Commercial Permit Application

Commercial Permitting
Information
________
If you want to construct a commercial building in
Chambers County there are three main steps:
a. Project Review
b. Obtain Permit
c. Obtain Certificate of Compliance
1. Who needs a permit?
Chambers County requires permits for commercial construction or substantial improvement taking place
in Chambers County. Public buildings, commercial establishments, and multi-family dwellings of four
or more units must be reviewed, meet fire code requirements and other County regulations, and obtain a
Certificate of Compliance when complete (before being occupied).
NOTE:
The Cities of Anahuac, Beach City, Baytown, and Mont Belvieu issue permits directly. However, the
County reviews projects for compliance with County codes and regulations within Anahuac, Beach City,
Cove, and Old River-Winfree.
2. How do I obtain a permit?
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Call the permit office at 409-267-2700.
You will need to schedule a meeting with the Development Review Committee (DRC). The
DRC will require specific information regarding your project (see item 3 below). A meeting
with the DRC is a mandatory part of the commercial permitting process.
You will need to download a “Commercial Permit Application” from the Environmental Health
& Permitting webpage as well as a “Commercial Application” from the Road & Bridge webpage,
which can also be accessed on the county website. Applications may also be obtained in person
from the permitting office.
Present the completed application along with appropriate fee to the permitting office.
NOTE: If you start construction without a permit, the Fire Code enforcement process will begin. This
may include the issuance of a Notice of Violation, Stop Work Order, and/or Citation per County Fire
Code.
Rev 12/11/14
3. Requirements and Information needed to obtain a
permit:
Fire Marshal’s Office (fire code plans review)*:
(a) An overall site plan of the project, with fire lanes and access roads identified;
(b) A floor plan and construction documents for proposed permanent buildings (if applicable)
indicating:
(1) the types of construction materials and class of interior finish;
(2) the location of all exits with distances between exits called out – exit width, type and any
special requirement shall be stated; and
(3) the location of any fire alarm equipment (separate permitting,) automatic sprinklers
(separate permitting,) emergency lighting, etc. required to meet this Code.
(c) Lockboxes required for NEW businesses, gated communities, gated apartment complexes
or any property secured with a fence or gate.
*NOTE: Your plans are required to be sealed/stamped by an engineer if one of the below
applies to your project (Texas Engineering Practice Act § 1001.056):
1. Building with more than one story;
2. Apartment or condo that is 4 or more units;
3. Building over 5,000 sq ft in area;
4. Building with a span (unsupported run) greater than 24 ft.
5. Private buildings for farm or ranch use are not required to be sealed/stamped.
Engineering Department:
1. Public Infrastructure Design Standards must be followed;
2. Drainage Criteria Manual must be followed;
3. All commercial properties will have to have a drainage plan prepared by a Registered
Engineer;
4. Follow the Chambers County Culvert Policy – Driveways, etc.;
5. If located in Trinity Bay Conservation District’s (TBCD,) service area (water, sewer, and
drainage), their guidelines must be followed; and
6. If you have to have easements or roadways to gain access to the property, a Subdivision Plat
must be filed and any access/roads must be built to County Road Standards.
Environmental Health Department:
1. If a city or TBCD is to provide water and sewage, approval must be obtained from them;
2. If a septic system will have to be installed, a design of the system must be reviewed by the
Environmental Health Department (409-267-2700).
3. Environmental Health also reviews compliance with food service standards.
4. Environmental Health will review floodplain compliance.
If unable to determine from the information submitted whether a permit should be issued, the DRC may
require the submission of additional information, drawings, specifications or documents.
NOTE: Once your permit is obtained, you need to notify the permitting office when you begin
construction. If you begin construction without a permit, the Fire Code enforcement process will begin.
4. What Fire Codes and Building Codes does Chambers
County follow?
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Chambers County Fire Code
International Fire Code 2009
International Building Code 2009
NFPA 1194 (RV Parks)
5. Additional information for RV Parks
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NFPA 1194 is the applicable standard;
Electrical installations must follow current NFPA 70 (NEC) standards;
Roadways must have a fire lane to be marked and be a minimum of 20’ in width and capable of
supporting fire-fighting apparatus;
Dead end roads in excess of 150’ require a turnaround;
Roadways must be able to support firefighting apparatus (at least 75,000lbs);
Permanent structures and site buildings are required to have marked fire lanes.
