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Frequently Asked Questions


How often will a fire inspector show up to perform a fire code inspection (BSEP)?

In 1994, Fire Prevention started a Building Safety Education Program (BSEP) to inspect all commercial establishments in the City of Steamboat Springs.  Our mission statement is:  To maintain a fire safe community by minimizing life and property loss in the City of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Fire Protection District through education and prevention.

The program has three simple goals:

  1. To accomplish safety and code compliance through awareness and education.
  2. Strive for cooperation and reasonable compliance.
  3. To empower building owners/managers to maintain fire safe buildings for their employees and the public alike.

You can expect a fire inspector to perform fire code inspections annually. To help you understand the items Fire Prevention Services is looking for, we have prepared a Pre-Inspection Guideline.

The form that the fire inspector will use at the time of inspection is a Fire Code Inspection Report.  You will be given a copy to retain for your records. We have also created a list of Common Violations and the fire codes they pertain to.

Do I need a permit?

You need a permit from Fire Prevention Services if you are installing, adding to or modifying, a fire alarm system, sprinkler system, commercial kitchen hood system or for special activities such as recreational burning, tents and canopies, fireworks, blasting and open flame.  

Recreational burning of any type within the city limits and in the Steamboat Springs Rural Fire Protection District (SSRFPD) requires a permit from Fire Prevention Services. This includes recreational fires in store bought fire appliances. Gas and/or charcoal barbeque grills do not require permits. The permit process allows the Fire Inspector to visually inspect the apparatus to be used for burning as well as the surrounding area. The inspection is done for safety purposes. At this time in the City, permits are only being issued for recreational burning in approved fire pits. In the SSRFPD, recreational and open burning is allowed with appropriate permits.  Also, once a permit is issued it can be revoked if you are burning outside the scope of your permit and/or in an unsafe manner.  A $25.00 permit fee applies and the permit is good for a 6 month period from the date of issuance. 

Tents over 200 square feet and canopies over 400 square feet for commercial use within the city limits and in the SSRFPD require a permit and inspection from Fire Prevention Services.  The permit fee varies based on the size of the tent or canopy.  Click here for additional information concerning a tent permit.

Other activities performed within city limits and in the SSRFPD that require permits are fireworks (display and/or retail), explosives or blasting.

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Where do I get a permit?

Permits are issued by Fire Prevention Services.  Our office is located at 927 Oak Street, Steamboat Springs, CO.  For more information contact the division's Fire Technician at 970.871.8216.

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What are the permit fees?

The permit fees for fire alarm, sprinkler and commercial kitchen hood systems are based upon valuation.  View the permit fee schedule.

Special activity permit fees are based upon the activity.  View the special activity permit fee schedule.

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How do I schedule an inspection?

To schedule an inspection contact the Fire Technician at 970-871-8216.  Please note that inspections require 24 hours advance notice.  Inspections are performed on a first come, first served basis, however, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests.

When requesting an inspection by e-mail or telephone you will need to provide your company's name, a contact person and phone number, the job name, your fire permit number, the type of inspection requested and the dates you are requesting.

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Is my building permit from the Building Department the same as a fire permit ?

No.  The building permit does not include the fire alarm system, sprinkler system or hood system.  Those require a separate permit that is issued by Fire Prevention Services.

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What are your policies regarding plans and permit submittals and building permit application sign off ?

View the policy.


What is an approved fire pit ?

Construction:

  1. Pit must be buried at least 8 inches deep in the ground.
  2. Diameter of the pit shall be no more than 3 feet.
  3. Must be constructed of brick, concrete or steel. Rock is accepted as long as there is not an air gap between the rocks. The gaps must be filled with concrete.
  4. A lip of 6 inches must be above ground using any of the construction materials listed above.

Inspection:

  1. Fire pits must be inspected by Fire Prevention Services after construction is complete and prior to burning.
  2. Click here to download a fire pit permit and see what the inspector will be looking for.

Notification:

  1. Dispatch should be notified by calling 879-1110 before and after each burn.
An alternative to building your own fire/barbecue pit is to purchase an approved fire ring or fire pit. To download a pdf copy, click here.

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Do you have a list of kitchen hood cleaning services ?

Yes. You may view the list here or download the pdf for future reference.

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Who can I contact to have my fire extinguisher serviced?

Please call:

  • Routt Fire & Safety 879-3732
  • Tri County Fire Extinguishers 800-640-4007
  • Or check your local yellow pages.

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Last Updated:2/22/07