Fire Prevention Bureau

Appeals of application of the State Fire Code

from a notice of violation

 

Exceptions or Variances

 

RSA 153:4-a I allows the State Fire Marshal to grant variances or exceptions to the State Fire Code.

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/153/153-4-a.htm )

 

Saf-C 6005.01 The title “Exceptions and Variances” provides the guidance and requirements for action by the State Fire Marshal to ensure the request provides a degree of safety substantially equivalent to the code section cited. (http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/saf-c6000.html )

 

Saf-C 6005.03 provides the format for application to the State Fire Marshal for a variance or exception.

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/saf-c6000.html )

 

 

Appeals of decisions of the State Fire Marshal

 

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the State Fire Marshal as provided above shall be entitled to a hearing with the Building Code review Board rules pursuant RSA 155-A:11 and conducted in accordance to Bcr 200.

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/bcr200.html )

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/155-A/155-A-11.htm )

 

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Building Code Review Board shall be entitled to a hearing in Superior Court pursuant to RSA 155-A:12

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/155-A/155-A-12.htm ) 

( http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/bcr200.html )

 

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Crowd Control Manager Program

In an effort to assist owners/managers to comply with the adopted local and state fire codes, the City of Keene Fire Prevention Bureau has recognized two training programs.

 State of New Hampshire: Crowd Control Manager Program

                                    Assembly Occupancies Self Inspection Checklist

State of Maryland:          Crowd Control Manager Program

The State of Maryland's program is a tested and registered program with a certificate.

These are great programs for any owners, managers and safety officers who have the responsibility of managing buildings with sprinkler and fire alarm systems and/or have evacuation responsibilities.

Ref: SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering

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Effective April 2012 the City of Keene adopted the Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and the 2009 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) as the fire prevention standard for the City of Keene.  Through the adoption process exceptions and amendments to the code have occurred and for your convenience we have provided a link to view the ordinance. (O-2012-04)

Effective February 3, 2011 the City of Keene adopted Ordinance O-2011-02 Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors.  This ordinance sets the standard and general requirement for smoke and carbon monoxide detector installation within the City of Keene. 

In addition to updating the fire prevention and fire alarm codes additional permit fees have been adopted and or adjusted by the City of Keene.  The fees are designed to recover the cost of performing inspections, enforcing the fire prevention and fire alarm codes and preparing for responses to hazardous materials incidents.  For our hazardouse materials storage customers; the hazardous materials permits will now be billed and issued on an annual basis instead of the original three year permit.  These permits will be expiring July 1, 2012. 

To better serve our customers we have implemented a few minor changes to our permitting process.  Permits that do not involve the building department such as modification to fire suppression systems, life safety, storage tank and hazardous materials storage will be handled directly through the Fire Department.  To obtain a permit from the Fire Department please forward the completed permit application along with plans (if applicable), and the necessary permit fees (check or money orders only please).  Permits will not be issued and final inspections will not be completed if all fees have not been paid.  Upon completion of work please contact the Fire Prevention Office to schedule a final inspection. 

Major renovations and building plans will continue to require a building permit and the building department will continue to be the place to obtain a permit application and applicable permits.  The Fire Department will continue to work closely with the building department to issue fire prevention permits. 

If you have questions about the ordinances above or would like to request an inspection please call the Fire Prevention Office at (603)757-1863.

To obtain a burn permit, no application or fee is required, but you must come into either station location: Central Station located at 31 Vernon Street or Station 2 located at 110 Hastings Ave.  If you wish to obtain a burn permit but are not the owner of the property you will need to provide a signed permission slip from the property owner before a burn permit will be issued.

Please contact the department with questions, comments or concerns.  603-357-9861.

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