16.40.010 Permit:
Any property owner or authorized agent who intends to conduct an operation or business, or install or modify systems and equipment regulated by the Fire Code adopted by the State of Washington, or cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Fire Code Official and obtain the required permit.
A. Types of Permits.
1. Operational Permit. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by this chapter for either:
a. A prescribed period
b. Until renewed or revoked
2. Construction Permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by this chapter.
B. Permit Application.
1. Application for a permit required by this code shall be made to the Fire Code Official in such form and detail as prescribed by the Fire Code Official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such plans as prescribed by the Fire Code Official. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by plans twenty-four inches (24") x thirty-six inches (36") or thirty inches (30") x forty-two inches (42"). Working drawings scale shall be one eighth inch (1/8") = one inch (1") and site plans scale shall be one inch (1") = twenty feet (20') or one inch (1") = forty feet (40'). A minimum of three (3) sets of plans shall be submitted for fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems. A minimum of two (2) sets of plans shall be submitted for all other systems. When more than one (1) permit is required for the same location, such permits may be consolidated into a single permit.
2. Refusal to issue permit. If the application for a permit describes a use that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter and other pertinent laws and ordinances, the fire code official shall not issue a permit, but shall return the application with the refusal to issue such permit. Such refusal shall be in writing and contain the reasons for refusal.
3. Inspection authorized. Before a new operational permit is approved, the Fire Code Official is authorized to inspect the receptacles, vehicles, buildings, devices, premises, storage spaces or areas to be used to determine compliance with the currently adopted state fire code and this code or any operational constraints required.
4. Time limitation of application. An application for a permit for any proposed work or operation shall be deemed to have been abandoned one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of filing, unless such application has been diligently prosecuted or a permit shall have been issued; except that the Fire Code Official is authorized to grant one (1) or more extensions of time for additional periods not exceeding ninety (90) days each. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause demonstrated
C. Conditions of a permit. A permit shall constitute permission to maintain, store or handle materials; or to conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life or property; or to install equipment utilized in connection with such activities; or to install or modify any fire protection system or equipment or any other construction, equipment installation or modification in accordance with the provisions of this code where a permit is required.
1. Expiration. An operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed or revoked or for such a period of time as specified in the permit. Construction permits shall automatically become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within one hundred eighty (180) days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days after the time the work is commenced. Anew permit shall be required before any work recommences.
2. Occupancy prohibited before approval. The building or structure shall not be occupied prior to the Fire Code Official issuing a permit and conducting associated inspections indicating the applicable provisions of this code have been met. (Ord. 2846, 12/27/16; Ord. 2755, 1/27/15; Ord. 2722, 7/22/14; Ord. 2363, 11/27/07; Ord. 2204, 5/10/05)