Construction Permits & Inspections
Wildfire hazard permit process
A Conditional Wildfire Hazard Permit must be obtained for any resident commissioning new construction or building an addition of 200 square feet or greater.
Hazard permits are $150, which covers the cost of all inspections.
Once an application is submitted, you’ll be contacted to set up an initial inspection. From the initial inspection, you’ll receive a list of your mitigation requirements. After you’ve mitigated the property accordingly, a second inspection will be conducted (see more details below payment info). If requirements are met, construction will be given approval by Platte Canyon Fire.
***Note*** Before submitting an application, please check to make sure your property is in the Platte Canyon Fire Protection District. You may reside in Park County and possibly be in the Elk Creek Fire Protection District. There are parts of Woodside and the majority of Will-O-Wisp that are in Elk Creek’s District. Please refer to this map and/or call our station for us to confirm your correct fire district at 303-838-5853. Your tax statement will also state what fire district you reside in.
In-person application:
Download an application below or pick one up at Station 2 during business hours. Drop off your executed application at Station 2. Payment can be made via cash or check at the fire station.
Online application (PayPal fees do apply):
Download and execute the application form: Hazard Permit (Hazard Permit Link). Then, either email in (inspections@plattecanyonfire.com) or drop off your executed application at Station 2.
Pay online (via PayPal):
Log into PayPal (for both homeowner or contractor).
Select “MONEY” from the top bar.
Ensure you are on the “SEND” money page (rather than “REQUEST” money page).
Enter PCFPD’s account email: plattecanyonfire80421@gmail.com.
Enter payment amount (should be $150, if applying for one permit).
**In the note section, enter building permit and address where construction is taking place. **
Select “SEND”.
Pre-inspection
Submit application with $150 to Platte Canyon Fire. Fee includes both inspections.
Stake corners of the new build/addition. Include any decks or porches extending beyond the structure’s eaves.
Clearly mark property boundaries. Use flagging, string or stakes (spaced roughly 20 feet apart) to mark any property boundary within 250 feet of the structure. Consult a surveyor if you’re unsure of the property boundary.
Post an address sign along the road.
Call to schedule an initial inspection @ 303-838-5853 OR inspections@plattecanyonfire.com. The property owner or a designated representative must be present during inspection.
Initial Inspection
A Platte Canyon Fire mitigation specialist will walk the property with you and flag the trees needing removal.
Final Inspection
Call for final inspection when: all designated trees are cut down and remaining trees and/or vegetation are pruned to 8-10 feet or shorter.
All created slash is treated (chipped or burned) or removed.
Any remaining firewood is piled up slope of the structure.
All items on your inspection checklist are complete.
If the property passes inspection, Platte Canyon Fire will submit a notice to Park County Building Department indicating the Wildfire Hazard Standards Requirements were met.
If the property fails inspection, the property owner will be contacted. An additional $50 fee will be charged for each additional re-inspection.
Annual Commercial Inspections
Commercial properties within the Fire District are inspected annually for compliance with fire codes. This helps prevent fire hazards and keeps our community safe.
Inspections are required annually. Platte Canyon Fire will contact you to schedule your inspection. Review the following list of the common violations to ensure your business is ready for inspection.
