueled equipment including but not limited to motorcycles, mopeds, lawn-care equipment, and portable cooking equipment within a building. Exceptions:
1. Buildings or rooms constructed for such use in accordance with the Building Code and approved by the Fire Marshal.
2. Vehicle displays approved and permitted by the Fire Marshal.

Vehicles powered by flammable liquids, Class II combustible liquids, or compressed flammable gases shall not be stored within the living space of residential buildings including one- and two-family dwellings such as houses and townhouses, multifamily dwellings such as apartment-style buildings, and transient residential occupancies such as boarding house, hotels and motels.

No combustible goods, merchandise, or materials shall be displayed or stored in a roofed-over mall unless approved by the Fire Marshal. This includes vehicle displays.

Vehicle displays placed so as to obstruct any exterior door shall be prohibited unless approved by the Fire Marshal.

All fuel tank openings shall be locked and sealed in an approved manner to prevent the escape of vapors.

At least one battery cable shall be removed from the batteries used to start the engine. The disconnected battery cable shall be taped/protected to prevent contact with metal. Batteries used to power auxiliary equipment shall be permitted to be kept in service.

Hybrid electric vehicles shall be safeguarded to prevent operation and/or accidental electrical shock to persons near the vehicle display.

A field inspection must be conducted by the Fire Marshal before an FPCP will be issued. The inspection must be scheduled at least one business day prior to the start of the vehicle display. Please call the Fire Inspections Branch, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at 703-246-4849 to schedule an inspection.

The Fire Marshal is authorized to require removal of any vehicle display or fueled equipment from locations where the presence of such equipment is determined by the Fire Marshal to be hazardous.