FIRE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONAL PERMIT PROGRAM

GENERAL INFORMATION

Welcome to Vail Fire and Emergency Services (VFES) Fire Construction and Operational Permits information webpage. Here, you will find further information about the types of permits and related information as set forth by the current adopted International Fire Code (IFC) and TOV Fire Code Amendments.

FIRE CONSTRUCTION PERMIT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Fire Construction permits are required within the Town of Vail (TOV) for all projects that are new or that are making alterations to existing structures to ensure that the minimum fire and life safety codes and standards are met as outlined in the IFC. Permits help to prevent potential hazards associated with fire, such as uncontrolled flames or inadequate safety measures, by ensuring that construction practices meet established fire codes. They also facilitate inspections by fire authorities, allowing for the identification of any risks before a building is occupied. By enforcing these regulations, communities can protect lives and property from the devastating effects of fire-related incidents. These permits apply to both residential and commercial projects in the Town of Vail unless noted otherwise but are more so for commercial projects. VFES will typically specify after reviewing the DRB/Building Fire Plan Submittal Checklist form and the plan submitted as to what type of fire permit(s) are required for the project.  For any of the listed permits, applicants are required to use TOV Licensed Fire Contractors. Should there be a question as to when a permit is required or not required, please contact VFES Fire Prevention Division for further clarification.

Types of fire construction permits can be found in the IFC, Chapter 1, Section 105.6.  Different types of fire construction permits include permits for fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, and special hazards like flammable liquids or gases. In addition, there are permits for the installation of fire suppression systems and permits for open flame activities such as welding or roofing. Each type of permit addresses specific safety concerns and regulatory requirements to ensure that fire safety measures are properly implemented and maintained during construction activities. Common fire construction permits in the TOV can be found by clicking the Fire Construction Permits tab. Please keep checking this tab as we are in the process of updating each permit tab with new information, forms, or other information as needed.  

OPERATIONAL PERMIT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Operational Permit processes have changed with increased permits. These changes began on January 1^st, 2025.  Keep checking the Operational Permits tab for more information about these permit changes.

VFES is committed to the safety of all residents and guests in our community and unincorporated areas of the Town. As of January 1st, 2025, the Fire Prevention Division, like many other jurisdictions, have launched an operational permit program to track hazardous processes within our community.  Accurate and relevant information is vital in our mission to effectively prevent, respond to, and mitigate fire and hazardous material emergencies within our community.

We will now be tracking potentially hazardous operations through the use of operational permits as outlined in the IFC, Chapter 1, Section 105 - Permits. Except for the most severe hazardous material operations, operational permits have not been widely issued within in the TOV; moving forward, these processes will be tracked and assessed annually or as directed by VFES Fire Prevention Division.

To assist VFES in maintaining accurate and relevant information about the hazards in the TOV, these permits will include processes involving lithium-ion battery storage, energy storage systems, large quantities of hazardous materials, special events that involve additional fire reviews, tents, mobile food preparation vehicles, e.g., food trucks or trailers, assembly spaces, high pile storage/racking, spraying and dipping operations,  combustible dust-producing operations, and formal hot work during increased wildfire conditions or situations.  Common fire operational permits in the TOV can be found by clicking the Fire Operational Permits tab. Please keep checking this tab as we are in the process of updating each permit tab with new information, forms, or other information as needed. 

Operational permits are only valid for a period of 180 days or unless otherwise indicated on the permit, such as for temporary conditions. Some operational permits are effective for 12 months from the date of issue. For annual permanent operations, permits are required to be renewed each year, and renewal is the responsibility of the permit holder and/or operator.

Permit holders will need to meet all requirements of the adopted Fire Code as a condition of the permit. The adopted Fire Code functions as law, and these requirements are mandatory unless directed differently by fire code officials. VFES is actively developing guidebooks and documents that are hazard-specific for operational permits. These documents are available or will be made accessible as they are developed on our website and under each operational permit tab.

Operational permit holders should expect and be prepared for a fire inspection to verify compliance. VFES will work to provide a courtesy notice 48 hours in advance of any fire inspection needing to occur. However, fire code officials may check on the operational permits without notice.

With all permits, VFES and the TOV value a partnership and collaboration approach to community risk reduction to ensure life safety for our community, guests, and responding firefighters. This partnership requires that permit holders do their part to meet and operate in a compliant manner.

Non-compliant conditions may be subject to the following enforcement actions, including re-inspection fees, a stop work order, temporary or permanent revocation of an operational permit, enforcement fines, or a summons to court.

The most current edition of the adopted Fire Code is always available on VFES’s website. Additionally, a hard copy is maintained at all stations. and is available for review during normal business hours.