Starting in January 2026, a new regional guideline from the Fire Prevention Association of Nevada will take effect, requiring building owners across Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, and North Las Vegas to follow updated protocols for the testing and recertification of smoke control systems. These changes will impact a wide range of facilities—from high-rise office towers and resorts to hospitals, malls, and arenas—and will require enhanced coordination, documentation, and inspection processes.
At TERPconsulting, we specialize in helping building owners and facilities engineering teams meet the evolving requirements of fire protection codes, and our team of NICET-certified professionals and Nevada-licensed fire protection engineers (FPEs) is prepared to guide you through every step of the new smoke control compliance process.
What’s changing in Southern Nevada’s smoke control regulations?
What’s changing in Southern Nevada’s smoke control regulations?The new Uniform Guideline for Smoke Control Testing & Recertification outlines responsibilities for property owners, AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction), and third-party testing firms like TERPconsulting. It applies to smoke control and removal systems, stair and elevator pressurization systems, and related life safety components in buildings throughout Southern Nevada. Key responsibilities for property owners under the new 2026 guidelines: The new regulations place increased emphasis on the responsibilities of property owners. These now include:
- Hiring Qualified Professionals: Property owners are required to hire both qualified testing agents (like TERPconsulting’s NICET-certified team) and licensed professional engineers to oversee the testing and certification process. This ensures that all work is performed to the highest standards.
- Maintaining Accurate As-Built Drawings: Having up-to-date and accurate as-built smoke control diagrams is now crucial. These documents provide a vital roadmap for testing and inspection. Failure to maintain accurate diagrams can lead to delays and potential non-compliance.
- Proactive Test Planning and Permitting: Property owners are responsible for submitting a detailed test plan, a comprehensive testing schedule, and a timely permit application to the relevant AHJ (Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
- Coordination of Inspections: Effective coordination of life safety system inspections and ensuring proper access for testing personnel and AHJ representatives is now a key owner responsibility.
How TERPconsulting’s Las Vegas fire protection consultants can support compliance
As a trusted testing and special inspection firm with extensive experience performing Clark County smoke control inspections, TERPconsulting is well-versed in local Southern Nevada code amendments and national fire safety standards. Our Las Vegas-based team works directly with AHJs in all four major Southern Nevada jurisdictions to ensure smooth approvals and timely inspections.
TERPconsulting’s Southern Nevada smoke control services include:
- Test Plan Development & Submittal: We craft comprehensive, code-compliant test plans aligned with your building’s systems and the new guidelines.
- Coordination of Testing & Notifications: We manage the full testing schedule and coordinate directly with the AHJ, including advance notifications for major tests.
- On-Site Inspections by Approved Special Inspectors: Our certified personnel witness, inspect, and document each component of your smoke control systems.
- Deficiency & Impairment Reporting: We issue detailed punch lists for deficiencies and submit NCRs for impairments per the guideline’s 24-hour reporting requirement.
- Final Report Preparation & Submittal: TERPconsulting compiles and submits your final compliance report electronically to the AHJ and provides you with a hard copy for your records.
A smoke control testing team in Southern Nevada that you can rely on
As the largest fire protection engineering firm in the state, TERPconsulting has a team of special inspectors for smoke control in Nevada who have built strong relationships with local AHJs and remain current on every code change impacting Clark County and its cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our in-house team includes NICET-certified professionals and a team of Nevada-licensed fire protection engineers who understand the technical nuances and documentation requirements critical to a successful recertification.
Don’t wait for the January 2026 deadline to get in compliance
If your building contains a smoke control or pressurization system, now is the time to prepare. TERPconsulting can help you assess your current compliance status, update outdated diagrams, and schedule early testing to avoid potential delays, violations, or penalties once enforcement begins.
Need help preparing your Las Vegas property for the 2026 smoke control recertification deadline? Contact TERPconsulting today for expert support in keeping your property in full compliance with Southern Nevada’s updated smoke control testing requirements.