City of Columbus

Fire Prevention Bureau FAQ's

Permits

• Can I pay with my credit card over the phone?
  No. Payments can be made at our pay portal website:  FPB Permits Online
• We've moved.  Can you change the address on my permit?
  No. Permits are not transferable to any operation address other than the one for which they were issued.
• I've sold my business.  Can you send invoices to the new owner?
  No. Your permits are not transferable to the new owner of the business.  You need to call (614)-645-7641 ext. 75622 and inform us that you have sold your business. We will cancel all existing permits immediately and notify the fire inspector of the new owner.
• I just took over a business that has a permit. What do I need to do?
  If you are the new owner of an existing business, call (614)645-7641 ext. 75622. Permits are not transferable when there is new ownership of a business. We must cancel all existing permits issued to the previous owner and a new application for new permits will be completed by the fire inspector.
• How do I cancel a permit that I no longer need?
  If you have determined that an existing permit is no longer required and you wish to cancel the permit, please call (614)-645-7641 ext. 75622. If we verify the activity or operation does not require a permit, we will take steps to immediately cancel the permit.
• How can I get answers about my annual permit?
  To speak with someone about your invoice for annual permits, late fees, or to obtain a copy of your annual permit  please call 645-7641 ext 75622 or email [email protected]
• How do I obtain a burn permit?

  Call 614.645.7641 ext. 75605     
        
        

     

• How do I obtain a occupancy sign/permit/Invoice?

  You must contact the building department/Trade and Development at 614-645-7314 to obtain a maximum occupancy certificate number. After you receive your maximum capacity card and you have this posted per the building dept. requirements, you will get a annual fire inspection.  If your capacity is greater than 50 or more, the fire inspector will fill out a permit application and you will receive an invoice. 

  Question please call 614-645-7641 ext. 75622

• How do I receive a Public Assembly Permit Application?
  Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 614.645.7641 ext 75622

Schools

• Are teachers allowed to hang up in hallway/classroom ceilings and walls any kind of decorative materials?

  Yes, following the restrictions below

  (ii) 807.5.2.2 Artwork in corridors. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on the walls of corridors to not more than 20 per cent of the wall area.

  (iii) 807.5.2.3 Artwork in classrooms. Artwork and teaching materials shall be limited on walls of classrooms to not more than 50 per cent of the specific wall area to which they are attached.

• Are teachers allowed to conduct class in the hallway throughout the day?

  No

  1031.2 Reliability.Required exit accesses, exits or exit discharges shall be continuously maintained free from obstructions or impediments to full instant use in the case of fire or other emergency where the building area served by the means of egress is occupied. An exit or exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with a means of egress.

• How are school inspections done throughout the year?
  Annual Inspections initially start in January, if a return visit is required a re-inspection is conducted on a scheduled date. If a complaint or enquiry is filed a visit to the school is made by a District Inspector or the Inspector assigned to the school.
• What are the procedures a school is to follow in the event of an alarm sounding off?
  First, evacuate the building. Second, follow the procedures that have been established in their evacuation plan.
• What is the fire code for the storage of Flammable Liquids?
  Chapter (Rule) 57 of the Ohio Fire Code covers Flammable and Combustible Liquids. This code shall apply to the storage and processing of flammable and combustible liquids in addition to the requirements of Hazardous Materials.
• Is there a fire code against space heater in the workspace?

  Yes and No, Electric space heaters are permitted following theses guidelines.

  605.10 Portable, electric space heaters. Where not prohibited by other paragraphs of this code, portable, electric space heaters shall be permitted to be used in all occupancies other than Group I-2 and in accordance with paragraphs (E)(10)(a)(605.10.1) to (E)(10)(d)(605.10.4) of this rule.

  Exception: The use of portable, electric space heaters in which the heating element cannot exceed a temperature of 212°F (100° C) shall be permitted in nonsleeping staff and employee areas in Group I-2 occupancies.

  (a) 605.10.1 Listed and labeled. Only listed and labeled portable, electric space heaters shall be used.

  (b) 605.10.2 Power supply. Portable, electric space heaters shall be plugged directly into an approved receptacle.

