FOI release

Compartmentation Drawing Requirements for Retail Properties

Case reference FOI2026/00575

Received 20 May 2026

Published 19 June 2026

Request

I am writing regarding compartmentation drawings for retail properties. Specifically, I would like to know:

* Under what property dimensions or thresholds does the London Fire Brigade require compartmentation drawings to be submitted for compliance and fire safety review?

* Are there particular floor area, height, or occupancy limits that trigger this requirement?

Response

LFB do not set thresholds, the guidance is issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

However, LFB do publish information on our website about sending building plans to LFB (for existing buildings) here:

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/property-management/fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/sending-floor-and-building-plans-fire-safety-england-regulations-2022/#:~:text=Under%20the%20Fire%20Safety%20(England),to%20fire%20and%20rescue%20services

Where LFB is a statutory consultee as part of a Building Regulations process, information can be found on our website about fire engineering consultations here:

https://www.london-fire.gov.uk/about-us/services-and-facilities/services-we-offer/fire-engineering-consultations/

Alongside fire safety guidance note 83 ‘GN83 - Consultation process with the London Fire Commissioner’, which I have included in the “Documents” section below.

Documents

This is London Fire Brigade's response to a freedom of information (FOI) or environmental information regulations (EIR) request.

You can browse our other responses or make a new FOI request.