Each RV/camping unit site must be identified by numbers easily read from street;
Individual sites must be at least 10’ from other sites or structures;
Each site stand for RV/camping must be at least 8’ wide and constructed of material which
prevents low spots and ruts;
Each RV/camping unit site must have enough room to park a full-size car or pickup (off the
roadway). Parking areas must be constructed of materials which prevent low spots and ruts.
If RV Park to be situated in a flood zone, ask Permitting department about further
requirements.
6. What do I do when my construction or substantial
improvement is complete?
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Local Government Code Ch. 233.064(i) states that a building may not be occupied before a
Certificate of Compliance is issued by the County. This means you need to obtain this
certificate BEFORE you open the establishment for business;
There are cases when the County may grant a Conditional or “Temporary” Certificate. For
instance, a project built in phases;
To obtain a Certificate of Compliance, Complete a “Request for Final Inspection Form”.
This form must be stamped and signed by a licensed engineer.
Submit the form to the Fire Marshal’s Office; and
An inspection will be scheduled to inspect your property for compliance with County codes
and regulations, and issue a Certificate of Compliance.
NOTE: No person shall occupy a public building, a commercial establishment, or a multifamily residential
dwelling consisting of four or more units that the Fire Code Official determines, after inspection, not to be in
compliance with this Code unless and until a Certificate of Compliance is subsequently issued for such
building, establishment or dwelling. Violation of this provision will initiate the enforcement process.
TCEQ publication RG-472
Chapter 285, On- Site Sewage Facilities
( c ) Review of subdivision or development plans. Persons proposing residential subdivisions,
manufactured housing communities, multi-unit residential developments, business parks, or other similar
structures that use OSSFs for sewage disposal shall submit planning materials for these developments to the
permitting authority and receive approval prior to submitting an OSSF application.
(1) The planning materials must be prepared by a professional engineer or professional
sanitarian and must include:
(A) an overall site plan;
(B) a topographic map;
(C) a 100-year floodplain map;
(D) a soil survey;
(E) the locations of water wells;
(F) the location of easements, as identified in 285.91(10) of this title (relating
to Tables);
(G) a comprehensive drainage plan;
(H) a complete report detailing the types of OSSFs to be considered and their
compatibility with area-wide drainage and groundwater;
7. Questions?
Chambers County Engineer
Chambers County Environmental Health & Permitting
Chambers County Fire Marshal
City of Anahuac
City of Baytown
City of Beach City
City of Mont Belvieu
Rev 12/11/14
409-267-8379
[email protected]
409-267-2700
[email protected]
409-267-2445 [email protected].
409-267-6681 us
281-420-5394
[email protected]
281-383-3180
281-385-0023
Attachment A
Forms:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Rev 12/11/14
Commercial Permit Application
Plans Review
Fire Alarm/Sprinkler Plans Review
Request for Final Inspection
Lockbox Program
Chambers County Environmental Health & Permitting
COMMERCIAL PERMIT APPLICATION
[PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: CHAMBERS COUNTY]
PO BOX 1180 / 201 AIRPORT RD, SUITE #1-ANAHUAC, TX 77514
(409) 267-2700 Voice
(409) 267-3623 Fax
APP#:
THIS IS NOT A PERMIT-
PMT#:
A request for additional information may be required or your permit
will be mailed to you in 5 TO 7 BUSINESS DAYS!
***ALL INFORMATION IS REQUIRED***
*CONTRACTOR /APPLICANT’S NAME: _____________________________________________
PRESENT MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP:
PHONE#:
DAYTIME PHONE#:
EMAIL:__________________________________________________________________________
*PROPERTY OWNER’S NAME:
MAILING ADDRESS:
CITY:
PHONE#:
RCPT#:
LINK#:
PERMIT FEES
□ CULVERT*
CONTACT ROAD &
BRIDGE @ 409-267-2708
STATE:
DAYTIME PHONE#:
ZIP:
□ UTILITIES
*PHYSICAL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
(FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT)
*NAME & TYPE OF BUSINESS:
*SQUARE FOOTAGE:
ID #:
___________
*(ACREAGE)
*DEV COST: ______________________
*SUBDIVISION:
*SECTION #:_________ *LT/TR #:
*BLOCK#:
*ABTRACT #:
*SURVEY:
□ DEVELOPMENT
(ANY TYPE)
$ 200.00
IN OR OUT OF
FLOODZONE
*PARCEL#:
*OTHER__________________________________________________________________________
*SEPTIC INSTALLER:
$20.00
□ SEPTIC
$300.00
*CERTIFICATION #:
*ELECTRICAL SRVC PROVIDER ACCT/ESI ID#: ______________________________________
NOTE: Commercial projects require the approval of Environmental Health, County Engineer, and County Fire Marshal.
