Colorado Department of Public Safety
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The Division of Fire Safety has the responsibility to assist municipalities and the Colorado Division of Gaming to ensure that buildings where limited gaming activities are conducted are designed, constructed, and maintained in a manner that is safe to employees and patrons in accordance with adopted building codes and standards.
The authority to perform this responsibility is granted, pursuant to 12-47.1-516 of the Colorado Revised Statutes which states: "the buildings in which limited gaming will be conducted and the areas where limited gaming will occur shall meet safety standards and conditions for the protection of life and property as determined by the local fire official** and the local buidling official."
**The Division of Fire Safety shall become the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in those municipalities and locales that do not have a recognized local fire authority or a certified fire inspector pursuant to 12-33.5-1211 C.R.S.
It was declared by the Colorado General Assembly, that the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Division of Fire Safety shall work with municipalities and the local historical preservation commission to ensure that structures wherein limited gaming is occurring shall meet minimum safety standards set forth in the adopted codes and standards adopted by the Division in 24-33.5-1203.5 C.R.S.
The Division's authority does not extend nor apply to tribal casinos.
The Limted Gaming Act of 1991 sets forth the rules and regulations governing limted gaming in Colorado. This Act may be found by clicking here.
The Division of Fire Safety shall review inspection reports as a contingency for approval of the certificates of compliance issued to applicants requesting licensure by the Division of Gaming. In order to meet this requirement, the DIvision shall assist in or assume the responsibility in the following life safety activities:
Review and approve inspection reports as a part of the certificate of compliance required for applicant licensure;
Render interpretations, to the public and interested stakeholders, on building codes, fire codes, and life safety standards related to buildings and structures where limited gaming activites are taking place;
Review construction plans and drawings for new and existing buildings and life safety systems to ensure code and standards compliance;
Issue permits and perform construction inspections for approved projects;
Perform annual maintenance inspections to ensure minimum requirements for life safety are being met in accordance with adopted building codes and life safety standards;
Provide technical assistance to local building and fire officials, the local historical preservation commission, and the Colorado Gaming Commission upon request.
The Division of Fire Safety shall become the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in those municipalities and locales that do not have a recognized local fire authority or a certified fire inspector pursuant to 12-33.5-1211 C.R.S.
**Each applicant for a retail gaming license shall file with the Division of Gaming as part of its application the following (ref: 12-47.1-314 C.R.S.):
A certificate of compliance approved by the local fire and building officials which has been approved, or deemed approved, by the State Division of Fire Safety;
A statement by the respective municipal governing body, or its designee, that the building in which limited gaming will take place conforms to the appropriate architectural styles and designs; and,
A written statement by the appropriate local official that handicapped access to the licensed premises has been provided.
Certificates of Compliance may be sent to the DIvision of Fire Safety at the following address:
Division of Fire Safety
Gaming Program
690 Kipling Street, Ste 2000
Lakewood, CO 80215
Construction and maintenance (i.e., annual) Inspections may be scheduled by calling 303-239-4600 or emailing a request at dfs-inspections@cdps.state.co.us
Note: Does not include gaming activities or buildings located on tribal lands.
If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Division of Fire Safety at 303-239-4669.
For more information on limited gaming in Colorado, please go to the Colorado Divison of Gaming's website.