FIRE & BUILDING SAFETY

The fire and building safety codes apply to all public buildings throughout the State of Vermont. A public building is defined in state law - Title 20 Chapter 173 § 2730.

The intent of the Code is to prescribe minimum requirements necessary to establish a reasonable level of fire safety and property protection from the hazards created by fire. The scope covers the construction, maintenance, and use of property. The codes also provide protection to fire department personnel.

The State of Vermont has adopted nationally recognized safety standards to protect the public from fire and explosion hazards and establish standards for fire safety. The adopted national standards are amended only when necessary to address conditions specific to Vermont, stay within the limits set by law or to clarify interpretations of certain sections.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

12/03/09 – Life Safety Code – This program covers code updates for projects in existing buildings including the use of the new Chapter 43, Building Rehabilitation, information on the permit process, fundamentals of the requirements for interior finish and means of egress requirements. (speaker – Robert Howe) Program will be held at F. W. Webb, Rutland, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm.
Pre-registration required: Sherri Birkheimer Rooker, Executive Officer, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Southern Vermont, phone/fax: 773-0672, email: cvthomebuilders@yahoo.com

12/17/09 – Life Safety Code – This program covers code updates for projects in existing buildings including the use of the new Chapter 43, Building Rehabilitation, information on the permit process, fundamentals of the requirements for interior finish and means of egress requirements. (speaker – Robert Howe) Program will be held at Division of Fire Safety, Berlin Office, from 2:30 – 4:30 pm.
Pre-registration: Derek Shepardson, Assistant State Fire Marshal, phone: 479-7567, email: shepardd@dps.state.vt.us

January - To Be Announced - Vermont Access Rules – This program covers an overview of the Vermont Access Rules with a focus on vertical access, requirements for housing and frequently asked questions. (speaker – Robert Howe)

January - To Be Announced - Historic Buildings – This program covers how the Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code, and the Vermont Access Rules, apply to historic buildings; including prescriptive code alternatives, operational features, change of use, fire ratings of materials and including case studies. (speakers – Nancy Boone, Division for Historic Preservation & Robert Howe)

02/04/10 – International Building Code – This program covers code updates including organization and significant changes to technical requirements, height and area limitations and including Vermont amendments. (speakers – Bruce Johnson, ICC, Robert Howe & Stanley Baranowski). Program held at Castleton State College, from 8:00 am to noon.
Pre-registration required: Ward Smyth, ICC Building Safety Association of Vermont, phone 496-2206, email: wsmyth@turtlecreekbuilders.com

ADOPTED CODES

Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code – 2006
Effective Date – June 15, 2009

The Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code has been updated effective June 15, 2009. The primary codes adopted include:

• The Uniform Fire Code, NFPA 1, the 2006 edition
• The Life Safety Code, NFPA 101, the 2006 edition
• The International Building Code, IBC, the 2006 edition
• The National Board Inspection Code, National Board of Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspectors, 2004

Other major codes & standards included (but not limited to):

• Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10, 2002 edition
• Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13, 2002 edition
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30, 2003 edition
• Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment, NFPA 31, 2001 edition
• National Fuel Gas Code, NFPA 54, 2006 edition
• Liquid Petroleum Gas Code, NFPA 58, 2004 edition
• National Electrical Code, NFPA 70, 2008 edition
• National Fire Alarm Code, NFPA 72, 2002 edition
• Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, NFPA 90A, 2002 edition
• Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking, NFPA 96, 2004 edition
• Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances, NFPA 211, 2003 edition
• Explosive Materials Code, NFPA 495, 2006 edition
• Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures, NFPA 914, 2001 edition
• Code for Fireworks Display, NFPA 1123, 2006 edition
• Code for the Manufacture, Trans., Storage and Retail Sales of Fireworks, NFPA 1124, 2006 edition
• Minimum Design Loads for Buildings & Other Structures, ASCE 7, 2005 edition

During the transition period for the new code, a construction project that has obtained a construction permit prior to June 15, 2009, or a construction project that is permitted and construction has started by September 15, 2009, is not required to change the construction to meet the new code, provided that the construction meets or exceeds the requirements for existing buildings under the new code.

• Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code 2006 (Effective 6/15/09)
• Vermont Fire & Building Safety Code 2005 (Effective 10/22/05)

NOTE - The Vermont Division of Fire Safety does not sell code books. Please contact NFPA or ICC to purchase the codes and standards.

OTHER CODES AND RULES

• Fire Prevention and Building Code History

SNOWFALL DATA

• Map Showing Minimum Ground Snow Loads
• Average Yearly Snowfall

STATE CONSTRUCTION AND CHANGE OF USE APPLICATION
Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat

FINAL CONSTRUCTION VALUATION
Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat

OTHER PERMIT APPLICATIONS AND WORK NOTICES

• Electrical & Fire Alarm Work Notice - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• Fire Alarm | Fire Suppression Systems Permit Application - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• Hood & Extinguishing System Permit Application - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• Plumber's Work Notice - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• Tank Permit Application - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• Tent Permit Application - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat
• TQP Inspection Form - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat

Completion Certificate - Microsoft Word | Adobe Acrobat

INFORMATION FOR ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS & PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS

These guidelines contain a list of plan details, specifications, and technical information generally required for plan review. This list is not all-inclusive and detailed, further information may be required if needed at the time of plan review. The plan reviewer may require such engineering certification as a condition or permit approval when the plans and documents are difficult or complicated.

• General Plan Submittal Guidelines - Adobe Acrobat | Microsoft Word

OTHER INFORMATION

• Fire Safety for Places of Public Assembly
• Public Assembly Permits - Vermont State Police
• Rental Housing Registry Design, November, 2000
• Rental Housing Task Force Report, December 12, 2000
• Planned Building Groups