Chesapeake Developmental Process (Fire Department Component) Overview
A. Pre-Certificate of Occupancy
Planning Department: Participate as a member of ARC (Administrative Review Committee) in the review of Planning Applications submitted to the Planning Department under the Preliminary Phase of the development process, which is routed to various departments for comment regarding compliance with regulations. ARC meetings are held four times per month to provide and discuss pertinent oral and written departmental comments with applicants and Planning staff for administrative decisions, or in preparation of those applications that require a final decision by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Development and Permits Department: Participate in the review of Final Site and Subdivision Plans under the Plan Approval Phase of the development process for compliance with regulations, which are routed to various departments to provide written comments within Plan Review Timelines (PDF).
Fire Protection and Hazardous Materials Systems: Prior to installation of new systems or alterations or additions to existing systems, plans are submitted directly to the Community Risk Reduction Division during the Construction Phase of the development process for review and approval in accordance with regulations and submittal criteria referenced in the PFM, Fire Section C-1a (PDF). A letter of approval from the Community Risk Reduction Division along with the completed Fire Permit Application (PDF) that was included in the plan submittal package to the Community Risk Reduction Division must be presented to the Department of Development and Permits to obtain a Fire permit prior to the start of any work. The Community Risk Reduction Division also performs the final system acceptance inspection and testing for approval of fire permits.
Certificate of Occupancy Advertisement: A Deputy Fire Marshal with the Community Risk Reduction Division conducts a fire inspection to advise the Department of Development and Permits if all fire protection or hazardous materials systems and fire code requirements have been met which is necessary for issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Pre-Construction/System Installation Meetings: A Deputy Fire Marshal with the Community Risk Reduction Division routinely meets with engineering consultants, architects, fire protection and hazardous materials system contractors, and various city staff in the advisement of fire code and referenced standard requirements.
B. Post-Certificate of Occupancy
Operational Fire Code Permits (PDF): Permits are required in accordance with the Fire Code for hazardous materials storage, dispensing, or processes, for certain assembly and educational occupancies and activities, and installation, removal, and usage of private fire hydrants. A fee is charged for the permit which is valid for one year and renewable annually upon re-inspection.
Life and Fire Safety Inspections: Routine fire inspections as required by the Fire Code are conducted for compliance with Fire and Building Code requirements. An inspection fee is charged for each business or premise required to have an inspection.
Other Inspections: The Community Risk Reduction Division will also conduct an inspection of the premises for the following reasons:
To investigate a complaint.
To ensure a business meets its licensing requirements, for premises like a daycare or nursing home.