(A) The owner or operator of any facility in the town and extra-territorial jurisdiction engaged in the manufacturing, storage or use of hazardous materials or engage in operation which produce conditions considered to present an extra or unusual fire hazard to life or property shall obtain a permit from the Fire Department prior to the commencement of the activities. Without limiting the generally of the foregoing, permits shall be required for the following activities:
(1) Storage of hazardous materials in buildings.
(2) Above-ground storage of flammable or hazardous material.
(3) Below ground storage of flammable or hazardous material.
(4) The storage, use or handling of explosive materials.
(5) Aerial display of fireworks.
(6) Any activities requiring a permit under the Fire Prevention Code.
(B) Applications for permits shall be made to the Fire Code Official on forms provided by the town. Applications for permits shall be accompanied by such data as may be required by the Fire Code Official.
(1) A permit shall be issued by the Fire Code Official upon the payment of all applicable permit fees as set forth in the fee schedule and compliance with applicable provisions of the Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 704, the reporting requirements of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 and the provisions of this chapter. The permit fees shall be in addition to anyother fees. A permit may be denied if the applicant fails to meet the requirements of this action. If the permit is denied, the Fire Code Official shall advise the applicant in writing of the reasons for the denial.
(2) Unless otherwise specified in the fee schedule, a permit issued pursuant to this section shall extend for the 12-month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Renewal applications are due not later than July 1 of each year. However, if a person begins an operation subject to the provisions of this section after June 1 of any year, the permit shall be issued before the business is begun. Permits for special activities shall be valid only for the permitted event or occurrence, and a new permit shall be obtained for each event or occurrence.
(3) Permit(s) will be valid for the same period as specified in the inspection schedule in Chapter 1, § 106 N.C. Fire Code.
(4) Permits are not transferrable to other locations or persons, firms, or corporations. When an owner or operator is required to obtain more than one permit, the permits may be consolidated onto one permit form. Such consolidated permit form shall list all the hazardous materials or operations covered by the separate permits. When an owner or operator is required to obtain more than one permit for the activities conducted at any location, the owner or operator shall pay the fees as set forth in the fee schedule for each permitted activity.
(5) Any person, firm or corporation who fails to obtain a permit as required by this section shall be required to pay twice the amount of the standard permit fee prior to the issuance of the permit.
(6) Permit fee(s) shall not exceed $500 on operational permit consolidation(s) per occupancy.
(7) Operational permits will apply if one of the following occurs during a new construction situation. Change of use, change of occupancy or failing to bring occupancy into compliance within 120 days from initial inspection for exiting occupancies.
(8) Construction permits will apply to all new and existing occupancies.
(9) Foster care and group homes shall be exempt from permit and inspection fees.
(10) Fee schedule (see town annual budget ordinance.)
(Ord. 10-11, passed 7-6-2011; Ord. 14-17, passed 12-2-2014)