Construction & Development Procedures Guide (2019)
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Construction & Development
Procedures Guide
Updated December 2018
Construction & Development Procedures Guide
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Front Range Fire Rescue ....................................................................................................................................... 3
About This Guide ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Getting Started: Planning Approval and Building Permit Processes............................................................................. 4
What Plans are Reviewed by FRFR? .......................................................................................................................................... 5
Development Design Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Number of Fire Apparatus Access Roads Required ........................................................................................................ 6
Surface and Load Capacities ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Fire Apparatus Design Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 8
Turning Radius .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Cul-de-Sac Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
Dead-End Roads ............................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Overhead Clearance ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Fire Apparatus Access Road Width ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Aerial Fire Apparatus Access Roads .................................................................................................................................... 10
Fire Apparatus Access Road Distance from Buildings ................................................................................................. 10
Fire Lane – No Parking Signs and/or Painted Curbs .................................................................................................... 11
Gates ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Bridges and Elevated Surfaces .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Water Districts ................................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Firefighting Water Supplies ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Access and Firefighting Water Supply During Construction ..................................................................................... 13
Commercial and Multi-Family Building Fire Flow ......................................................................................................... 13
One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Flow ........................................................................................................................ 13
Required Fire Flow for Rural Buildings ............................................................................................................................. 13
Fire Department Connection (FDC) .................................................................................................................................... 13
Fire Hydrant Flow Testing ...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Fire Hydrants .................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Fire Hydrant Spacing ................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Fire Hydrant Number and Distribution ............................................................................................................................. 16
Undeveloped Areas .................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Considerations for Locating Fire Hydrants ...................................................................................................................... 16
Plan Review Process ...................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Addressing and Street Names .................................................................................................................................................... 17
Building Identification .............................................................................................................................................................. 17
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Address Numeral Size ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Street or Road Signs .................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Key Boxes ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Contractor Licensing Program ................................................................................................................................................... 19
General Construction and Fire Protection System Permits and Inspections ........................................................... 19
Fee Schedule and Impact Fees ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Fire Alarm Permits.......................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Fire Sprinkler Permit ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Commercial Kitchen Hood and Exhaust Systems ............................................................................................................... 21
Public Safety Radio Amplification System ............................................................................................................................. 22
Hazardous Materials Analysis .................................................................................................................................................... 22
Requirements During Construction and/or Demolition .................................................................................................. 22
Vehicle Access and Water Supply ......................................................................................................................................... 23
Temporary Address Signs ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Appendices ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix A – FRFR Fee Structure ........................................................................................................................................ 23
Appendix B – Impact Fee Form ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Appendix C – Knox Box ordering form ............................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix D – Application for Contractor Licensing ..................................................................................................... 23
Appendix E – Hazardous Materials Worksheet .............................................................................................................. 23
Appendix F – Plan Review/Permit Application Form .................................................................................................. 23
Appendix G – Fire Protection Requirements (2006 IFC) ............................................................................................ 23
Appendix H – Fire Protection Requirements (2012 IFC) ............................................................................................ 23
Appendix I – NFPA Working Plans Checklist ................................................................................................................... 23
Appendix J – Town of Johnstown Fire Code Amendments ......................................................................................... 23
Appendix K – Town of Milliken Fire Code Amendments ............................................................................................ 23
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WELCOME TO FRONT RANGE FIRE RESCUE
Front Range Fire Rescue (FRFR) is a fire protection district serving a 74-square mile service area that
includes the towns of Johnstown and Milliken, as well as portions of unincorporated Weld and Larimer
counties. FRFR was formally established on January 1, 2018, as a fire protection district organized under
Title 32 of Colorado Revised Statutes. Prior to that, the agency existed since 2015 as a fire authority – an
independent government entity formed through an intergovernmental agreement between the Milliken
and Johnstown fire protection districts.
FRFR is an all-hazards emergency services agency, providing fire suppression; emergency medical
services; basic and technical rescue; hazardous materials mitigation; fire prevention, inspection, and
investigation; public education; and domestic preparedness, planning and response for approximately
22,000 residents. The District’s core values of courage, compassion, and professionalism are applied by
all members of the District to provide the highest level of service possible to all citizens and guests of the
communities served.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
This Guide has been developed with the intent of clarifying the requirements of the IFC as adopted in our
communities. Our goal in the construction and development review process is to assist property owners,
construction contractors, and design professionals as they design and build properties and buildings that
meet minimum life safety standards. We strive to ensure that all buildings are safe for the building
owners, visitors, customers, as well as for firefighters. We do this through the consistent application of
the adopted International Fire Code (IFC), national standards, county and municipal codes and standards,
agency policies, and best management practices.
