As part of ease-of-doing-business initiatives, the state is revising its fire safety norms. While standards under the National Building Code (NBC) were applicable until now, Kerala will now formulate its own specific 'Fire Safety Guidelines'. The new guidelines will be incorporated into the rules by amending the Kerala Panchayat Building Rules and the Kerala Municipality Building Rules. The government has constituted an expert committee to draft these proposals.

Opinions had emerged from various sectors, including industry, that the fire safety norms under the NBC were not suited to Kerala's specific conditions. The Central Government also indicated that states could make modifications on their own if required. Based on this, efforts began toward the end of the previous government's tenure to create guidelines tailored exclusively to the state. Necessary modifications were also made to the department's online portal for this purpose.

As a continuation of these efforts, the committee was appointed to prepare the draft guidelines. Chaired by the Technical Director of the Fire and Rescue Services, the committee includes representatives from the industrial sector, such as KSIDC and the Kerala State Small Industries Association (KSSIA), alongside representation from the Local Self-Government Department.

Although the revision will focus on the industrial sector, comprehensive fire safety guidelines applicable to all buildings in the state will be formulated. The Fire and Rescue Department will issue No Objection Certificates (NOC) for future high-rises and commercial buildings based on these new guidelines.