Overview

I. Pre-Certificate of Occupancy

A. Plan review and pre-construction/installation meetings:

Planning Department – Participate as a member of ARC (Administrative Review Committee) in the review of Planning Applications submitted to the Planning Department under the Preliminary Phase of the development process, which are routed to various departments for comment regarding compliance with regulations. ARC meetings are held twice per month to provide and discuss pertinent oral and written departmental comments with applicants and Planning staff for administrative decision, or in preparation of those applications that require final decision by the Planning Commission or City Council.
Public Works Department – Participate in the review of Final Site and Subdivision Plans under the Plan Approval Phase of the development process for compliance with regulations, which are routed to various departments to provide written comments within plan review timelines.
Fire Protection and Hazardous Materials Systems – Prior to installation of new systems or alterations or additions to existing systems, plans are submitted directly to Fire Prevention during the Construction Phase of the development process for review and approval in accordance with regulations and submittal criteria referenced in the PFM, Fire Section C-1a. A letter of Fire Prevention approval along with the completed Fire Permit Application that was included in the plan submittal package to Fire Prevention must be presented to the Department of Neighborhood Services to obtain a Fire permit prior to the start of any work. Fire Prevention also performs the final system acceptance inspection and testing for approval of fire permits.
Certificate of Occupancy Advertisement – Fire Prevention conducts a fire inspection to advise the Department of Neighborhood Services if all fire protection or hazardous materials systems and fire code requirements have been met which is necessary for issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Pre-Construction/System Installation Meetings – Fire Prevention routinely meets with engineering consultants, architects, fire protection and hazardous materials system contractors, and various city staff in the advisement of fire code and referenced standard requirements.

II. Post-Certificate of Occupancy

A. Operational Fire Permits, Annual and Other Fire Inspections:

Operational Fire Code Permits – Permits are required in accordance with the Fire Code for hazardous materials storage, dispensing or processes, for certain assembly and educational occupancies and activities, and installation, removal and usage of private fire hydrants. A fee is charged for the permit which is valid for one year and renewable annually upon re-inspection.

Annual Life and Fire Safety Inspections – Routine annual fire inspections as required by the Fire Code are conducted for compliance with Fire and Building Code requirements. An annual inspection fee is charged for each business or premise required to have an annual inspection.
Other Inspections – Fire Prevention is also responsible to investigate complaints that are received from a number of sources such as the City Manager’s office and other city departments and staff, and from both private and corporate citizens that often result in an inspection of the premises. Fire Prevention also conducts special inspections for licensing purposes as required by other governmental agencies, for premises such as day care facilities or institutional facilities such as nursing homes or other skilled care; or for special events such as Chesapeake Jubilee or other carnivals, fairs, revivals, social events or outdoor marketing that usually involves large crowd turnouts and/or tent structures. Spot check inspections are also routinely conducted to ensure that restaurants, taverns, night clubs and other places of assembly maintain proper established occupant capacities and egress capabilities.

City of Chesapeake, Virginia