Within the FRFR jurisdiction, there are a variety of codes that are in place, as described below:
Town of Johnstown 2006 International Building and Fire Codes
Town of Milliken 2012 International Building and Fire Codes
Larimer County 2015 International Building Code*
Weld County 2018 International Building Code*
FRFR enforces the International Fire Codes within Larimer and Weld counties based on the following:
Section 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to
matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and
explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from
conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or
premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression,
automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises
from occupancy or operation
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Free access to the International Fire Code can be found at the following website:
https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/toc/332/
The specific amendments adopted and enforced within each local municipality can be found on the FRFR
website or in Appendices J and K of this document.
www.frontrangefirerescue.co/resources/construction-services/
In addition to the International Fire Code, several standards published by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) are also enforced within the FRFR jurisdiction. Information on all NFPA standards
can be found at the following website:
www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards/All-Codes-and-Standards/Free-access
GETTING STARTED: PLANNING APPROVAL AND BUILDING PERMIT PROCESSES
For most proposed new residential and commercial developments, new buildings or building additions,
the first step is the most important – receive approval from the municipal (town or county) planning and
zoning department. This is usually accomplished when the developer submits all of the required planning
documents, plans, plats and other public improvement construction documents. These are reviewed by
the municipal government for compliance with their planning and zoning rules before any building
construction permits are issued.
Front Range Fire Rescue review is also required for all planning documents and building permit
submittals for projects within its jurisdiction to ensure compliance with the adopted International Fire
Code. Before beginning any new development or construction project, the applicant (developer, general
contractor, property owner, etc.) must contact the appropriate municipality to obtain planning approval
as well as any required building permits.
Town of Johnstown (www.townofjohnstown.com)
Planning and Building Departments 970-587-466
Town of Milliken (www.millikenco.gov)
Community Development 970-587-4331
Weld County (www.weldgov.com)
Planning and Building Department 970-400-6100
Larimer County (www.larimer.org)
Planning Department 970-498-7679
Building Department 970-498-7700
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It is also important to remember that additional municipal government requirements may apply to any
given project or proposal, including but not limited to business license, liquor license, sign permit, and
access permit. Please be sure to give complete and accurate information to the planning or building
department staff so that nothing is missed during your application process.
Once the municipal government has given initial approval for the project to move forward, then the
applicant must provide all of the same documents to Front Range Fire Rescue for review. Ideally,
documents should be provided electronically, but the applicant may choose to provide two (2) complete
sets of printed documents if it is not possible to submit electronically.
Front Range Fire Rescue Life Safety Division: 970-587-4464
www.frontrangefirerescue.co/resources/construction-services/
Refer to this website for a complete description of all required document submittals, review
processes, fee schedules, as well as PDF versions of all submittal documents.
WHAT PLANS ARE REVIEWED BY FRFR?
Fire code requires that FRFR performs plan review for the purpose of confirming, applying, and enforcing
fire code requirements from the Preliminary Development Plan (PDP) stage, all the way through to Final
Plat, to all types of proposed developments and construction projects, including but not limited to:
a. Planned Unit Development (PUD)
b. Commercial subdivisions
c. Residential subdivisions
d. Mixed-Use subdivision
e. Special improvement districts
f. Commercial business development
g. Industrial parks
h. Minor residential developments
i. Multi-family developments
j. Use by Special Review
In addition to development reviews, FRFR also reviews construction documents, plans, etc. and issues
construction permits for any construction project being completed in all of the following proposed
occupancies and/or buildings:
Assembly occupancies (A1 through A5)
Institutional occupancies (I1 through I4)
Business occupancies (B)
Mercantile occupancies (M)
Educational occupancies (E)
Residential occupancies (R1 through R4)
Factory/Industrial occupancies (F1 and F2)
Storage occupancies (S1 and S2)
High Hazard occupancies (H1 through H5)
Miscellaneous occupancies (U)
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FRFR also performs plan review for the purpose of applying fire code requirements and issuing permits
to the following types of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems:
a. Fire alarm systems
b. Fire sprinkler systems
c. Kitchen hood and duct systems
d. Spray paint/finish booths
e. Commercial cooking extinguishing/exhaust systems
f. Clean-agent suppression systems
g. Fire pumps
h. Hazard control system
i. Hazardous materials storage/use/dispensing systems
j. High-piled storage systems
FRFR also performs plan review, applies fire code requirements and issues permits for tents/canopies,
fireworks sales stands, indoor and outdoor fireworks displays, hazardous materials processes, hazardous
materials storage, special events, mobile food vendors, and a wide variety of other areas, as addressed in
the International Fire Code.