Each department will have specific information for their approval and review process. Once all three (3) signatures are
obtained, please present the permit application to the Environmental Health and Permitting Office, along with permit fee(s),
to obtain your permit. If septic and development permits needed, a fee will have to be paid separately for each permit.
Environmental Health and Permitting (Septic, Floodzone, Food Service Standards)
Date
County Engineer (Drainage Review, Plat Approval)
Date
County Fire Marshal
Date
(Fire & Building Code Review)
SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT AND/OR OWNER REPRESENTATIVE:
*DATE:
PLANS REVIEW
Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office
2128 SH61/PO Box 957, Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: 409-267-FAX: 409-267-4133
Project Information2445
Facility Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Zip:
Designer/Engineer
Name:
Phone:
Email:
Owner Name:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Email:
State:
Zip:
Contractor/Builder:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
Applicable Standards
1.
Fire Code: IFC 2009 & Chambers County Fire Code Amendments
Building Code: IBC 2009
2.
A building permit will not be granted for commercial buildings, public buildings, or multi-family dwellings of four or
more units until this document is completed and signed by the County Fire Marshal.
3.
Once reviewed by the Fire Marshal, please present this document to the Permitting Office located at 201 Airport Road,
Anahuac, TX 77514, along with appropriate fees, to obtain a building permit.
4.
Once construction is complete, a request for final inspection must be made to the Fire Marshal and a Certificate of
Occupancy must be granted in order to occupy the building.
Construction/Design IBC 2009
Occ. Classification(s) (Ch. 3):
Construction type (Ch. 6):
Area Limitation (503):
Height Limitation (503):
Unlimited Area? (507):
Exterior Fire Resistance Rating (602):
Plan Information
Fire Lanes indicated page:
Exits & Egress indicated page:
Accessible Routes Indicated page:
Exit Signs indicated page:
Emergency Lighting indicated page:
Fire Alarm System indicated page:
Sprinkler System indicated page:
Occ. Load(s) (1002.1):
Number of Stories:
Actual Area:
Actual Height:
Required Separations (IBC 508.4):
Distance from other structures:
Fire Water Supply (nearest source):
Fire Separations indicated page:
Hazmat Provisions (hazmat in building?):
Other:
Other:
*Non-required items may be marked “NR”
I recommend the building permit be granted based on any changes noted above.
Fire Marshal:
Date:
FIRE ALARM/SPRINKLER PLANS REVIEW
Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office
2128 SH61/PO Box 957, Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: 409-267-2445 FAX: 409-267-4133
Project Information
Facility Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Owner Name:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Email:
Zip:
Designer/Engineer
Name:
Phone:
Email:
State:
Zip:
Contractor/Installer:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
Applicable Standards
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Fire Code: IFC 2009 & Chambers County Fire Code Amendments
Building Code: IBC 2009
NFPA 13
NFPA 70
NFPA 72
Construction/Design IBC 2009
Occ. Classification(s) (Ch. 3):
Construction type (Ch. 6):
Plan Information
Is this review for
Fire Alarm or
Fire Alarm System indicated page:
Sprinkler System indicated page:
FDC Location:
FDC Type (5” Storz or 2 ½” NST?):
PIV Location:
Occ. Load(s) (1002.1):
Number of Stories:
Height in ft:
Sprinkler?
FDC Distance from Building:
Is the FDC on same line as system supply?:
PIV Distance from FDC:
Note:
1. Code required fire alarm systems must be monitored per IFC 2009.
2. FDC and PIV must be located remote and out of the collapse zone. Further information may be
obtained from Fire Marshal.
3. Signs required to identify FDC, Sprinkler Riser rooms, and Alarm System rooms.
4. PIV sign required if it is not located in close proximity to the FDC.
Approval Signature:
Fire Marshal:
Date:
REQUEST FOR
FINAL INSPECTION
Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office
2128 SH61/PO Box 957, Anahuac, TX 77514
Phone: 409-267-2445 FAX: 409-267-4133
Project Information
Facility Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Zip:
Designer/Engineer
Name:
Phone:
Email:
I
Owner Name:
Address:
City:
Phone:
Email:
State:
Zip:
Contractor/Builder:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
hereby certify that I am a registered
(Name)
(Architect, Engineer, ICC-CBO)
in the State of Texas, internationally in the case of ICC-CBO. To the best of my knowledge, information and
belief, the above named project was completed in general conformance to the plans and specifications, and in
my professional opinion is in compliance with the Chambers County Fire Code and is ready for Final Inspection
by the Fire Code Official. The Chambers County Fire Code shall include the International Fire Code 2009,
International Building Code 2009, and any other codes and standards they reference, including National Electric
Code.
