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Inspections and Fire Code Mandatory Permits
The Fire Chief of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue is charged with handling the Inspections and Code Enforcement Division for the City, which mainly takes care of the Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Codes set forth by the North Carolina Building Code Committee, while the Fire and Rescue Division is tasked with ensuring that the North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code is enforced and followed throughout the City of Kinston.
Fire Prevention Code
The North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code is based off of the most current International Fire Code and has special sections introduced throughout to specially fit the needs of the State of North Carolina through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.
(2012 ICC NCFC Preface, Introduction)
The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with nationally recognized good practice for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of Fire, explosion and dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings, structures and premises and to provide safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch. 1, Sec 101 Scope and General Requirements, 101.3 Intent)
Scope of the Fire Prevention Code
The North Carolina Building Code: Fire Prevention Code establishes regulations affecting or regulating to Structures, Processes, Premises and safeguards regarding the following:
- The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials, or devices;
- Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises;
- Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation;
- Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression or alarm systems; and
- Conditions affecting the safety of firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 101 Scope and General Requirements, 101.2 Scope)
Business Inspections Daycare Inspections, Foster Home Inspections and Group Home Inspections/Re-Inspections
The Fire Chief and the Fire Code Official (Fire Marshal) of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue has a responsibility to ensure and enforce the Fire Prevention Codes are being upheld to the full extent of the law and standards set forth by the Fire Code. Section 104, General Authority and Responsibilities of the Fire Prevention Codes, explains that the Fire Code Official and the designee's of the office have certain permissions to enter into businesses, Daycare Facilities, Foster Homes and Group Homes to perform Inspections which ensure that the structures and premises are within the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code Standards and can conduct proper business, have occupants, and in the case for Daycare Facilities, Foster Homes and Group Homes, they are suitable for residents to live safely and comfortably in accordance and set forth by the North Carolina State Rules, Regulations, and Law.
Request for Inspections
The Requests for the Inspections of Daycare Facilities, Foster Homes or Group Homes are provided below and can be made through the Administration Assistant of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue to the Fire Code Official for scheduling. There are fees associated with each Group Home Inspection, Daycare Inspection, and Foster Care Home Inspection, and is required to be paid in full upon receipt of the request and prior to the scheduled Inspection can take place.
Requests can be made by clicking on the proper box/tab below and clicking on the link.
Payments
Payments can be made by Check, Cashier's/Banker's Check, Money Order or Credit/Debit Card Payment** at the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue (Headquarters) Station 1, 401 E Vernon Avenue, Kinston, North Carolina 28501, during business hours, or by mailing a Check, Cashier's/Banker's Check or Money Order made out to the City of Kinston, in care of, the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue at P. O. Drawer 339, Kinston, North Carolina 28502.
** (Conditions of Credit/Debit Card Payment can be made over the phone with the Administration Assistant of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue by calling 252-939-3164)
Customer Feedback
We at the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue value reflection and evaluation of our performances of our personnel and abilities. To be a Fire Inspector, a certain level of expertise needs to maintained and followed. By inviting our citizens that we had a direct interaction with to take the time and evaluate that experience, we can get a good snapshot of our performance by our Fire Inspectors, there skills and interactions with our citizens to ensure they are keeping to the mission statement of our department.
If you have had a recent business fire inspection by our Fire Inspectors, please feel free and take time to click on the link below to take this short and easy survey to tell us about your experience during our encounter with us.
Business Fire Inspection Interaction Survey
Permits
Permits are necessary to allow the Building Code Official and Fire Code Official access to information prior to construction and/or occupation and operation of a business.
Permits required by the Fire Prevention Codes shall be obtained from the Fire Code Official (Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue). Permit Fees, if any, shall be paid prior to issuance of the actual permit. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for Inspection by the Fire Code Official.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.1.1 Permits Required)
Operational Permits listed as mandatory in Section 105.6 shall be obtained from the Fire Code Official (Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue).