DEVELOPMENT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Front Range Fire Rescue reviews information that is submitted for all proposed residential, commercial
and/or mixed-use developments to ensure compliance with requirements of the International Fire Code
and associated standards.
Approved fire apparatus access roads shall be required for every facility, building, and/or portion of a
building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. Fire apparatus access roadway
grades shall not exceed 10 percent, and all intersections and turnarounds shall be level, with the
exception of crowning for water run-off. Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by
the Fire Code Official. This includes but is not limited to speed bumps, speed humps, speed cushions,
traffic circles, and neckdowns.
Number of Fire Apparatus Access Roads Required
Developments of one- or two-family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be
provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Exceptions to this requirement
include developments where all dwelling units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic fire
sprinkler system or when the development plan includes a future second point of access, as approved by
the Fire Code Official.
Multiple-family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout
with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Projects having up to 200 dwelling units
may have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings, including nonresidential
occupancies, are equipped throughout with approved automatic fire sprinkler systems.
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Where two fire apparatus access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not
less than one-half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the lot or area to be served,
measured in a straight line between accesses.
Figure 1: Separation of Multiple Access Roadways
Surface and Load Capacities
Fire apparatus access roads shall be of an all-weather surface (concrete, asphalt or other approved
driving surface) that is easily distinguishable from the surrounding area and is capable of supporting not
less than 75,000 pounds live load (gross vehicle weight). FRFR may require documentation from a
registered engineer that the finished construction is in accordance with the approved plans or the
requirements of the International Fire Code.
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Fire Apparatus Design Specifications
The fire apparatus that are operated by Front Range Fire Rescue have the following specifications:
FIRE ENGINES
AERIAL LADDER
Inside Cramp Angle
40 degrees
Inside Cramp Angle
45 degrees
Axle Track
83 inches
Axle Track
86 inches
Wheel Offset
5.3 inches
Wheel Offset
4.7 inches
Tread Width
13.5 inches
Loaded Tire Width
17.7 inches
Chassis Overhang
78 inches
Chassis Overhang
78 inches
Additional Bumper Depth
22 inches
Additional Bumper Depth
19 inches
Front Overhang
78 inches
Front Overhang
97 inches
Wheelbase
231.5 inches
Wheelbase
251.5 inches
Inside Turn
21 feet 0 inches
Inside Turn
19 feet 10 inches
Curb to Curb Turn
36 feet 7 inches
Curb to Curb Turn
36 feet 2 inches
Wall to Wall Turn
40 feet 3 inches
Wall to Wall Turn
41 feet 3 inches
Turning Radius
The minimum turning radius for all turns within a property or subdivision shall be 25 feet inside, 50 feet
outside or must meet the B40 turning template.
Cul-de-Sac Requirements
If two fire apparatus access roads cannot be installed and a cul-de-sac exceeds 400 feet in length, all
buildings beyond 400 feet from the entrance to the cul-de-sac, as measured from the roadway centerline,
are required to be protected by an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.
LENGTH
(feet)
WIDTH
(feet)
TURNAROUNDS REQUIRED
0 – 150
20
None required
151 – 500
20
120-foot hammerhead, 60-foot “Y” or
96-foot diameter cul-de-sac
501 – 750
26
120-foot hammerhead, 60-foot “Y” or
96-foot diameter cul-de-sac
Over 750
Special approval required
Table 1: Required Apparatus Turnarounds
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Dead-End Roads
Dead-end roadways in excess of 150 feet in length shall be provided with an approved turnaround.
Figure 2: Turnarounds on Dead-End Access Roadways
Overhead Clearance
All fire apparatus access roads, including aerial fire apparatus access roads, shall have a minimum
overhead clearance of 13 feet 6 inches.
Fire Apparatus Access Road Width
Fire apparatus access roads shall have an unobstructed driving surface width of not less than 20 feet,
exclusive of shoulders, and an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet 6 inches. This
includes public streets, private streets, private drives and parking lot drive aisles. An Emergency Access
Easement may be required to be dedicated on non-public roadways.
Roads 20 to 26 feet wide shall be posted on both sides as a fire lane.
Roads 26 to 32 feet wide shall be posted on one side as a fire lane.
Where serving two or less dwelling units and accessory buildings, the driving surface may be reduced to
12 feet, although the unobstructed width shall be 20 feet.
