Ignitable Liquid Storage
The Columbus Fire Department is delegated by the State Fire Marshal to issue UST permits and perform inspections in the City of Columbus. If you perform permit-required activities in the City of Columbus, then you must submit the permit application and payment to the Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau. The State of Ohio BUSTR permit fee is not required.
A permit must be obtained from the Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau prior to any of the following ignitable liquid aboveground storage tank (AST) or underground storage tank (UST) activities taking place: installation, removal, modification, alteration, major repair, abandonment, change in service, change of product or out of service.
Aboveground Storage Tanks and Non-BUSTR (NBUSTR) Underground Storage Tanks
For AST, BUSTR and NBUSTR UST activities, of tanks over sixty (60) gallons, complete and submit the Ignitable Liquid Tank Permit Application below.
Exceptions: 1. A stationary flammable or combustible liquid storage tank with a capacity of 1,100 gallons or less utilized for residential heating oil or agricultural purposes.
2. A listed lockable engine mounted tank that is connected to stationary pieces of equipment if all of the following apply:
2.1 The tank has a capacity of 500 gallons or less; and
2.2 The equipment remains locked at all times unless the equipment is being serviced or the tank is being filled; and
2.3 All other provisions of this code, including other security provisions such as vehicle protection, are complied with.
3. A stationary flammable or combustible liquid storage tank utilized at a construction site for a period of less than 90 days.
CFD-Permit-Ignitable-Liquid-Tank-Permit-Application.pdf(PDF, 443KB) <- Permit Application
Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR) Tanks
The Columbus Fire Department is delegated by the State Fire Marshal to issue permits and perform inspections on BUSTR regulated tanks in the City of Columbus. If you perform BUSTR permit-required activities in the City of Columbus, submit the BUSTR permit application online with the Ohio State Fire Marshal.
A BUSTR delegated permit must be obtained from the Columbus Fire Prevention Bureau prior to the installation, removal, modification, major repair, abandonment, change in service, change of product or out of service of any BUSTR regulated tank and/or tank system. All permit-required activities must be supervised by a BUSTR certified installer physically on site with a current BUSTR license and photo Identification.
Exempt: Any UST system whose capacity is 110 gallons or less. Tanks used for storing heating fuel for consumptive use on the premises where stored.
For BUSTR activities, submit the Ignitable Liquid Tank Permit Application and submit the BUSTR permit application online with the Ohio State Fire Marshal.
BUSTR Permit Application click here
Application Guidelines
For all tank activities, complete and submit the Ignitable Liquid Tank Permit Application.
For BUSTR activities, submit the Ignitable Liquid Tank Permit Application and submit the BUSTR permit application online with the Ohio State Fire Marshal.
The application shall be accompanied by the following:
Installation: If fueling, include a statement indicating the intent of the fueling operation and the type of vehicles intended to be fueled.
Cut Sheets
• Manufacturer details on tanks and ancillary equipment Indicating approval for its intended use (listed, labeled).
Drawings that clearly show:
• The location of all property lines, public ways, waterways, and major utilities within 50 feet of the site.
• All structures on the site, indicating the nature of their use.
• The location of all underground and aboveground tanks and piping.
• Tank capacity in gallons and the product that will be stored in each tank.
• Tank separation distances from all property lines, public ways, buildings, fencing, impact protection, and other tanks.
• Tank atmospheric and emergency vent size, height from grade, location of termination and vent cap type.
• Tank security details (fencing, secured property).
• Tank fill type, remote fill location, and height from finished grade.
• Method of spill prevention (spill buckets) and tank overfill protection.
• Piping arrangement and details, including product and vent lines.
• Vehicle impact protection details for tanks, piping, remote fills, and dispensers (islands, bollards).
• Signage type and location (NFPA 704 diamond, no smoking, flammable, emergency shut off etc.).
• Fire extinguisher size, type and locations.
• The location of all fuel dispensers, emergency stop buttons and emergency telephone (if applicable).
Modification or Major Repair: If the component has leaked select Major Repair, if it has not leaked select Modification.
Cut Sheets
• Manufacturers details on tanks and ancillary equipment Indicating approval for its intended use (listed, labeled).
Removal or Closure-in-Place: Closure-in-Place requires prior approval, explain the reason for abandonment, including documentation (photos, satellite images etc.).
Drawings clearly showing:
• The location of all property lines, public ways, waterways, and major utilities within 50 feet of the site.
• All structures on the site, indicating the nature of their use.
• The location of all underground and aboveground tanks and piping.
• Tank capacity in gallons and the product that was stored in each tank
Application Submittal
The BUSTR permit application must be completed and submitted online with the Ohio State Fire Marshal.
Ignitable Liquid Tank Permit Applications can be submitted online, emailed to CFDTanks@columbus.gov
or mailed to:
Fire Prevention Bureau
Attention of CFD Tanks
3639 Parsons Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43207
Payment
The party responsible for payment will be invoiced by email after the completed applications are reviewed and approved.
For assistance with payment call (614)645-7641 Ext.75622.
Permit Information
The permit will be issued by email after the completed applications are reviewed, approved and payment is received. Any permit issued shall become invalid if the activity is not commenced within six (6) months after issuance or the activity is suspended for a period of six (6) months.
The permit holder is responsible for the completion of the permit-required activities through the final inspection.
Schedule Inspection
For BUSTR activities and inspections, the BUSTR installer shall be physically on site with a current BUSTR license and photo Identification.
Any inspection outside of regular inspection hours, Monday-Friday 8:00am-2:00pm, requires prior approval and the current afterhours inspection rate may apply. An afterhours inspection can be requested at the time of scheduling if the activity is likely to continue after 2:00pm.
To schedule an inspection, complete and submit the Ignitable Liquid Tank Inspection Request below at least one week in advance of the requested inspection date. CFDTanks@columbus.gov or 614-645-7641 ext.75660
Acronyms
- UST (Underground Storage Tank)
- AST (Aboveground Storage Tank)
- BUSTR (Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations)
- CFD (Columbus Fire Department)
- NBUSTR (Non-Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulation)
Contact Information:
For inquiries related to Ignitable Liquid Storage Tanks
Phone: 614-645-7641 ext.75660
Email: CFDtanks@columbus.gov