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.1.2 Permits)
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 the Fire Prevention Codes where a permit is required by Section 105.6 or 105.7. Such permission shall not be construed as authority to violate, cancel or set aside any of the provisions of the Fire Prevention Codes or other applicable regulations or laws of the jurisdiction.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.3 Conditions of a Permit)
An Operational permit shall remain in effect until reissued, renewed or revoked or for such a time as prescribed in the permit. Permits are not transferable and any change in occupancy, operation, tenancy, or ownership shall require a new permit to be issued.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1 Sec 105 Permits, 105.3.1 Expiration)
Applications
The Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue requires all Mandatory Operational Permits listed below and in the Fire Prevention Code, to be applied for and kept on the premises in accordance with the Fire Prevention Codes. The Applications for the Permits are provided below and can be electronically filled out, Electronically Signed* and submitted into the Fire Code Official for Approval and issuance. There are fees associated with each Mandatory Operational Permit, and is required to be paid in full upon receipt of the application and prior to issuance of the Permit being requested.
* (Conditions of an Electronic Signature are as follows: By checking the "I agree" box below, you agree and acknowledge that 1] your application will not be signed in the sense of a traditional paper document, 2] by signing in this alternate manner, you authorize your electronic signature to be valid and binding upon you to the same force and effect as a handwritten signature, and 3] you may still be required to provide a traditional signature at a later date.)
Payments
UPON PERMIT APPROVAL from the Fire Code Official, the Fire Administration Assistant will make contact with the Applicant to make arrangements of payment and issuance of the Permit.
Payment can be made by Check, Cashier's/Banker's Check, Money Order or Credit/Debit Card Payment** at the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue (Headquarters) Station 1, 401 E Vernon Avenue, Kinston, North Carolina 28501, during business hours, or by mailing a Check, Cashier's/Banker's Check or Money Order made out to the City of Kinston, in care of, the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue at P. O. Drawer 339, Kinston, North Carolina 28502.
** (Conditions of Credit/Debit Card Payment can be made over the phone with the Administration Assistant of the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue by calling 252-939-3164)
Mandatory Permits Listing:
The following list is for the Mandatory Permit Applications that the Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue will require for any Business, Structure or Premises within the City Limits. Click on the Proper Box/Tab of the Operational Permit you wish to apply for and select the Application Form:
- 105.6.2 - Amusement Buildings
- 105.6.4 - Carnivals and Fairs
- 105.6.6 - Combustible Dust-Producing Operations
- 105.6.9 - Covered Mall Buildings
- 105.6.13 - Exhibits and Trade Shows
- 105.6.14 - Explosives
- 105.6.16, 6-11 - Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- 105.6.19 - Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging
- 105.6.26 - Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Buildings
- 105.6.35 - Private Fire Hydrants
- 105.6.36 - Pyrotechnic Special Effects Materials
- 105.6.41 - Spraying and Dipping
- 105.6.43 - Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents and Canopies
- 105.7.7, 3 - Flammable or Comustible Liquids Tank Removal Construction Permit
- Fire Protection Permit
Amusement Buildings Application
An Operational Permit is required to operate a special Amusement Building.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.2)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Amusement Buildings Operations Permit Application
Carnivals, Fairs and Special Events Application
An Operational Permit is required to conduct a Carnival or Fair.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.4)
Fee: $100.00
Expiration Date: Upon Completion of the Event
Carnivals, Fairs and Special Events Operations Permit Application
Combustible Dust-Producing Operations Application
An Operational Permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.6)
COMBUSTIBLE DUST - See Section 1302.1
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 2, Sec 202 General Definitions)
COMBUSTIBLE DUST - Finely divided solid material which is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by a flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust will pass through a U. S. No. 40 Standard Sieve.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 13, Sec 1302 Definitions, 1302.1)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Covered Mall Buildings Application
An Operational Permit is required for:
- The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar items in the mall.
- The display of liquid or gas-fired equipment in the mall.
- The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.9)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Covered Mall Buildings Operations Permit Application
Exhibits and Trade Shows Application
An Operational Permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows.
(2012 ICC NCFC, Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.13)
Fee: $100.00
Expiration Date: Upon Completion of the Event
Explosives Application
An Operational Permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale, or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 33 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
Exceptions:
- Fireworks allowed by North Carolina General Statute 14-414. NCGS § 14-414. Pyrotechnics defined; exceptions.
For the proper construction of the provisions of this Article, "pyrotechnics," as is herein used, shall be deemed to be and include any and all kinds of fireworks and explosives, which are used for exhibitions or amusement purposes: provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall prevent the manufacture, purchase, sale, transportation, and use of explosives or signaling flares used in the course of ordinary business or industry, or shells or cartridges used as ammunition in firearms. This Article shall not apply to the sale, use, or possession of the following:
(1) Explosive caps designed to be fired in toy pistols, provided that the explosive mixture of the explosive caps shall not exceed twenty-five hundredths (.25) of a gram for each cap.