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Aerial Fire Apparatus Access Roads
Where the vertical distance between the grade plane and the highest roof surface exceeds 30 feet,
approval aerial fire apparatus access roads shall be provided. The highest roof surface is measured to the
eave of a pitched roof, the intersection of the roof to the exterior wall, or the top of parapet walls,
whichever is greater. Aerial fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed driving
surface width of 26 feet, in the immediate vicinity of the building. This includes public streets, private
streets, private drives and parking lot drive aisles. An Emergency Access Easement may be required to be
dedicated on non-public roadways.
At least one of the required aerial fire apparatus access routes shall be located 15 – 30 feet from the
building, and shall be positioned parallel to at least one entire long side of the building that has openings
suitable for firefighter entry into the building. Examples of openings are windows, balconies, smoke
tower landings, etc. The side(s) of the building with aerial access shall be approved by the Fire Code
Official.
Fire Apparatus Access Road Distance from Buildings
An approved fire apparatus access road shall be within 150 feet of all portions of the first story exterior
wall of any building, as measured by an approved route around the exterior of the building.
Figure 3: Fire Apparatus Access Road Distance from Buildings
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Figure 4: Dead-End Fire Apparatus Road
Fire Lane – No Parking Signs and/or Painted Curbs
Where required by the Fire Code Official, fire apparatus access roadway curbs shall be painted red at
approved locations and/or approved Fire Lane – No Parking signs shall be installed. Paint and signs shall
be installed and maintained by the property owner. Signs shall be installed with a clear space above
grade level of seven (7) feet and shall be installed 45-degrees from the traffic flow line.
Gates
Gates that are installed to secure fire apparatus access roads shall comply with all of the following:
• Minimum unobstructed width of 20 feet
• Gates serving one- or two-family
dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 feet in
width
• Gates shall be set back a minimum of 30
feet from the intersecting roadway
• Gates shall be of the swinging or sliding
type
• Manual operation shall be capable by one
person
• Electric gate operators, when required,
shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.
• Gate components shall be maintained in
an operative condition at all times, or
replaced or repaired when defective.
• Gates intended for automatic operation
shall be designed, constructed and
installed to comply with the requirements
of ASTM F 2200.
• Electric gates shall be equipped with a
means for operation by fire department
personnel (sire activation or Knox key
switch). Private key pad is not acceptable.
• Manual opening gates may require a Knox
padlock or Knox Box to ensure fire
department access.
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Bridges and Elevated Surfaces
Where a bridge or an elevated surface is part of a fire apparatus road, either public or private, the bridge
shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the State of Colorado Department of
Transportation and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Standard
Specification for Highway Bridges. Bridges and elevated structures shall be designed for a live load
sufficient to carry the imposed loads of fire apparatus. Vehicle load limits shall be posted at both
entrances to bridges when required by the Fire Code Official. Where elevated surfaces designed for
emergency vehicle use are adjacent to surfaces which are not designed for such use, approved barriers,
approved signs, or both shall be installed and maintained when required by the Fire Code Official. The
design engineer may be required to provide written final approval of the bridge to FRFR after
construction is completed. Maintenance of the bridge shall be the responsibility of the party(ies) that use
the bridge for access to their property(ies). FRFR may at any time, for due cause, ask that a registered
engineer inspect the bridge for structural stability and soundness at the expense of the property
owner(s) the bridge serves.
WATER DISTRICTS
The Front Range Fire Rescue response area is served by four water districts. Each water district may
have unique requirements for its service area. For additional information, please contact the water
district that serves your project.
Town of Johnstown Water Department: 970-587-4664
www.townofjohnstown.com/93/utilities
Town of Milliken Public Works Department: 970-587-4331
www.millikenco.gov
City of Greeley Water Department: 970-350-9811
www.greeleygov.com/services/ws/home
Little Thompson Water District: 970-532-2096
www.ltwd.org
Central Weld County Water District: 970-352-1284
www.cwcwd.com
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FIREFIGHTING WATER SUPPLIES
Front Range Fire Rescue reviews all submitted plans for compliance with water supply requirements of
the adopted fire code.
Access and Firefighting Water Supply During Construction
Approved fire apparatus access roadways and firefighting water supplies shall be installed and
operational prior to any combustible construction or storage of combustible materials on the site.
Commercial and Multi-Family Building Fire Flow
The minimum fire flow and flow duration for buildings other than one- and two-family dwellings shall be
determined in accordance with Appendix B and Table B105.1, as displayed on the following page. The
required fire flow for a building shall not exceed the available GPM in the water delivery system at 20 psi.
Exception: A reduction in required fire flow of up to 75 percent, as approved, is allowed when the
building is equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system installed in accordance
with IFC 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. The resulting fire flow shall not be less than 1,500 gpm for the
prescribed duration as specified in Table B105.1.