Seal of Registered Architect/Engineer
Signature
Date
1. If the building has a fire alarm and/or fire suppression system, completed installation/inspection
forms must be submitted with this form.
2. Other items to be submitted are any facility emergency plans or hazmat inventories.
3. If the building is not completely fire code compliant, it may not be occupied until items are
corrected, or a conditional certificate is issued. Failure to comply with this provision may result in
civil and/or criminal penalties. Ref. Local Government Code Ch. 233.064(i).
Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office
Lock Box Program
1. What is a lockbox?
The Chambers County Fire Code requires fire department key lockboxes for NEW businesses, gated communities,
gated apartment complexes or any property secured with a fence or gate. However, any business can opt to
purchase a lockbox for their establishment. The boxes are normally placed near the locked gate or main entrance
to the building. The fire department has a “master” key to the lockbox. The owner secures a key(s) to his/her
building/property in the box for the fire department to access should a fire or emergency occur after hours.
*NOTE: If you live within the city limits of Baytown or Mont Belvieu, you will need to contact them for lockbox
requirements. These cities have their own requirements and different keying patterns than Chambers County.
2. How do I order a lockbox?
We participate in the KnoxBox program. Visit www.knoxbox.com and pick your lockbox. Specify the “Chambers
County Fire Marshal’s Office” as your department. You can also call Knox at 1-800-552-5669.
Various key boxes are available (see below). You can order a box that can be mounted on the outside of a
building or gate, or you can order a box that can be recessed into the wall for a neat appearance. Call Knox for
more options.
For more information, please contact the Chambers County Fire Marshal’s Office:
Phone: 409-267-2445
Fax: 409-267-4133
Email: [email protected]
Attachment B
Specific Fire Code Requirements
Specific questions are often asked about fire code requirements for new buildings. To properly answer these
questions, it must first be known what type of occupancy you wish to build.
Common occupancy types include:
Group A – Assembly occupancies, including restaurants, bars, theatres, auditoriums
Group B – Business offices/buildings
Group E – Educational buildings, child daycares
Group F – Factory uses, shops, repair garages
Group H – Hazardous occupancies (includes hazardous materials storage)
Group I – Hospitals, nursing homes, jails
Group M – Mercantile, stores
Group R – Housing units, hotels, motels, adult daycares
Group S – Storage/warehouses
1. Does my building need fire lanes?
Fire apparatus must be able to access your building in case of fire or emergency. Fire lanes are required such
that all areas of the building must be located no more than 150’ from a fire lane. However, there are cases when
lanes may not be required, and there are also some exceptions. For example, if you have a fire sprinkler system,
the distance from the fire lane to the building may be increased.
2. Does my building need fire hydrants?
If you are in an area served by a water district or municipal services, then yes, fire hydrants are required to be
within 400’ of the building (measured from fire lane or access road). In areas not served by a water district or
municipal services, the fire marshal will work with you to determine an alternative to this requirement. If your
building has a fire sprinkler system, hydrant distances may be increased to 600’. Multiple hydrants may be
required to provide adequate fire water flow for your building.
To determine the number of fire hydrants needed, you must do two things:
1. Estimate required fire flow via Table B105.1; and
2. Reference Table C105.1 to determine the number and spacing of hydrants.
3. Does my building need a fire alarm system?
There are multiple factors that will determine the correct answer. Reference your occupancy type on the
following table: “FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS”.
4. Does my building need a fire sprinkler system?
There are multiple factors that will determine the correct answer. Reference your occupancy type on the
following table: “FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS”.
