Chesapeake Developmental Process: Fire Department Component via Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division
A. Pre-Certificate of Occupancy
Planning Department: Participate as a member of the Administrative Review Committee (ARC) 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 and/or City Council.
Development and Permits Department (DPD): 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.
Fire Protection and Hazardous Materials Systems: Prior to the installation of new systems or alterations or additions to existing systems, plans are submitted electronically along with the corresponding plan review fee via Accela/eBuild (which is the preferred method) during the Construction Phase of the development process for review and approval in accordance with regulations and submittal criteria referenced in the PFM, Chap 13-Fire Protection, Page 6 - Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems. Upon successful plan approval, a Fire permit will auto-issue coinciding with payment of the Development & Permits Department permit fee which is required prior to the start of any work. If submitting paper plans download and fill out one copy (Fire Permit Application) with the paper plans directly to the CRR office at 304 Albemarle Dr. The CRR Division also performs the final system acceptance inspection & testing for approval of fire permits.
Certificate of Occupancy Advertisement: A Deputy Fire Marshal with the CRR Division conducts a fire inspection to advise the DPD 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 CRR Division routinely meets with engineering consultants, architects, fire protection & 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 CRR 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.