One- and Two-Family Dwelling Fire Flow
The minimum available fire flow for single-family dwellings and duplexes served by a municipal water
supply shall be 1,000 gallons per minute. If the structure is 3,600 square feet or larger, the required fire
flow shall be determined according to Table B105.1, as displayed on the following page.
Exception: A reduction in the required fire flow of 50 percent, as approved, is allowed when the
building is equipped with an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.
Required Fire Flow for Rural Buildings
Required fire flows for buildings constructed in rural areas in which adequate and reliable water supply
systems do not exist shall be calculated in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Standard 1142: Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Water Supplies. Please contact the
Fire Marshal’s Office for special assistance and other requirements that may apply.
Fire Department Connection (FDC)
The fire sprinkler system’s fire department connection (FDC) shall be a 5-inch Storz connection with a
30-degree downward angle for NFPA 13 systems, or a single 2.5-inch connection for an NFPA 13R
system. A fire hydrant shall be located within 150-feet of a fire department connection (FDC).
Fire hydrants and FDCs shall be located on the same side of the fire apparatus access roadway as the
building being protected. The location of both the fire hydrant and the FDC shall be approved by the Fire
Code Official.
A permanent sign shall be installed at the FDC that specifies fire sprinkler, sprinkler and standpipe, or
standpipe. When an FDC serves multiple addresses and/or only portions of buildings (such as basement
or standpipe), permanent signs shall be installed at the FDC identifying the location(s) served by the FDC.
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Fire Hydrant Flow Testing
Flow tests are often required prior to the design of fire sprinkler systems, or to verify adequate municipal
water supply is available for new developments. Oftentimes, the fire sprinkler system designer will
schedule and complete the flow test in cooperation with the water provider. Front Range Fire Rescue
does not perform hydrant flow tests, but does work with the water district that serves the property to
ensure they are completed and documented appropriately. To schedule a flow test, please contact the
water provider. Approved documentation of the final test results shall be provided to FRFR prior to final
approval of the water supply system.
Figure 5: Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings
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FIRE HYDRANTS
Fire Hydrant Spacing
Where a portion of the facility or building hereafter constructed or moved into or within FRFR
jurisdiction is more than 400 feet from a hydrant on a fire apparatus access road, as measured by an
approved route around the exterior of the facility or building, on-site fire hydrants and mains shall be
provided were required by the fire code official.
Exceptions:
1. For Group R-3 and Group U occupancies, the distance requirement shall be 600 feet.
2. For buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, the distance
requirement shall be 600 feet.
Within the Town of Johnstown, the following fire code amendments have been adopted:
Fire hydrants shall be spaced 600 feet apart for Group R-3 occupancies and 350 feet apart for all
other occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Single family residential construction located within rural areas not within a city’s
growth management area or within a city boundary shall be required to have hydrants
located within 500 feet of any portion of the structure.
2. Single family residential construction protected with a fire sprinkler system located
within rural areas not within a city’s growth management area or within a city
boundary shall be required to have hydrants located within one (1) mile of any portion
of the structure.
3. The fire code official is authorized to allow an alternate, approved means of water
supply, such as in the NFPA 1142 standard.
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Fire Hydrant Number and Distribution
The minimum number and distribution of fire hydrants available to serve a building shall not be less than
that listed in Table C105.1 below.
Figure 6: Number and Distribution of Fire Hydrants
Undeveloped Areas
Where new water mains are extended along streets where hydrants are not needed for protection of
structures or similar problems, hydrants shall be provided at spacing not to exceed 1,000 feet to provide
for transportation hazards.
Considerations for Locating Fire Hydrants
Existing fire hydrants in areas are allowed to be considered to meet the required number of hydrants as
approved. Hydrants on adjacent properties shall not be considered available unless fire apparatus access
roads extend between properties and easements are established to prevent obstruction of such roads.
Hydrants that are separated from the subject building by railroad tracks, bridges, arterial streets or
differing grades shall not contribute to the required number of hydrants, unless approved by the Fire
Code Official.
Hydrants that are separated from the subject building by interstate highways or divided highways shall
not contributed to the required number of hydrants.
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PLAN REVIEW PROCESS
A minimum of 14 business days is required to complete the review of submitted plans. Additional time
may be necessary based upon the complexity of the projects and the completeness of submitted
information. If plan review is anticipated to exceed 14 business days, the Life Safety Chief/Fire Marshal
will notify the applicant of the delay and the reasons for the delay.
Before beginning any new construction or remodel construction project, the general contractor should
determine if fire alarms and/or fire sprinkler systems will be required for the project. If any fire
protection system is required, a valid FRFR permit is required to begin construction.