  (c) 605.10.3 Extension cords. Portable, electric space heaters shall not be plugged into extension cords.

  (d) 605.10.4 Prohibited areas. Portable, electric space heaters shall not be operated within 3 feet (914 mm) of any combustible materials. Portable, electric space heaters shall be operated only in locations for which they are listed.

• Can we have our High/Rise evacuation plan reviewed by someone in the Fire Department?
  Yes, Columbus City Code 2509.05 Fire Safety plan and evacuation procedure in high rise building (A) (b) (C). and 2509.06 Fire Safety Director Certification in High Rise Building (A) (B) (C). Please refer to the High Rise Inspections section under the Fire Prevention drop down tab.
• Should stairway doors on every other floor be locked from the stairwell side?
  Only in non-emergency situations, 2000 Ohio Fire Code (H) section FM-608.0 Egress Doors (1) FM-608.1 Operable. All means of egress doors shall be readily operable from the side from which egress is to be made without a key, special knowledge or effort. (2) FM-608.2 Interior stairway door: All exits stairway doors in required exit stairways shall be operable from both sides without keys, special knowledge or effort at all times the structure or area served is occupied. Exception: Exit stairway discharge doors shall be operable from egress side and shall only be locked from the opposite side.
• Should a building classified under the grandfather clause be required to have sprinklers in it?

  No

  (a) 102.1.1 General applicability. Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (B)(1)(b) (102.1.2) of this rule, the construction and design provisions of this code shall apply to:

  (i) Structures, facilities and conditions arising after the adoption of this code. This includes structures, facilities and conditions exempt from or not otherwise subject to Chapters 3781. or 3791. of the Revised Code.

  (ii) Existing structures, facilities and conditions not legally in existence at the time of adoption of this code.

  (iii) Existing structures, facilities and conditions not in strict compliance with the requirements of this code, regardless of whether such location is in substantial compliance with the applicable version of the building code listed in rule 1301:7-7-80 of the Administrative Code, where the conditions constitute a distinct hazard to life or property in the opinion of the fire code official, including existing structures subject to rule 1301:7-7-11 of the Administrative Code. If a distinct hazard to life or property cannot be proven by the fire official by a preponderance of the evidence, the provisions of this code shall not apply to an existing building or condition. This includes structures, facilities and conditions exempt from or not otherwise subject to Chapters 3781. or 3791. of the Revised Code.

• Can there be a live Christmas tree placed anywhere in the building?

  Yes, under certain conditions

  (1) 806.1 Natural cut trees. Natural cut trees, where allowed by this paragraph, shall have the trunk bottoms cut off not less than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) above the original cut and shall be placed in a support device complying with paragraph (F)(1)(b)(806.1.2) of this rule.

  (a) 806.1.1 Restricted occupancies. Natural cut trees shall be prohibited within ambulatory care facilities and Group A, E, I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies.

  Exceptions:

  1. Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with paragraph (C)(3)(a)(i)(903.3.1.1) or (C)(3)(a)(ii)(903.3.1.2) of rule 1301:7-7-09 of the Administrative Code shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E, M, R-1 and R-2.

  2. Trees shall be allowed within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies.

   

  (b) 806.1.2 Support devices. The support device that holds the tree in an upright position shall be of a type that is stable and that meets all of the following criteria:

  (i) The device shall hold the tree securely and be of adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree.

  (ii) The device shall be capable of containing a minimum two-day supply of water.

  (iii) The water level, when full, shall cover the tree stem not less than 2 inches (51 mm). The water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut and checked not less than once daily.

   

  (c) 806.1.3 Dryness. The tree shall be removed from the building whenever the needles or leaves fall off readily when a tree branch is shaken or if the needles are brittle and break when bent between the thumb and index finger. The tree shall be checked daily for dryness.

  
  

   

• What form would I use to keep track of Fire Drills?
  Download Fire Drill Log or contact Fire Prevention Bureau 614.645.7641 Ext. 75607

Short Term Rentals (Airbnb)

• What are the requirements for fire safety at my short term rental (Airbnb)?
  Go to our Institution, Education and Requested Inspections web page here Institution, Education and Requested Inspections Office and look under short term rentals.

