Permits

2008 PFA OPEN BURNING INFORMATION

Message from PFA Fire Marshal Regarding Open Burning Permit Program.

In recent years, open burning in the Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) district has come to the forefront due to drought, encroachment of the urban area, and increasing numbers of illegal open fires. Due to these factors, PFA has adjusted management of open burning in order to meet these new demands.

The PFA open burning program regulates open burning within the PFA district. This regulation allows for legitimate agricultural burning as protected under State law within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Open burning is also regulated by the Uniform Fire Code and the Larimer County Health Department. These regulations specifically prohibit non-agricultural burning without a permit.

As agriculture has an important place in Northern Larimer County, we work with farmers and ranchers to enable ditch and fence row burning which in turn saves precious irrigation water. PFA has a defined Open Burn Restricted Area containing the developed areas inside and out of Fort Collins city limits which restricts open burning to agricultural and approved recreational burns. This restricted area was updated in 2007 and, due to growth, is scheduled for another review in 2010.

Outside the restricted area described above, slash burns are allowed where alternative means of disposal of tree branches are impractical. The burning of leaves, grass, and other smoke producing materials are prohibited. Convenience is not a determining factor for the issuance of a burning permit by Poudre Fire Authority and Larimer County Health. Due to increased population in the rural area, the recent drought, and cases of abuse, the Open Burn policy is now consistent with State and Larimer County regulations.

All burn permit applications require a site inspection prior to issuance of a burn permit. Site inspections will include a review of materials to be burned, distances from structures and property lines, on-site fire protection and in some cases documentation from neighbors or others who may be impacted by smoke from the permitted burn. Notes and digital pictures will be retained with approved application.

Permits will no longer be issued at the time of application. Thus, the permit process will take longer for approval. Additionally, many permits issued in previous years will no longer be issued due to air quality rules and the expanding urban character of Fort Collins.

Please view the additional information related to the Open Burning Permit process:

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the following three files.

COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

Follow the link to Commercial Plan Review requirements for Poudre Fire Authority Fire Prevention Bureau. Please call 970.416.2890 for additional information.

COMMERCIAL PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

Required Fire Prevention Permits Now On The WEB

Permit applications for Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarms, Hood and Duct Systems, Underground Storage Tanks (UST), Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST), and Spray Paint Booths can now be completed on the WEB.

Complete the highlighted areas on the following application form and simply click on the 'Lightning Envelope' to send the form to Fire Prevention. The form can also be printed and faxed or mailed to Fire Prevention.

By including your email address the completed application can be returned directly to you. Once required plans are submitted along with plan review and permit fees, Fire Prevention staff will begin to review the project.

When the permit is ready to be issued, it can be done via email or fax and posted on the Job Site.

PFA System Permit Application

Required Permits by Poudre Fire Authority Fire Prevention Bureau

Permits are required for installation and major maintenance of fire protection equipment and special-hazard facilities in the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County within Poudre Valley Fire Protection District.

Permits must be obtained at the Fire Prevention Bureau, 102 Remington Street prior to engaging in the following activities, operations, practices or functions. Installation permits are required for all categories listed below and for all other special equipment and facilities regulated by the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Fire Code as adopted.

For questions regarding required permits, please call (970) 416-2890 during the hours of 8:00-5:00, Monday-Friday, except holidays.

You may also contact us about required permits by CLICKING on the "About PFA" tab at the top of this page, CLICK on "Comments" and send us your question.

Required Permits by Poudre Fire Authority Fire Prevention Bureau

Fee Estimator

Building and Site Review and Fire Protetection Systems Review and Permit Estimator

Fee Estimator

Fire Hydrant Fire Flow Request Form

Fire flows can now be requested via the web. Complete the form at least 3 working days prior to the desired date for your fire flow.

Fire Hydrant Fire Flow Request Form

Haunted Houses Require Permit and Inspection

All Haunted Houses are required to have a Permit for operation by the Poudre Fire Authority Fire Prevention Bureau.

Haunted House Permits can be obtained by completing and submitting the attached application over the WEB or by printing the application and faxing to Fire Prevention at 970-221-6635.

Haunted House Permits are free of charge.

A not-to-scale drawing showing dimensions and exit locations must be submitted along with the application. This drawing can be faxed to Fire Prevention. A list of materials used in creating the Haunted House is also required.

For additional information, please refer to the General Requirements listed on the Haunted House Application.

Prior to the issuance of every Haunted House Permit, an on-site inspection is also required.

If you have further questions please call Fire Prevention at 416-2890.

Haunted House Permit Application

Special Event Requirements and Pre-Event Inspection Request

Poudre Fire Authority participates with Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins in the Special Events Permit process. Each Special Events Permit is reviewed by Fire Prevention. This review includes, but is not limited to the use of propane, emergency access into and out of buildings, street closures, and occupant loads.

Special Event Applications are reviewed on an individual basis using provisions outlined in the 1997 Uniform Fire Code Policies and Standards. Please see the attached General Vendor Requirements for those events using open flame for cooking.

Special Events requiring a Pre-Event Inspection must schedule these inspections at least 72 hours prior to the event.

Complete this form and submit to Poudre Fire Authority Fire Prevention Bureau by clicking on the �SUBMIT� button at the bottom of the form.

A Special Event Inspector will contact you to confirm inspection date and time. This request must be submitted 72 hours PRIOR to the event.

Special events requiring an inspection must receive the inspection prior to event activities taking place. Every Special Event Application submitted by the applicant to Larimer County or the City of Fort Collins is reviewed by the Fire Marshal and a determination of a pre-event inspection requirement is noted at the bottom of the Special Events Comment Letter.

If you have questions regarding Special Event Inspections, call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 970-416-2890.

Special Event Vendor Requirements

Special Event Requirements and Pre-Event Inspection Request

Tent Permit

Tent Permits are required by the Fire Prevention Bureau for any tent greater than 400 square feet. The process for obtaining a tent permit is as follows:

1. Complete the Tent Permit Application

2. Submit application by clicking on "Submit" button located at bottom right of application.

3. Fax Flame Retardant Certificate for each tent to Fire Prevention at 970-221-6635. The Flame Retardant Certificate is obtained from the rental agency supplying the tent.

4. Fax a drawing or sketch of where the tent will be placed on the property. This drawing or sketch does not need to be to scale, but must show the tent(s) location in relation to other structures on the property.

5. The Tent Permit fee is $25.00 per tent and is required prior to tent permit being issued. This fee can be paid by check, cash or credit card (Visa or Mastercard).

6. Each tent greater than 400 square feet requires a permit. Please complete a seperate Tent Permit Application for each tent. Each tent requires an individual Flame Certificate. Only one tent location drawing or sketch showing all tent locations is required.

For questions about obtaining a Tent Permit, please call Fire Prevention at 970-416-2890.

Tent Permit Application