The Applicant may submit printed or electronic plans for review. If printed plans are submitted, two (2)
complete sets shall be submitted to FRFR and the municipal Building/Planning Department with
jurisdiction.
If a fire protection system contractor is proposing to make modifications to an existing fire protection
system that is limited to affecting 10 or fewer devices, the permit submittal may include the FRFR Plan
Review/Permit Application form and a “Letter of Scope” that specifically describes the modifications to
be performed. Based on the amount of work to be completed, it may be possible to decrease the amount
of supporting documentation to be submitted.
ADDRESSING AND STREET NAMES
The naming of streets and assignment of addresses is a responsibility of the municipality (town and/or
county). Front Range Fire Rescue reviews proposed street names and addresses as a “second set of eyes”
to ensure that street naming and addressing conventions are followed. Additionally, this serves as a
valuable opportunity to ensure that duplicate street names in different communities are avoided
whenever possible.
Within Larimer County, all municipalities have agreed to abide by roadway naming standards designated
in multiple documents, such as the Street Inventory System, Approved Suffixes, and Rules of the Streets.
These requirements can be found at: www.larimer.org/streets/ An additional approval process is
required by the involvement of the Larimer Emergency Telephone Authority (LETA). LETA must also
approve all proposed street names prior to final plat. To contact LETA, please call 970-962-2170 or visit
their website at http://leta911.org.
Building Identification
All new and existing buildings shall have approved address numbers, building numbers, or approved
building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road
fronting the property. The color of the numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers
shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall be a minimum size and stroke width,
related to the size of the structure. Where access is by means of a private road and the building cannot be
viewed from the public way, a monument, pole or other sign or means shall be used to identify the
structure.
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Address Numeral Size
New residential buildings that contain not more than two dwelling units shall have minimum 4-inch high
numbers with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch. Individual suite or unit addresses shall be displayed
with minimum 4-inch high numbers with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch.
New multiple family or commercial buildings shall have minimum 6-inch high numbers with a minimum
stroke width of one (1) inch.
New buildings three or more stories in height, or with a floor area of 15,000 to 100,000 square feet, shall
have minimum 8-inch high numbers with a minimum stroke width of one (1) inch.
Buildings with a total floor area of greater than 100,000 square feet shall have minimum 12-inch high
numbers with a minimum stroke width of two (2) inches.
Where building setback exceeds 100 feet from the street or access road, additional numbers shall be
displayed at the property entrance.
The Fire Code Official may require address numbers to be displayed on more than one side of the
building and may require the street name to be displayed along with the address numbers.
Street or Road Signs
Streets and roads shall be identified with approved signs. Temporary signs shall be installed at each
street intersection when construction of new roadways allows passage by vehicles. Signs shall be of an
approved size, weather resistant, and shall be maintained until replaced by permanent signs.
KEY BOXES
Where access to or within a structure or an area is restricted because of secured openings or where
immediate access is necessary for life saving or firefighting purposes, the Fire Code Official is authorized
to require a key box to be installed in an accessible location. The key box shall be of an approved type
listed in accordance with UL 1037 and shall contain keys to gain access as required by the Fire Code
Official.
FRFR requires a key box to be installed on any building with a monitored fire protection system. FRFR
will designate the approved location(s) for key box installation. More than one key box may be required
to be installed due to the size or use of a structure. The number of required key boxes will be determined
at the time of site or building permit review.
The top of the key box shall be installed 60 to 72 inches above the finished grade.
Information on ordering key box supplies from the Knox Company can be found in Appendix C.
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CONTRACTOR LICENSING PROGRAM
All contractors designing, installing, and/or repairing fire alarm and/or fire sprinkler systems within
FRFR jurisdiction are required to possess and maintain a current FRFR Contractor License, in addition to
any other certification, licensure and/or registration that is required by local, state or federal governing
bodies. The application for contractor licensing can be found in Appendix D of this document and on the
FRFR website:
www.frontrangefirerescue.co/resources/construction-services/
All persons performing installation and/or repair of fire sprinkler systems are required to possess and
maintain Registration with the State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control. This
registration may be verified in the field by FRFR inspectors at any time.
Every job site where work is being done on a fire alarm and/or fire sprinkler system, there must be at
least one supervisor/employee who possesses a current and valid FRFR Contractor License.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
Front Range Fire Rescue (FRFR) will issue permits to Applicants after the plan review process has been
completed. The Applicant shall be responsible for obtaining valid permits from the municipal jurisdiction
(e.g., Town of Milliken, Town of Johnstown, or County) in addition to any FRFR required permits.
