Fire Marshal and Permit Services explain inspections, certificates of occupancy and code enforcement

The City of Laurel's Department of Fire Marshal and Permit Services (FMPS) manages fire prevention, code enforcement, permits and inspections to protect public safety and building integrity. Director Danny Selby described the two divisions and their roles, including issuing certificates of occupancy and coordinating building, electrical, rental and other inspections.

Selby emphasized that inspection work is both regulatory and educational: code enforcement staff inform residents and businesses about relevant ordinances and help them comply. He noted the department also works closely with economic development and administrative staff to process permits.

Brenda Albert, the permit coordinator, oversees certificates of occupancy and permitting for residential and commercial developments, while administrative assistant Jocelyn Barrera manages rental licenses and life-safety licensing for businesses and mobile vendors. Selby said the department's goal is to keep buildings and public spaces safe and code-compliant.