Tanks

• How do I obtain a permit to install, repair or remove a tank?  Or if you have questions please refer to the High Hazard section.  

  High Hazards section link

   

Festivals/Temporary Events

• How do I get an application?
  Download CFD Permit Application-Temporary Operation  or call 614.645.7641 Ext. 75605
• What is the inspection procedure?
  On the day of the event the Fire Prevention Bureau will come out and complete the inspection and issue the permit upon an OK Inspection.
• What requirements are there for propane gas at an event?
  All the rules and regulation of NFPA 58, standard for liquefied petroleum gas, are followed, in addition to the State Fire Code.

Mobile Food Vendors (Food Trucks & Trailers,Pushcarts)

• What are you looking for when you inspect my Food Truck, Food Trailer or Pushcart?
  Go To Mobile Food Vendors web page
• How do I get an inspection?
  Call 614.645.7641 Ext. 75642 (primary) Ext.75607 (secondary) to make an appointment.
• How does Columbus Mobile Food Vendors differ from the State?
  CFD Info-MFV State vs Columbus

Fireworks/Pyrotechnics

• How do I get an application?
  Fireworks, Pyrotechnics, Flame Effects Permit  or contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 614.645.7641 ext. 75605
• Are there licensing requirements?
  Yes, you must hold a State of Ohio certification. Contact the State Fire Marshall Office.

Daycare Home

• How do I have my home or daycare inspected?
  Download CFD Type B Home inspection Requirements or CFD Daycare Inspection Checklist from Institution, Education and Requested Inspections Office.
• What is the cost?
  $100.00 home, $125.00 home daycare and $150 daycare effective January 1, 2015.
•  What do I need to pass the inspection?
  1. Working Smoke Detectors on each level including attic and basement.
   2. Evacuation plan with meeting place outside the front of the home.
   3. No storage of flammables or combustibles near furnace , hot water heater or open flame.
   4. All electrical outlets not being used should be covered with plastic covers.
• Should fire extinguisher be mounted?
  No, we do not require the extinguisher to be mounted when we get there.  The inspector can recommend a good spot for it while performing the inspection.
•  Does the Treasury Department take Visa or Master Card for the fees over the phone?
  No, not at this time.

Plans Review

• What fees are required for plans review of Sprinklers Systems, Automatic Fire Alarm Systems, Manual Fire Alarm Systems, Automatic Extinguishing Systems, Fire Pumps and Standpipe Systems?
  Download  CFD Info-Plans Review Fee Schedule   or contact Fire Prevention Bureau 614.645.7641 Ext. 75608
• Who should we submit drawings to for the fire protection systems permits?
  The contractor submits to cashier 4 sets of drawings, application and fees  to the city Department of Trade and Development. 757 Carolyn Ave. Columbus Ohio 43224. The contractor also submits to the Fire Department 1 set of drawings, application and fees to the Fire Prevention Bureau Plans Review Officer 3939 Parson Ave. Columbus Ohio 43207
• How many fire extinguishers do we need and what location should they be in for an office, warehouse, retail/groceries store?
  This information can be found in NFPA 10 rule 1301.7-7-44 or contact a fire extinguisher inspection and recharging company in the yellow pages. The fire extinguisher needs to be inspected by one of these companies annually.
• If there is more than two strobe lights in your direct line of site should they be synchronized?
  Yes, According to NFPA 72 6-4.1, OBBC 918.8, ADA 301-7
• What type, size, color, location, illumination of exit light is required in a building?
  Information can be found in the Ohio basic building code book, Page 144 Section 1023.0-1023.4

Misc

• Can I request Confined Space Rescue team to standby at a job site?
  "The Columbus Division of Fire does not provide Standby Confined Space Rescue Teams at this time. Any request for rescue services will be through our normal notification system (i.e. 911 or other emergency number) and response will be provided by our emergency services bureau. We will evaluate confined spaces with a written request of at least 7 days' notice. This evaluation will help companies determine if the CFD has the capability and/or equipment to accomplish a rescue in the space, but will not commit the CFD to a standby CSR status. Request should be made to Deputy Chief in charge of Special Operations at [email protected].