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1. What are the fees associated with Fire Department permits?

The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) has adopted the latest (2012) edition of the International Fire Code as well as the Southern Nevada Amendments and charges cost recovery fees for inspections, permits for certain businesses storing or using hazardous materials, fire alarm and sprinkler plans reviews, fire alarm and sprinkler acceptance tests, and permits for a variety of hazardous one-time activities.

2. What types of permits does the Fire Department issue?

The Boulder City Fire Department issues 2 types of permits, an annual renewable operational fire permit is issued for higher than normal fire hazards or hazardous materials operations and a one-time installation permit for fire detection and protection systems. Before either type of permit is issued, a thorough plan review and 1 or more inspections are conducted to ensure safe operation or installation. A mid-year inspection is also conducted for businesses requiring an annual permit.

3. What do I need to do to obtain a permit?

Permits are required for all commercial properties on new construction, certain residential properties,
changes in occupancy or use of a commercial property, changes in ownership and properties undergoing significant renovation. For more information, please visit our Plans / Inspections / Permits page.

4. What do I need for a plan review?

For a Site Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The BCFD will ensure the hydrant, roadway and access is adequate for fire apparatus.

For a Building Plan Review, plans are submitted to the Building Department. The Boulder City Fire Department (BCFD) will determine the need for any possible fire life safety protection systems based on the type and size of the structure according to the 2012 International Fire Code plus Southern Nevada Amendments as adopted by the City of Boulder City.

For Fire Protection Plans, plans are submitted to BCFD by the contractor / business owner. Four sets of plans are submitted along with appropriate system specifications, material submittals, flow test paperwork, hydraulic calculations and plans review fees. Plans may take 7 to 14 days for review and the permit processing. Plans will not be processed without payment in full in advance. Work on the project may not begin until the plans have been approved.

Penalties are assessed for working without a permit.

5. What types of buildings need sprinkler systems?

Currently, all new commercial construction is required to have sprinklers. Existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation may also be required to have a fire suppression system installed. Sprinklers may also be required in new or renovated residential construction depending on the size of the building. The BCFD recommends that all new construction - both commercial and residential - have sprinklers installed.

6. What permits or fees are required to hold a special event in Boulder City?

Special events are coordinated through the Parks and Recreation Department. All special event coordinators requesting
EMS or Fire coverage during special events within the department’s jurisdictional boundaries will be directed to contact BCFD to determine needs which may impact the department, e.g. concerts, sporting events, outdoor festivals, vehicle races, photo/film shoots, events utilizing tents or canopies in excess of 400 square feet, etc.

It is the recommendation of BCFD that event coordinators should 1st secure private contractors for all emergency service needs during special events.

Private contractors must be licensed and capable of providing the appropriate emergency services. These contractors must also have a current Boulder City Business License. When necessary, a coverage request may be submitted to BCFD. If approved, the fee for a Firefighter / Paramedic / EMT $60 per hour / per person, the fee for ALS Ambulance / Rescue Unit is $220 per hour (includes 2 personnel), and the fee for a Fire Suppression Unit is $380 per hour (includes 3 personnel).

7. What are the permit requirements for tents, canopies and temporary membrane structures?

Chapter 24 of the 2006 Uniform Fire Code applies to tents and temporary membrane structures in excess of 200 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet. These structures shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without 1st obtaining a permit and approval from the BCFD. A $77 permit and inspection fee for each structure exceeding the listed size requirements is required.

8. Is a permit required for using explosives?

A limited term and site specific permit must be obtained by a contractor prior to the commencement of any activities involving the use of explosives.

9. Do spray paint booths need to be permitted?

Yes. All spray paint booths erected, located or relocated in the city are required to be permitted and must have an annual inspection. The minimum inspection fee is $77. Specifications for the spray booths and other guidelines are listed in the Uniform Guideline.

10. What are Maintenance Agreements and who needs 1?

Maintenance Agreements are contracts signed between the property owner and a state fire marshall-licensed company to service the fire alarm, sprinkler or hood extinguishing systems in a commercial building. State law requires maintenance agreements between the property owner and a licensed contractor for alarm systems, sprinkler systems, hood extinguishing systems, automatic smoke control systems and off-site monitoring of these systems.

The agreement provides that the fire monitoring company service the system within 24 hours after receipt of a trouble call. The property owner is responsible for providing a copy of the agreement to BCFD and the fire monitoring company is responsible for notifying BCFD if the agreement lapses or is canceled.

11. What is a Monitoring Station and who needs 1?

Any commercial building required to have a fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system must also have a Maintenance Agreement for those systems and a Monitoring Station for the system. The monitoring station does just what its name implies - it monitors the fire alarm and extinguishing systems to make sure they are turned on, in proper working order and notifies the company in case of a fire-related emergency.

The monitoring facility is required to have a Boulder City Business License and proof of liability insurance and must comply with applicable NFPA standards and state Fire Marshall regulations. These stations require an annual permit application and fee of $77.

12. What types of burning require a permit?

Open burning is the burning of a bonfire, rubbish fire or other fire in an outdoor location where fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, barbecue grill or barbecue pit. Permits will only be given for vegetation burns complying with the criteria established in the guidelines.

Vegetation burns are defined as those necessary for the clearing of agricultural fields, disposing of unused crops or for mitigating brush or intermingled weeds especially as it relates to agricultural operations.

13. Are there rules regarding outdoor barbeques?

Yes, the Uniform Fire Code provides for an acceptable level of fire and life safety for the use and storage of portable barbeque equipment.

Outdoor Cooking: Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be located above the first story, operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. LP-gas burners with a water capacity of greater than 2.5 pounds shall not be located above the first story, on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. The storage of LP gas containers with a water capacity greater than 2.5 pounds is prohibited unless it is listed for interior storage. An exception to this rule would be single and 2-family dwellings

Adult supervision is required at all times while the barbecue is generating heat.

Note: The property owners and managers have the responsibility of enforcing this code on the tenants of the residential units in question.
Complaints of violations to the Boulder City Fire Department will be addressed to the owners or agents of their complex to correct it by any means at their disposal. Failure to comply with said ordinances will result in citations being issued.

14. What is a Knox box and how are they used?

Knox boxes are required by local and state fire codes on all commercial buildings with an alarm or sprinkler system. These boxes are attack and tamper resistant and are used to protect inventory, equipment, supplies and records from unnecessary water damage caused by delays in sprinkler shut-off. To find more information please go to Knoxbox.com. Or should you have any questions, please contact the Boulder City Fire Department at 702-293-9228 or fire@bcnv.org.