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
Occupancy Group
Classification
Group A
Square Feet Of Floor Area
Occupant Load/Notes
No minimum
300 or more
Group B
No minimum
Group E
No minimum
500 or more, or more than
100 on a separate story/level,
or ambulatory care
50 or more
Group F
If two or more stories in height and 500 or more on a
separate level
Required if an H-5
No minimum
classification, or if
manufacturing organic
coatings
Required for all
See IFC Sec. 907.2.6 for
specific details
No minimum
500 or more, or more than
100 on a separate story/level
Required for all
See IFC Sec. 907.2.8
Group H
Group I
Group M
Group R-1
Group R-2
Group R-4
Group S-1 and S - 2
Required if 3 or more stories in See IFC Sec. 907.2.9
height, or 16 or more units
Required if more than 2 stories, See IFC Sec. 907.2.10
and no attic/space separation
N/A
N/A
Specific building areas and hazards May apply to: amusement
See IFC starting at Sec.
buildings, high-rise buildings, 907.2.12
atriums connecting more than
two stories, high piled
combustible storage, aerosol
storage, lumber, wood
structural panel and veneer
mills, underground buildings,
covered mall buildings,
residential aircraft hangars, and
airport traffic control towers.
Smoke Detection Systems and/or
Smoke Alarms
May be required in Groups R
and I.
See IFC Sections 907.2.8.2,
907.2.8.3, 907.2.9.2,
907.2.10.2, 907.2.10.3,
907.2.11, 907.2.13.1, and
907.2.18.1
Notes:
1. N/A=Not Applicable/No Requirement
2. For the purposes of this table, refer to IFC Sec. 1002 – FLOOR AREA, GROSS as the proper method of calculating square feet of floor area.
3. A fire barrier meeting the requirements of IBC Sec. 706 may be provided to divide buildings in excess of the square footage listed in this table.
4. Components of the IBC must be considered when determining requirements. Key areas include Chapters 5 & 6, IBC Table 503 Allowable Building
Heights and Areas, Sec. 507 Unlimited Area Buildings, Table 508.4 Required Separation of Occupancies, Sec. 509 Special Provisions, Table 602 FireResistance Rating Requirements for Exterior Walls Based on Fire Separation Distance.
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Square Feet Of Floor Area
Occupant Load/Notes
Group A-1, 3 and 4
Exceeds 12,000sf
300 or more
Group A-2
Exceeds 5,000sf
100 or more
Group A-5
Exceeds 1,000sf
See IFC Sec. 903.2.1.5
Group B
N/A (Unless Ambulatory Care) N/A See IFC Sec. 903.2.2
Group E
Exceeds 12,000sf
See IFC Sec. 903.2.3
Group F-1
See IFC Sec. 903.2.4
Group F-2
Exceeds 12,000sf, or 24,000sf
if multi-story
N/A
Group H – 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Required for all
See IFC Sec. 903.2.5
Group I – 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Required for all
See IFC Sec. 903.2.6
Group M
Exceeds 12,000sf, or 24,000sf
if multi-story, or 3 or more
stories, or contains upholstery
Required for all
See IFC Sec. 903.2.7
See IFC Sec. 903.2.8
Exceeds 12,000sf, or 24,000sf
if multi-story, or 3 or more
stories, or exceeds 5,000sf with
commercial truck storage
N/A
See IFC Sec. 903.2.9, also
see 903.2.9.1 for Repair
Garages, and 903.2.9.2 for
Bulk Tire Storage
N/A
Group R
Group S-1
Group S-2
Group S-2 (enclosed parking
garages)
Exceeds 12,000sf, or where
located beneath other
occupancies
Specific building areas and hazards Stories without openings,
buildings 55 or more feet in
height, rubbish and linen
chutes, hazardous exhaust
ducts, commercial cooking
operations/vent hoods
N/A
See IFC Sec. 903.2.10
See IFC Sec. 903.2.11
Notes:
5. N/A=Not Applicable/No Requirement
6. For the purposes of this table, refer to IFC Sec. 1002 – FLOOR AREA, GROSS as the proper method of calculating square feet of floor area.
7. A fire barrier meeting the requirements of IBC Sec. 706 may be provided to divide buildings in excess of the square footage listed in this table.
8. Components of the IBC must be considered when determining requirements. Key areas include Chapters 5 & 6, IBC Table 503 Allowable Building
Heights and Areas, Sec. 507 Unlimited Area Buildings, Table 508.4 Required Separation of Occupancies, Sec. 509 Special Provisions, Table 602 FireResistance Rating Requirements for Exterior Walls Based on Fire Separation Distance.
If you would like to view more detailed information, the codes are
available for online viewing:
International Fire Code 2009:
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ifc/2009/
International Building Code 2009:
http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2009/
If you need help determining specific requirements for your project,
please call the County Fire Marshal’s Office at 409-267-2445.