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Permits

There are two types of permits:  Operational and Construction.  Operational permits allow the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for a prescribed period of time, and Construction permits allow the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment. Where more than one permit is required for the same location, a consolidated permit can be issued for the address, provided that each provision is listed on the permit.  The same permit application is used for each type of permit and can be downloaded below.

Permit Application (PDF file)

Fire alarm system permits shall be issued by the City of New Bern Fire Prevention Bureau only after the submission of three (3) sets of sealed drawings and the proper construction documents as set forth in the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code Section 907. 

Construction documents shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

  1.         A floor plan which indicates the use of all rooms

  2.         Locations of alarm-initiating and notification appliances

  3.         Alarm control and trouble signaling equipment

  4.         Annunciation

  5.         Power connection

  6.         Battery calculations

  7.         Conductor type and sizes

  8.         Voltage drop calculations

  9.         Manufacturers, model numbers and listing information for equipment, devices and materials

10.         Details of ceiling height and construction

11.         The interface of fire safety control functions

You may fax your completed application to (252) 636-1084, or mail it to New Bern Fire-Rescue, P.O. Box 1129, New Bern, NC 28563-1129.  If you prefer, you may also apply in person at the Headquarters Fire Station, located at 1401 Neuse Boulevard.

Permits issued shall be kept on the premise designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection.

Operational Permits

Amusement Buildings 
To operate a special amusement building.

Carnivals and Fairs 
To conduct a carnival or fair.

Covered Mall Buildings 
For the placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly combustible goods and similar items in the mall.

Display of liquid or gas-fueled equipment in the mall.

Use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall.

Exhibits and Trade Shows 
Operate exhibits and trade shows.

Explosives 
To manufacture, store, handle, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material, fireworks, or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 33 of the NC Fire Code.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids 
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.

To install, alter, remove, abandon, place temporarily out of service (for more than 90 days) or otherwise dispose of an underground, protected above-ground or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.

To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material which poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed.

To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.

To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments.

To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental, or manufacturing establishment.

Fumigation and Thermal Insecticidal Fogging 
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.

Liquid or Gas-Fueled Vehicles or Equipment In Assembly Buildings 
Display, operate or demonstrate liquid or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.

Private Fire Hydrants 
Removal from service or use of operation of private fire hydrants.

Exceptions: 
Not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire department to maintain, test, and use private hydrants.

Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material 
Use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.

Spraying and Dipping Operations 
Conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15 of the NC Fire Code.

Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopies 
To erect air-supported temporary membrane structures or a tent having an area in excess 200 square feet, or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet.

Exceptions: 
Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
Funeral tents and curtains or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides which comply with all of the following:
Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet. 

The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet shall not exceed 700 square feet total. 

A minimum clearance of 12 feet to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

Construction Permits

Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems 
Installation or modification to an automatic fire extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Compressed Gases 
Where compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9 of the NC Fire Code, a permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporary out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed system

Exceptions: 
Routine maintenance.

Emergency repair work performed on an emergency basis; application for a permit shall be made within two working days of the commencement of work.

The applicant shall apply for approval to close storage, use or handling facilities at least 30 days prior to the termination of the storage, use or handling of compressed or liquefied gases. Application shall include any change or alteration of the facility closure plan which was filed pursuant to Section 2701.5.3 of the NC Fire Code. The 30-day period is not applicable when approved based on special circumstances requiring such waiver.

Fire Alarm and Detection Systems 
Installation of or modification to a fire alarm system, detection system, and/or related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with the fire code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Fire Pumps and Related Equipment 
Installation of or modification to the fire pump and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with the fire code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids 
Installation, construction, or altering of a tank vehicle, 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.

Installation, alteration, remove, abandon, place temporarily out of service or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

Hazardous Materials
Installation, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporary out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility or other area regulated by Chapter 27 of the NC Fire Code when the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21 of the NC Fire Code.

Industrial Ovens 
Installation of industrial ovens is covered Chapter 21 of the NC State Fire Code.

Exceptions:
Routine maintenance.

Repair work performed on an emergency basis; application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.

Private Fire Hydrants 
Installation or modification of private fire hydrants.

Spraying and Dipping 
Installation or modification of a spray room, dip tank, or booth.

Standpipe Systems 
Installation, modification, or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopies 
A permit is required to erect air-supported temporary membrane structures or a tent having an area in excess 200 square feet, or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet.

Exceptions: 
Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

Funeral tents and curtains or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides which comply with all of the following: 
Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet.

The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet shall not exceed 700 square feet total.

A minimum clearance of 12 feet to structures and other tents shall be maintained.