Purpose:

To establish a set of guidelines for the issuance of Tank Installation permits and the resulting inspections for approval of the installation(s).

Policy:

1. Permits for above and below ground tank installations for new construction as well as existing buildings shall be issued through the Fire Plans Review section. Upon discovery of an installation, if the tank installer cannot provide a set of stamped and approved plans, then they shall be instructed to submit such plans for the plans review and permit process.
2. Once the plans review and approval process is complete and the tank installer is in possession of the stamped and approved plans, the Fire Inspector will need to make several site visits to ensure that the installation is in compliance with the North Carolina Fire Code and NFPA 30. At a minimum, the site visits shall include:
   1. A visit to witness an air pressure test on the tank(s). Different air pressures may be required for different type tanks, so refer to the North Carolina Fire Code and NFPA 30 for the requirements.
   2. For B/G tanks, a visit after the tanks have been placed in the ground, but prior to being covered, to ensure that the clearances around the tanks from the wall or adjacent tanks, the surrounding back-fill material and the burial depth and cover is in compliance.
   3. For A/G tanks, a visit to ensure that the tank's distance from the building, property line, etc. is in compliance.
   4. A visit to witness a pressure test on the product piping and to ensure that the surrounding back-fill material and the burial depth and cover is in compliance.
   5. A visit to ensure that the dispensing devices and other equipment (emergency shut-offs, signage, etc.) is in compliance
3. The tank installation/removal form shall be completed and signed by the tank installer.
4. Once the tank installation job is complete, the Fire Inspector shall ensure that the operator of the tanks either has or obtains the proper "Operational Permit".
5. If the job is for an existing business that is simply adding or upgrading their storage, the Fire Inspector shall provide a proper written request to the office assistant in charge of permit data entry to make any necessary changes on the chemical listing for the "Operational Permit".