25 most common International Fire Code® (IFC) violations for businesses
Addressing. Numbers shall be provided for all new and existing buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property. Numbers shall be a minimum of 6” high, with a contrasting background. (IFC 2006 505.1)
Combustibles too Close to the Ceiling. In buildings with sprinklers, combustibles are to be at least 18” from the ceiling. In buildings without sprinklers, the minimum distance to the ceiling is 24”. Also, do not store combustibles under unprotected stairways. (IFC 315.3.1)
Combustibles too Close to Heat Producing Devices. Keep combustibles a minimum of 30” from a propane or natural gas appliance and 18” from an electrical appliance. Keep combustibles at least six inches from baseboard heaters. Appliances include furnaces and water heaters, and portable heaters. (IFC 305.1)
Cooking Hood and Duct Cleaning. Hoods, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts, and other appurtenances shall be cleaned at intervals necessary to prevent the accumulation of grease. Cleanings shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time, and date of cleaning. Records shall be kept on the premises. (IFC 609)
Cooking Hood and Duct Extinguishing System. Dry chemical extinguishing systems shall be inspected and tested for proper operation at 6 month intervals. Clean agent systems shall be inspected and tested at 12 month intervals. (IFC 904)
Egress Means. Combustible materials shall not be stored in exits or exit enclosures. (IFC 315.3.2)
Electrical Panels. A working space of not less than 30” in width, 36” in depth, and 78” in height shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. The working space shall not be less than the width of the panel. Cover holes in electrical panels with blank plastic covers. Do not place tape over circuit breakers (IFC 605.3). Electrical rooms shall be identified. (IFC 605.3.1)
Emergency Lights. The bulb or bulbs must be lit when the test button is pushed. If the light(s) do not work, the battery may need to be replaced. (IFC 1024.2.6.1)
Exit Signs. All bulbs in exit signs need to function. Many exit signs are equipped with a battery back-up in case of loss of power. Push the test button on the side or bottom of the exit sign to check if the battery and D/C lights are operating. If not, it is probably the battery that needs replacing and not the bulbs. (IFC 1011.5)
Extension Cords. Extension cords are for temporary use only and are not to be used in lieu of permanent wiring. They may be used for up to 90 days or unplugged when not in use. Extension cords cannot pass through doorways, walls, floors, or ceilings, nor under floor coverings unless protected in conduit. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances and grounded. Extension cords shall show no signs of damage and not be plugged into each other. (IFC 605)
Extinguishers. Service must be performed annually by a licensed fire extinguisher contractor. Most businesses need a minimum 2A size/type extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet. Occupants need to be within 75 feet of an extinguisher. Extinguishers need to be mounted three to five feet off of the floor in a highly visible and accessible location. (IFC 906)
Fire Alarm Systems. A local (unmonitored) system needs to be serviced quarterly. A monitored system needs to be serviced annually. (IFC 907-8.5 and Chapter 10 of NFPA 72)
Fire-rated Doors. These self-closing doors shall not be blocked open, obstructed, nor made inoperable. (IFC 703.2)
Fire Sprinkler Systems. These systems need annual servicing. A maintenance tag is required to be placed on the sprinkler system. Keep a clear access to the riser and do not store items within three feet of riser system. A sprinkler head cabinet needs to be mounted next to the riser, containing a sprinkler head wrench and a minimum of six spare sprinkler heads. (IFC 901, NFPA 25.5.4.1)
Key Box. If there is a key box (also known as a Knox Box) for your business, provide a working key. (IFC 506.1).
Obstructed Exits. Exit aisles for the public shall not be less than 36” in width. (IFC 1017.2 and 1028)
Open Junction Boxes. Open junction boxes and open-wiring splices shall be prohibited. Approved covers shall be provided for all switch and electrical outlet boxes. (IFC 605.6)
Piggy-backed Surge Protectors. Surge protectors (power taps) shall not be plugged into each. They shall be equipped with over-current protection and must be plugged into an outlet. (IFC 605.4 and 605.4.2)
Pressurized Cylinders. Cylinders or tanks, whether empty or full, need to be chained/secured in such a way so they cannot tip over. (IFC 5303.5.3)
Signage. On doors to sprinkler riser room or to the fire alarm panel, place “Riser Room” or “FACP” (Fire Alarm Control Panel) sign on door, using a minimum of two inch red letters. (IFC 509.1)
Sprinkler Heads. There needs to be a minimum of 18” clearance around sprinkler heads. (IFC 315.3.1)
Storage in Equipment/Electrical Rooms. Combustible material shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, elevator rooms, or electrical equipment rooms. (IFC 315.3.3)
Thumb-turn Deadbolts. This type of deadbolt is against the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for exit doors in public places. Exit doors are to remain unlocked during business hours. (IFC 1008.1.9.3)
Unprotected Ceilings. Keep ceiling tiles in place or replace when damaged. Fire spreads rapidly through holes or openings in ceilings. Ceiling tiles are a part of your fire resistance-rated ceiling. Seal all holes in ceilings and walls and keep attic-access lids in place. (IFC 703.1)
Waste Accumulation. Combustible waste material, creating a fire hazard, shall not be allowed to accumulate in buildings or structures or upon premises. (IFC 304.1) Don't let your dreams go up in smoke - practice fire safety.
About the International Fire Code® (ICF)
Platte Canyon Fire Protection District adopts fire code by ordinance. A free online version of the ICF can be found on the International Code Council website (link). For questions about other District codes that may impact your business, visit the department website at plattecanyonfire.com or contact Platte Canyon Fire Department by phone at (303)838-5853.