Installation Permitting 101
Tips to make the process go well
By Mike Heideman
The plan review and permitting process for the installation and
storage of flammable and combustible liquid tanks takes time and
resources to complete, but you don't need to hire a professional
engineer every time you want to install a 500-gallon aboveground
storage tank. Sometimes, preparing a simple submittal for review
and working together with the reviewer's office will suffice.
Who to Call First
The first thing you need to do is to get in contact with the branch
of your state government that handles the installation and storage
of flammable and combustible liquids. Enter “State Fire Marshal”
into the Web site of your state's search engine and look for information
relating to flammable and combustible liquids installation and storage.
If you are having trouble, contact the state fire marshal's office
and inquire about flammable and combustible liquid codes in your
state. If the fire marshal's office is not able to help, they may
direct you to the state building department, the department of commerce,
or another branch having authority over the use, installation and
storage of flammable and combustible liquids.
When preparing your submittal,
include a cover sheet outlining the contents and make
sure everything is intact and in order before submitting.
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Once you have contacted the proper department, be prepared to ask
some basic questions. Each state handles things differently, but
the following questions will start you off in the right direction:
- Is the product you are proposing to store indeed a regulated
substance in your state?
- What is involved in the plan approval process for installation?
- Where should the plan submittal be sent for review?
- What is the fee schedule?
- Where can the state codes be found?
- Is it necessary to be in contact with a local authority?
Read and Understand Code Requirements
Once you obtain a copy of your state's codes, read through them
thoroughly and don't be afraid to call your state's plan review
department or engineer for interpretations and clarification on
any sections you do not understand. Be sure to inquire about setbacks
and other requirements put into place by the Department of Natural
Resources or the equivalent office in your state. They can inform
you if there are any codes in place to protect wells and water sources
from pollution that may be caused by a release from storage tanks.
If your state does not have written codes in place that govern
the installation of flammable liquids, follow the guidelines of
NFPA 30, 30A, 31 and PEI recommended practices.
Site and Owner Information
Once you understand what is required for the installation of your
proposed storage tank system, start gathering information on the
site and the site owner. The key things to ask the site owner are
the following:
- What is the official site name that will be recognized by the
state?
- What is the physical address?
- What municipality is the site located in?
- What fire department is the first responder?
- Who is the owner or responsible party in the event of a release?
- What is the phone number and mailing address of the owner or
responsible party?
Local Building Code Requirements, Zoning
and Permits
Contact your local fire department and ask if they have a plan review
procedure or installation permit for flammable and combustible products.
If the fire department gives you the OK to start without filing
paperwork, double check with the local building inspector and the
zoning office. The municipality may have additional requirements
that must be included in your state plan submittal.
State Plan Review
Ask the owner of the property for a survey of the site showing the
property lines, setbacks and building locations. You will need to
include things such as underground utilities, overhead utilities,
limits of the excavation (if applicable), tank locations, piping
locations, any other related equipment locations, vehicle fueling
points and traffic flow. You typically need detailed drawings showing
basic installation procedures and components.
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Things to Remember When Preparing a
Submittal for Review (And Acceptance) |
- Contact branch of state government that handles
installation & storage of flammable and combustible
liquids.
- Ask questions.
- Get copy and read the code requirements.
- Ask more questions.
- Contact local fire department to find out
about plan review procedure.
- Gather information on site and site owner.
- Get survey from property owner.
- Ask zoning and/or building inspection offices
about additional local requirements.
- Consult Dept. of Natural Resources to make
sure installation meets setback requirements.
- Find out if other permits are required, i.e.,
signage, electric, storage.
- Include submittal of canopy installation.
- Put material together and detail every part
of the installation.
- Include cover sheet, scope and component
list.
- Don't forget to include fee.
- Work with licensed and insured contractors.
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Remember to call the local municipality's zoning office and building
inspection office to consult about your proposed installation and
inquire about additional local requirements.
You may be required to submit a site plan that has been sealed
by a civil engineer. If that is the case, you will want to research
an engineer, their services and their fees before signing a contract.
When preparing your submittal, include a cover sheet outlining
the contents and make sure everything is intact and in order before
submitting. You may have your plans denied or returned if you are
missing your application or fees. Include a scope of the work to
be done and a basic component list to clarify what you are proposing
to the plan reviewer. By detailing every part of your proposed installation,
you will avoid time-consuming phone calls and explanations to the
plan reviewer and the possibility of denial.
Don't forget to consult the Department of Natural Resources or
equivalent to determine if your installation meets setback requirements
to potable well sources, lakes, rivers or any other protected resource.
Additional Permit Requirements
Some states and municipalities may require you to apply for an annual
permit to store flammable and combustible liquids. You can obtain
more information about these requirements when starting your plan
approval process, or by asking the inspector during the construction
process. You may be required to obtain these permits prior to filling
your tanks with product.
Other parts of the proposed installation may include additional
permits. Anytime there is a building or structure being erected,
consult the state and local building department and inquire about
plan approval and building permits and how they apply to your installation.
When a canopy is being installed, work with your engineer on preparing
a submittal and then distribute copies to the plan review department
to obtain your building permits. Always make sure your building
permits are posted in a conspicuous location.
The electrical portion of your petroleum installation may also
require an electrical permit. When hiring a licensed electrician,
be sure to go over whose responsibility it will be to obtain all
the electrical permits. Generally, electricians will obtain their
permits if they are required.
Some municipalities require permitting for signage associated with
an installation. You can find out more about these requirements
by consulting the local building inspector.
If your company does installations in multiple states, make sure
you contact and follow that state's guidelines. Different states
may have different rules and regulations than those of your state.
Finally, every part of your installation should be handled by licensed
and insured contractors, including the handling and installation
of flammable and combustible liquids. Your state's Web site should
have listings of contractors you can use.
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