Permits and Applications
General Applications
The Montrose Fire Protection District requires permits for various construction projects as well as hazardous operations and/or conditions. An application and all related documents must be submitted for review and permitting. Fees will be assessed at the end of the review process and payable when invoiced. Submittal requirements have changed, so please read the descriptions and applications carefully. No work shall begin without the issuance of a permit or you will be subject to additional fees. In addition, fees are charged for copies of reports and photos as well as for requested emergency apparatus standby.
2026-Fee-Schedule.pdfAll new construction, remodel, and tenant finish building plans require an evaluation by the Fire Prevention Bureau to check for compliance with applicable fire codes. The 2018 International Fire Code is the current adopted code. Upon completion of the review, a letter will be submitted to the City or County Building Code Official with comments and/or exceptions.
Building Plan Application
All new installations or modifications to an existing fire alarm system in a commercial building require a permit. Installations and modifications are subject to the 2016 edition of NFPA 72. Submit your plans with the required application and supporting documentation for review and permitting prior to installation.
Fire Alarm Application
All new installations or modifications to an existing fire suppression system in commercial, residential, or dwelling units require a permit. Installation and modifications are subject to the 2019 edition of NFPA 13, and the 2016 edition of 13R and 13D. Submit your plans with the required application and supporting documentation for review and permitting prior to installation. In order to install or work on fire protection sprinkler systems in the Montrose Fire Protection District, the contractors/installers must hold all registrations/certifications as required by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. Copies of these shall be submitted with the application packet.
Flow data shall be less than one-year old. If new flow data is needed, you will need to reach out to the water purveyor and request a hydrant flow. Montrose Fire Protection District requires a minimum of 10% reduction from the Static and Residual prior to design, with an exception in areas where the Static pressure is 120 psi or more, then a 20% reduction will be required. Both the flow data and reduction shall be shown on the hydraulic calculations.
Fire Suppression Permit Application
A permit is required for the installation of underground fire lines. You must be a current registered contractor with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to install or work on underground fire lines within the Montrose Fire Protection District. A copy of your certification shall be submitted with the application packet. Installation shall be to the 2019 edition of NFPA 24.
The following check list will be used during inspection.
- Proper thrust blocks in place at every change of direction.
- Mechanical joint at the riser have proper all thread rods installed.
- Ductile iron pipe must be bagged with minimum 6-mil plastic.
- 200 lbs 2-hour hydrostatic test.
- Flush completed at the flow rates shown below.
Underground piping from the water supply to the system riser and lead-in connection to system riser shall be completely flushed before any connection is made to fire protection system piping (NFPA 24:10.10.2). Flushing shall continue for sufficient time to ensure thorough cleaning, usually until the water runs clear, this is usually accomplished in a 5-minute flush. Rock sock shall be used to collect any debris that is flushed out. Be advised the City of Montrose chlorination flush does NOT replace the Fire Department’s required flush. Minimum flow rate shall be not less than one of the following:
- Hydraulically calculated demand rate of the system, including any hose requirements.
- Maximum flow rate available to the system under fire conditions.
- Flow necessary to achieve a velocity of 10 ft/sec in accordance with NFPA 13 Table 10.10.2.1.3.
| Underground Pipe Size (in) | Required Flow Rate (gpm) | Hose/Pipe Sizes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5" | 3" | 4" | 5" | 6" | 8" | ||
| 4 | 390 | 1 | 1 | 1 | * | * | * |
| 6 | 880 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | * |
| 8 | 1560 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 10 | 2440 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 12 | 3520 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Minimum Flow Rates (Preferred method)
Underground Fire Line Application
Commercial Kitchen Hood and Mobile Food Vendor Hood Permits
A permit is required for the installation, replacement, or modification of any commercial kitchen exhaust hood system to ensure compliance with applicable State, Fire, Building, Mechanical, and health codes. Commercial kitchen hoods are critical life-safety systems designed to remove heat, smoke, grease-laden vapors, and cooking odors while reducing the risk of fire hazards within food service establishments and Mobile Food Vending. Plan review and inspection help verify that the hood system, ductwork, fire suppression equipment, ventilation rates, and associated electrical and mechanical components are properly designed and installed in accordance with local regulations and nationally recognized standards, including NFPA 96 and State Laws. Failure to obtain the required permit prior to installation may results in code violations, failed inspections, fines, or unsafe operating conditions.
Alternative Suppression Systems and other type installations not previously listed require permits to be installed in the Montrose Fire Protection District. This includes but is not limited to Commercial Kitchen Hood Suppression Systems, Paint Booths, Clean Agent Systems, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Equipment including Propane Exchange Cages, Above-ground Storage Tanks (AST), and Underground Storage Tanks (UST).
Paint Booths: Paint booths, spray rooms, etc. are required to be protected with a fire suppression system. These systems need to be installed according to 2018 IFC Chapter 9 and 24.
Clean Agent Systems: Clean agent systems are required where traditional, water based, suppression systems can’t be used. A permit is required to install these systems. These systems are to be install according to the 2018 IFC and NFPA 2001.
LPG and Propane Exchange Cages: Commercial LPG Systems and Propane Exchange cages shall be installed according to 2018 IFC Chapter 53 and 61, International Fuel Gas Code, and NFPA 58.
AST and UST: A permit is required to install Above-ground and Underground Storage Tanks. These tanks shall be installed according to 2018 IFC Chapter 57. You may have to apply for a permit with the State of Colorado Division of Oil and Public Safety.
General Installation and Operational Permit Application
Fireworks Sales/Display Application
A permit must be obtained for the Sale or Public Display of fireworks within the Montrose Fire Protection District. (See submittal requirements on application)
Mobile Food Vendor Annual Permit
Pursuant to Colorado HB 25-1295, all Mobile Food Vendors (MFV) operating in the State of Colorado are required to obtain and maintain a valid fire safety permit conducted by a Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) Licensed Fire Inspector I or above. These permits are renewable on an annual basis.
Inspections conducted on MFV vehicles shall verify that the mobile food unit complies with all adopted codes, standards, rules, regulations, and fire and life safety requirements. This shall include, but is not limited to, the proper installation and maintenance of propane piping systems, propane tanks, generators, cooking equipment, Type I exhaust hoods, fire suppression systems, portable fire extinguishers, and emergency shutoff controls. Additionally, the applicant shall be registered in the IROL system prior to inspection.
Any permit that is issued by a Fire Department in the State of Colorado that was conducted by a DFPC Licensed Fire Inspector I or above will be recogized provided the permit remains current and a copy is submitted to the Montrose Fire Protection District at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to operation.
More information can be found at https://fmac-co.wildapricot.org/page-18118
To register with IROL https://www.inspectionreportsonline.net/food-truck-registrations.html
Flammable or Combustible Liquid Tank Removal
A permit must be obtained prior to the installation or removal of flammable or combustible liquid storage tanks. Removal shall be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws as well as 2018 IFC Chapter 57.
Flammable/Combustibel Liquid Tank Removal Application
Explosive – Blasting Agents Use
A permit is required for use of explosive and blasting agents within the Montrose Fire Protection District. Chapter 56 of the International Fire Code governs the use of explosives and will be used when issuing permits and inspecting blast sites. (See submittal requirements on application)

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