FRFR will perform inspections for all permits issued by the district. A final inspection from FRFR is
required in order for the owner/occupant to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Letter of
Completion, prior to occupying the building. The municipal building department typically completes
rough wiring inspections for fire alarm system projects. Final inspections for FRFR building permit
(general construction) and fire protection systems (fire alarm, fire sprinkler, commercial hood system)
shall be scheduled for the same time and all applicable contractors must be present for testing and
inspecting. For these multi-systems inspections, the general contractor or owner is responsible for
coordinating with all involved sub-contractors and FRFR for attendance. For inspections that only involve
fire protection systems, the fire protection system contractor shall be responsible for scheduling the
inspection with FRFR.
Prior to scheduling any inspections, Contractors shall read all FRFR comments and/or conditions that
were issued with the permit to ensure that all requirements have been met prior to scheduling the
inspection.
The project address and permit number(s) must be provided when scheduling inspections.
To schedule an inspection with FRFR, call the Life Safety Chief at (970)587-4464 at least 48 hours prior
to the desired date and time of the inspection.
For all permit applications, the Applicant shall complete the appropriate permit application form and
shall pay the appropriate non-refundable permit fee or deposit, as indicated on the FRFR Fee Schedule.
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FEE SCHEDULE AND IMPACT FEES
Pursuant to Section § 32,1-1002(1)(e), CRS, and Resolution number 2018-04, Front Range Fire Rescue’s
Board of Directors has adopted a fee schedule for all plans, permits, and other documents. The adopted
fee schedule is included in this document as Appendix A.
On December 3, 2018, the Town of Johnstown enacted ordinance number 2018-154, which amended
Johnstown municipal code Section 17-230 to allow FRFR to collect impact fees. Impact fees are a one-
time payment that is intended to fund the construction and expansion of public facilities needed to
accommodate new development, as determined by level of service standards, with the intent being that
new development pays for its proportionate share of the capital costs of additional infrastructure
capacity to serve the new development. The develop must submit a signed Impact Fee Form with the
other documentation required by the Town of Johnstown as part of the development permit application
process. If the Town denies the application, the developer is not required to pay the Impact Fee or make
an In-Kind Contribution to FRFR. If the Town grants the application and issues a development permit, the
developer must pay the Impact Fee and/or make the In-Kind Contribution, or enter into a written
agreement with FRFR to make the In-Kind Contribution before the Town will issue a Certificate of
Occupancy in connection with the development. The Impact Fee Form is included in this document as
Appendix B.
RESIDENTIAL
UNIT TYPE
FEE PER DWELLING UNIT
Single Family or Two-Family
$1,087.00
Multi-Family
$692.00
NON-RESIDENTIAL
UNIT TYPE
FEE PER SQUARE FOOT
Any Non-Residential
$0.60
FIRE ALARM PERMITS
Submittals for fire alarm system permits shall include the following information. This list is not intended
to be inclusive of all requirements for a fire alarm submittal, but rather as a guide to indicate minimum
requirements:
• Copy of valid FRFR Contractor License
• Completed Plan Review/Permit Application form
• Two (2) complete sets of printed plans (minimum 1/8” scale)
o OR: One (1) complete set of electronic plans
• PE or NICET Level III stamps on all plans
• Minimum of one (1) set of material cut sheets
• Voltage drop calculations
• Battery calculations
• Symbols list
• Sprinkler riser diagram
Every building with a monitored fire alarm system shall have a Knox box installed at approved location.
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FIRE SPRINKLER PERMIT
Submittals for fire sprinkler system permits shall include the following information. This list is not
intended to be inclusive of all requirements for a fire alarm submittal, but rather as a guide to indicate
minimum requirements.
• Copy of valid FRFR Contractor License
• Completed Plan Review/Permit Application form
• Two (2) complete sets of printed plans (minimum 1/8” scale)
o OR: One (1) complete set of electronic plans
• PE or NICET Level III stamps on all plans
• Minimum of one (1) set of material cut sheets
• Hydraulic calculations
• State of Colorado sprinkler form
• Water supply information
• NFPA Working Plans Checklist
Fire Department Connections (FDCs) shall be provided for all buildings with installed fire sprinkler
systems. The FDC shall be a five (5) inch Storz connection with a 30-degree downward angle.
COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD AND EXHAUST SYSTEMS
Any commercial cooking that produces grease-laden vapors must be performed beneath an approved
hood system that includes fire suppression capabilities. Installation and/or modification of any
commercial kitchen hood system requires FRFR plan review and permit prior to changes being made.
Commercial kitchen hood systems must meet the following requirements:
• Comply with NFPA 13, NFPA 17, and UL 300 standards, as well as adopted International Fire Code,
International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, and any applicable local amendments
and/or rules.