(2) Snake and glow worms composed of pressed pellets of a pyrotechnic mixture that produce a large, snake-like ash when burning.
(3) Smoke devices consisting of a tube or sphere containing a pyrotechnic mixture that produces white or colored smoke.
(4) Trick noisemakers which produce a small report designed to surprise the user and which include:
a. A party popper, which is a small plastic or paper item containing not in excess of 16 milligrams of explosive mixture. A string protruding from the device is pulled to ignite the device, expelling paper streamers and producing a small report.
b. A string popper, which is a small tube containing not in excess of 16 milligrams of explosive mixture with string protruding from both ends. The strings are pulled to ignite the friction-sensitive mixture, producing a small report.
c. A snapper or drop pop, which is a small, paper-wrapped item containing no more than 16 milligrams of explosive mixture coated on small bits of sand. When dropped, the device produces a small report.
(5) Wire sparklers consisting of wire or stick coated with nonexplosive pyrotechnic mixture that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items must not exceed 100 grams of mixture per item.
(6) Other sparkling devices which emit showers of sparks and sometimes a whistling or crackling effect when burning, do not detonate or explode, do not spin, are hand-held or ground-based, cannot propel themselves through the air, and contain not more than 75 grams of chemical compound per tube, or not more than a total of 200 grams if multiple tubes are used. (1947, c. 210, s. 5; 1955, c. 674, s. 1; 1993, c. 437.) - Storage in Group R-3 occupies of smokeless propellant, black powder and small arms primers for personal use, not for resale and in accordance with Section 3306 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Explosives Operations Permit Application
Flammable and Combustible Liquids Application
An Operational Permit is Required:
6. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
7. To place temporarily out of service (for more than 90 days) an underground, above-ground or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.
8. To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material that poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed
9. To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.
10. To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.
11. To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into tanks of motor vehicles, marine craft and other special equipment at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.16, 6 - 11)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Flammable or Combustible Liquids Operations Permit Application
Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging Application
An Operational Permit is required to operate a business of fumigation or thermal insecticidal fogging and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.19)
Fee: $50.00
Renew Date: Annually
Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging Permit Application
Liquid or Gas Fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Buildings Application
An Operational Permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.26)
Fee: $50.00
Expiration Date: When vehicle is scheduled to be removed from the vehicle
Renewal Date: Annually if vehicle remains within the building
Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Buildings Permit Application
Private Fire Hydrants Application
An Operational Permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants.
Exception: A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments to maintain, test and use private hydrants.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.35)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Private Fire Hydrant Operations Permit Application
Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material Application
An Operational Permit is required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.
Fee: $100
Expiration Date: Upon Completion of the Event
Pyrotechnic Special Effects Materials Operations Permit Application
Spraying and Dipping Application
An Operational Permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.41)
Fee: $50.00
Renewal Date: Annually
Spraying and Dipping Operations Permit Application
Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents Application
An Operational Permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 700 square feet (65 m2).
Exceptions:
- Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
- Tents open on all sides, which comply with all of the following
- Individual tents having a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m2).
- The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m2) total.
- A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be provided.
- Funeral Tents and Curtains or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105 Permits, 105.6.43)
Fee: $100.00
Expiration Date: Upon Completion of Using the Tents.
Tent or Air Supported Structure Permit Application
Construction Permit Requirement for Removing Flammable or Combustible Liquid Storage Tanks Application
A Construction Permit is required to install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 1, Sec 105, 105.7.7, 3)
Fee: Installation $200.00 per tank Removal $150.00 per tank
Experiation Date: Upon Completion of Removal of all Site Tanks.
Flammable or Combustible liquids Tank Removal Construction Permit Application
Fire Protection Permit Application
An Operational Permit is required for various fire protection systems:
- Plan Review for Renovations
- Plan Review for New and Add on Systems
- Hood Suppression System
- Commercial Fire Alarm
- Fire Sprinkler System (Number of heads required)
- Fire Sprinkler Add-ons (Number of heads required)
- Fire Sprinkler Renovations
- Fire Line Installations (GC/Utility License Number is required)
(2012 ICC NCFC Ch 9)
Fee: Fees are listed on the application for the request being made
Renewal Date: Annually
Fire Protection Permit Application
Print, fill out and send to Kinston Department of Fire and Rescue with fees attached.