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1. Are all fire alarm systems required to be UL Certified?

No, only fire alarm systems that monitor a fire sprinkler or other automatic fire extinguishing system are required to be Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) Certified. A UL certificate must be displayed adjacent to the Fire Alarm Control Panel.

2. Are key boxes or Knox Boxes required on all commercial businesses?

Knox boxes are required to be installed at the main entrance and any other location as required by the Fire Code Official when the building has a fire alarm system and automatic fire sprinkler system. Knox boxes can be utilized for other commercial buildings, contact the Fire Code Official for more information.

3a. How do I order a Knox box? 

Orders are placed online using the building address on Knox Box's website.

3. How do I contact New Hanover Fire Rescue?

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Non-emergency phone: 910-798-7420
Fax: 910-798-7052
Fire Rescue Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

4. When do I need a fire protection permit?

A construction-related fire protection permit is required for all of the following: 

• [A] 105.7 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections 105.7.1 through 105.7.18. See the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicable North Carolina General Statutes for general information concerning construction permits.
• [A] 105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.2 Battery systems. A permit is required to install stationary storage battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).
• [A] 105.7.3 Compressed gases. Where the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9, a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.4 Cryogenic fluids. A construction permit is required for installation of or alteration to outdoor stationary cryogenic fluid storage systems where the system capacity exceeds the amounts listed in Table 105.6.11. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.5 Emergency responder radio coverage system. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.6 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.7 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.8 Flammable and combustible liquids. A construction permit is required:

1. To install, repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids.
2. To install, construct or alter tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered an installation, construction or alteration and does not require a permit.
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

• [A] 105.7.9 Gates and barricades across fire apparatus access roads. A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to a gate or barricade across a fire apparatus access road.
• [A] 105.7.10 Hazardous materials. A construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility or other area regulated by Chapter 50 where the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.11 Industrial ovens. A construction permit is required for installation of industrial ovens covered by Chapter 30. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.12 LP-gas. A construction permit for installation of or modification to an LP-gas system may be required and approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.13 Private fire hydrants. A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.14 Smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Construction permits are required for installation of or alteration to smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.15 Solar photovoltaic power systems. A construction permit is required to install or modify solar photovoltaic power systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.16 Spraying or dipping. A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.17 Standpipe systems. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.18 Temporary membrane structures and tents. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary stage canopy or a tent having an area in excess of 800 square feet (74 m2). Exceptions:
  1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
  2. Funeral tents and curtains, or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
  3. Tents and awnings open on all sides, which comply with all of the following:
     • 3.1. Individual tents shall have a maximum size of 1800 square feet (167 m2).
     • 3.2. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658mm) shall not exceed 1800 square feet (167 m2) total.
     • 3.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

(Taken from the 2018 North Carolina Fire Code)