• Design plans must show interconnection for fuel supply and electrical shut-off, ventilation control,
damper control, and associated ducting systems.
• All commercial kitchen hood systems must be electronically monitored by an approved fire alarm
system as a dedicated zone.
• Appropriate Class K portable fire extinguishers properly mounted within 30 feet of the cooking
location.
• A manual system actuator must be provided at least 10 feet, and not more than 20 feet, from the
cooking location.
The following information shall be included with all permit submittal packages:
• Copy of the design/installation contractor’s applicable state license/registration
• Completed FRFR Plan Submittal Application form with complete and correct project information
• Complete set of all material cut sheets
• Complete project plans to show all cooking locations, all suppression system information and all
exhaust duct specifications.
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• If printed plans are provided, a minimum of two (2) complete set of plans, printed to 1/8th inch
scale shall be provided
Payment of the applicable FRFR Permit fees is due prior to issuance of the installation permit.
PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO AMPLIFICATION SYSTEM
All new buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders within the building
based upon the existing coverage levels of the public safety communication systems of the jurisdiction at
the exterior of the building. Existing buildings shall be provided with approved radio coverage for
emergency responders as required by Chapter 11 of the Fire Code.
Buildings and structures which cannot support the required level of radio coverage shall be equipped
with a radiating cable system, a distributed antenna system with Federal Communication Commission
(FCC) certified signal boosters, or other systems approved by the Fire Code Official in order to achieve
the required adequate radio coverage. Public safety radio amplification systems shall be designed and
installed in accordance with criteria specified in the International Fire Code and NFPA 72.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ANALYSIS
Proposed structures that are intended to contain materials that pose a health and/or physical risk, as
defined in the Fire Code, and if used, stored or handled on site, must submit a completed Hazardous
materials Impact Statement (HMIS) to FRFR at the time of building permit application. The HMIS must be
prepared by a licensed design professional in accordance with Chapter 50 – General
Provisions/Hazardous Materials, Tables 5003.1.1(1) through 5003.1.1(4), and Fire Code Appendix E –
Hazard Categories. The HMIS shall include the following information for each material:
• Product name
• Component(s)
• Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) Number
• Location(s) where stored and/or used
• Container size
• Hazard classification
• Amount in storage
• Amount in use – closed systems (no vapors escaping to the atmosphere)
• Amount in use – open systems (vapors may escape to the atmosphere)
• Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ)
• MAQ Exceeded (yes or no)
Front Range Fire Rescue has provided worksheets to assist design professionals with submitting the
required hazardous materials information. The worksheets were designed based on the four tables from
Chapter 50 of the Fire Code listed above. Completion of these worksheets will help provide very valuable
information to ensure that the property Occupancy Group of the structure and/or area is determined.
The worksheets can be found or in Appendix E of this document and on the FRFR website:
www.frontrangefirerescue.co/resources/construction-services/
REQUIREMENTS DURING CONSTRUCTION AND/OR DEMOLITION
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Please refer to Chapter 33 of the International Fire Code for additional information and specifications on
fire safety during construction and demolition.
Vehicle Access and Water Supply
When fire apparatus access roads or water supply for fire protection is required to be installed for a
project, such installation shall be completed and made serviceable prior to and during the time of
construction except when approved alternative methods are provided. Approved vehicle access shall be
provided to all construction and demolition sites. Vehicle access shall be provided to within 100 feet of
temporary or permanent Fire Department Connections (FDCs). Vehicle access shall be provided by either
temporary or permanent roads that are capable of supporting vehicle loading under all weather
conditions. Vehicle access shall be maintained until permanent fire apparatus access roads are available.
An approved water supply for fire protection, either temporary or permanent, shall be available as soon
as combustible materials arrive on site.
Temporary Address Signs
Temporary address signs shall be installed at the entrance to construction sites in such a manner to be
readily visible to vehicle traffic. These temporary address signs shall be approved by the Fire Code
Official and shall contain, as a minimum, the address numerals. Temporary address signs may be
required to contain the street name as well as the address numerals.
APPENDICES
Appendix A – FRFR Fee Structure
Appendix B – Impact Fee Form
Appendix C – Knox Box ordering form
Appendix D – Application for Contractor Licensing
Appendix E – Hazardous Materials Worksheet
Appendix F – Plan Review/Permit Application Form
Appendix G – Fire Protection Requirements (2006 IFC)
Appendix H – Fire Protection Requirements (2012 IFC)
Appendix I – NFPA Working Plans Checklist
Appendix J – Town of Johnstown Fire Code Amendments
Appendix K – Town of Milliken Fire Code Amendments
