Operational & Construction Permits

The Northshore Fire Department processes and issues permits for all operational and construction permits required by the International Fire Code for the cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or business for which a permit is required. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required.

Application FormsPermit Descriptions

Permit Application Forms

Application forms can be downloaded via the links below, or you may request a permit application via fax, or in person at our headquarters station.

Carnivals and Fairs

Application to conduct a carnival, fair or similar event.

View Application

Construction Permit

Application for a construction permit for other than fire protection systems or fuel tanks. View what this entails here.

View Application

Fire Alarm Permit

Application to install or modify a fire alarm system.

View Application

Fire Extinguishing System

Application to install or modify a fixed fire extinguishing system.

View Application

Fire Sprinkler Permit

Application to install or modify a fire sprinkler system.

View Application

Fuel Tank Permit

Application to install, alter, remove or decommission a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

View Application

Permit Descriptions

The following construction permits are required to be obtained prior to commencing with the installation or alteration of any of the listed activities.

Updated January 27, 2017

A permit is required to install or modify a fire sprinkler system.

A permit is required to install or modify a fire suppression system for commercial kitchens or other fixed suppression system.

A permit is required to install a stationary battery storage system having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons.

When the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in IFC Table 105.6.8, a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system.

A construction permit is required for the installation of or alteration to outdoor stationary cryogenic fluid systems where the system capacity exceeds the amounts listed in TFC Table 105.6.10. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered alteration and does not require a construction permit.

A construction permit is required to install or modify an Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) that supplies power to life safety systems, fire pumps, elevators or any system required by the IFC or the International Building Code (IBC).

A construction permit is required to install, alter or modify an emergency responder radio system as defined and required in IFC Section 510.

A construction permit is required for installation or modification to fire alarm and fire detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC does not require a construction permit.

A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

A construction permit is required:

  1. To install, repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids.
  2. To install, construct or alter 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.
  3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to a gate or barricade across a fire apparatus access road.

A construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility or other area regulated by IFC Chapter 27 when hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in IFC Table 105.6.20.

A construction permit is required to install, alter or increase the hazard level of storage under the following criteria: Storage area including aisles exceeds 500 square feet floor area, and either Class I – IV commodities are stored more than 12 feet high, or high hazard materials are stored more than 6 feet high.

A construction permit is required for installation of industrial ovens covered by IFC Chapter 21.

A construction permit is required for the installation or modification to an LP-gas system.

A construction permit is required to install, modify or expand any mechanical refrigeration system containing more than 220 pounds of a Group A1 refrigerant or more than 30 pounds of any other group refrigerant.

A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered modification and does not require a permit.

Construction permits are required for installation of or alteration to smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered alteration and does not require a permit.

A construction permit is required to install or modify solar voltaic power systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered modification and does not require a permit.

A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth.

A construction permit is required for the installation of, modification or removal from service a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with the IFC is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure or tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet.