The Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) developed this page to support business owners, engineers, and property managers as they work toward compliance with updated fire and life safety requirements. These requirements apply to properties that store hazardous chemicals in amounts that must be reported under federal and state Tier II laws.

This program originally launched under the name "Tier II Fire Safety Compliance" but to help reduce confusion and better reflect our local focus, it is now referred to as the Special Hazard Property or Occupancy Program within Cobb County FMO’s jurisdiction. The new name captures the full range of facilities subject to enhanced review based on the risk of hazardous material storage and the systems in place to protect people and property.

Use this page to review official letters, understand deadlines, and access all relevant resources. Our goal is to partner with you to ensure that life safety systems match the hazards present in your building.

Special Hazard Occupancy reporting in Georgia is mandatory for facilities storing hazardous chemicals meeting or exceeding specified thresholds. It's governed by Section 312 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986 (EPCRA), which requires submission of a Special Hazard Occupancy form known as the Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Forms. This form notifies state and local officials as well as the public about potential hazards posed by stored chemicals.

In accordance with HAZMAT regulations and our County Community Risk Assessment, we are now initiating a process to work with businesses to enhance fire and life safety measures. This change is focused on hazardous materials physically present on commercial properties.

Please note that a Georgia-licensed professional engineer with a related discipline must stamp this required report. Due to each business being vastly different, the Georgia-licensed professional engineer you choose to prepare this report would be the best resource for questions about the report for your specific business and situation.

To facilitate this process effectively, we would like to draw attention to the relevant code sections applicable in Cobb County:

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, Chapter 60, Section 60.1.5: Hazardous Material Management Plan
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1, Chapter 60, Section 60.1.6: Hazardous Material Inventory Statement
• International Fire Code (IFC), Chapter 50, Section 5001.5.1: Hazardous Material Management Plan
• International Fire Code (IFC), Chapter 50, Section 5001.5.2: Hazardous Material Inventory Statement

These codes serve as principal guidelines for managing hazardous materials and ensuring the safety of the premises. In line with these requirements, we kindly request cooperation in developing and submitting the following information in a single intergraded report:

1. Review of all hazardous materials on the property related to maximum allowable quantities (MAQs) in Georgia, including:
   1. Hazardous Material Management Plan (HMMP)
   2. Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS)
2. Review of all fire and life safety systems compatible with the related risk, including:
   1. Fire suppression systems (sprinkler and clean agents)
   2. Fire Alarm and notification system
   3. Occupant Egress

The Cobb County Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) comprised a list of fire protection engineering (FPE) firms located in the State of Georgia. The list provided below is only a partial list of FPE firms that work in the metro area. Other FPE firms can be found by searching the website or by going to website for SFPE Atlanta sfpeatlanta.org.

If you would like to be added to this list, please contact Randy Bennett at 404-632-5875. 

For inquiries or concerns please use the following email address: specialhazards@cobbcounty.gov.

1. First Special Hazard Letter - April 4, 2024
   This letter is the first official notice introducing the program. It explains the requirement for certain facilities to submit a formal engineering evaluation that reviews hazardous materials and associated fire protection systems. The evaluation must include a Hazardous Material Management Plan (HMMP), a Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS), and a review of fire alarm, suppression, and egress systems. All submissions must be stamped by a Georgia-licensed Professional Engineer. The original deadline was January 1, 2025, but early submittals are encouraged. 
2. Second Special Hazard Letter - October 10, 2024
   This letter serves as a follow-up and confirms that Fire Marshal personnel have begun visiting affected sites. It explains that inspections will begin in January 2025 and urges facilities to continue preparing the required documentation. The letter emphasizes ongoing cooperation and the importance of fire safety compliance.
3. Third Special Hazard Letter - April 2, 2025
   This is the final reminder before enforcement begins. The letter sets a final deadline of May 1, 2025, to submit all required documentation. It clearly outlines what is expected, including the maximum allowable quantity (MAQ) review, the HMMP and HMIS, and fire and life safety system documentation. The second page also explains the appeal process under Cobb County Code, for businesses who believe the requirement does not apply to them. A dedicated contact and email address are provided for support.
4. Special Hazard Commitment Letter - February 6, 2025
   This commitment letter is required to be submitted in order to request an extension.

1. Determine whether your facility is considered a Special Hazard Property by checking your chemical storage quantities and Tier II reporting obligations.
2. Review the First Notification Letter for a complete explanation of what must be submitted.
3. Retain a Georgia-licensed Professional Engineer to prepare the necessary plans and analysis.
4. Submit the full report to Cobb County FMO before the final deadline of May 1, 2025.
5. Contact our office at specialhazards@cobbcounty.gov if you have any questions.

Our office is committed to helping you meet these requirements with clarity and fairness. Your participation strengthens the safety of your employees, property, and the entire Cobb County community.