There are several types of special inspections, operations, or uses that require a Fire Department permit or inspection fee, as well as documentation and information that is unique from the standard renewable type Fire Department permits. They include blasting operations, indoor/outdoor fireworks displays, tent/canopy permits, carnivals and fairs, trade shows and exhibits, and ABC inspections as required by the State Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC) Board. Below are descriptions and guidelines for each, with links to the associated documents and forms needed for each different type.

 

 

Blasting operation permits must be obtained at the Charlotte Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) office located at the address indicated below. These permits cannot be issued in the field. The guidelines as to what information must be provided are outlined in the bureau's Standard Operating Guideline FPB 213 Blasting Permits and Site Inspections.pdf (60k). In addition, a Fire Department permit application cover page [New Permit Application 2-1-2007.pdf (27k)] must be completed, signed and presented to the FPB office at the time all other documents are provided. The blasting permit is good for one year, or the length of the job. See permit code #12b in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10, Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the fee amount.

 

 

Permits for indoor fireworks displays are most common with concerts, theatrical performances, as well as special events such as weddings. These permits may be issue either on the site, or at the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) office at the address indicated below. The area inspector, or the inspector specially assigned to a particular venue will need to witness a demonstration of each type of device at his or her discretion. The specific requirements regarding what documents need to be provided in order to obtain a permit are described in the bureau's Standard Operating Guideline FPB 211 Indoor Pyrotechnic Display Permit.pdf (54k). For permits that are applied for in advance and mailed to the FPB office, a permit application cover page [New Permit Application 2-1-2007.pdf (27k)] shall be completed, signed and mailed in along with the information required in the guideline. See permit code #12d in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the fee amount. For permits issued in the field at location of the display, an on-site permit will be completed and issued by the inspector.

 

Outdoor displays can only be issued from the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) office at the address indicated below, not in the field. All other procedures are similar to indoor displays and are outlined in the bureau's Standard Operating Guideline FPB 212 Outdoor Fireworks Display Permit.pdf (57k).  A permit application cover page [New Permit Application 2-1-2007.pdf (27k)] must be completed and signed, and for permit fee amount, see permit code #12c in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the fee amount.

 

 

Tent and/or canopy permits are required for tent or canopy sizes outlined in the Fire Prevention Bureau's (FPB) Standard Operating Guideline FPB 208 Tent and Canopy Permits.pdf (54k). These permits are issued by the inspector in the field at the time of the site inspection. The inspector will complete an on-site permit at the time of the site visit and inspection. For the permit fee amount, see permit code #30 in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k).

 

 Three very important notes:

 

As outlined in the Fire prevention Bureau's Standard Operating Guideline FPB 231 Carnivals and Fairs.pdf (57k), these permits must be applied for no less than 30 days in advance. A permit application cover page [New Permit Application 2-1-2007.pdf (27k)] must be completed, signed and returned to the FPB office at the address indicated below, along with the other documentation outlined in the guideline. See permit code #4 in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the fee amount.

 

 

Permits for trade shows and exhibits are issued from the Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB) office at the address indicated below. A completed and signed Trade Show and Exhibit Permit application [Trade show app new..pdf (27k)] must be completed, signed and returned, along with the documents described in the bureau's Standard Operating Guideline FPB 222 Trade Shows and Exhibitions.pdf (57k). See permit code #11 in the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the fee amount.

 

 

Effective July 01 2009, the Charlotte Fire Department will require an inspection fee for all inspections related to a business requiring an inspection for the purposes of obtaining a North Carolina State ABC permit. This fee must be collected by the inspector at the time the State ABC form is completed and signed by the inspector. Refer to permit code #35 on the Permit User Fee Schedule, FY 10', Effective July 01, 2009 (87k) for the inspection fee amount.

 

If you are pre-applying for a permit in advance, mail permit applications and other applicable documentation to:

 

 

For other questions, contact the bureau at 704-336-2101