Hartford Fire Department Prevention Division

The Hartford Fire Department reviews plans for new construction and renovations to public buildings. The Department has a contract with the State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety, which permits us to review projects in the Town of Hartford that formerly were reviewed by the State. This will streamline the permitting process and make it more sensitive to the applicant's time line.

Scope of Activities

The Hartford Fire Department will review plans for:

• Construction and/or renovations to public buildings.
• Change of occupancy to public buildings.
• Installation of fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, kitchen suppression systems, and fire alarm systems.

The State of Vermont Division of Fire Safety will continue to have jurisdiction over:

• Health care facilities (hospitals, nursing homes etc.) 
• Detention and correctional facilities
• Electrical work permits and inspections.
• Plumbing and boiler and pressure vessel inspections.

What is a public building?

Most buildings that the public has the occasion to enter except for owner-occupied single-family dwellings, registered home day cares, and working farms.

When is a permit needed from the Hartford Fire Department?

For new construction, alterations, renovations, additions, or demolition of public buildings.

• Installation of new fire protection systems.
• Whenever a public building changes uses.
• Example: a business office becomes a mercantile.
• Example: a single family, owner occupied home becomes a rental.
• Whenever a place of assembly, which holds more than 50 people, changes ownership or increases the occupant load.
• For the erection of a temporary structure for public use such as a tent over 1200 square feet, grandstands, or bleachers.
• To conduct a hazardous process such as flammable liquid spraying, explosives storage and manufacturing, and flammable liquid storage.

You should contact the Fire Prevention Division for a complete list of situations that require a permit. A fire prevention permit is usually needed even if you have received a Town Zoning Permit.

How do I submit an application for a construction permit?

The fees for all permits have changed; minimum fee of $25.00.

First you must develop a complete set of plans that adequately detail the scope of the work. Often, these plans must be developed by a Vermont licensed design professional such as an architect or engineer. Once you have a plan, you must complete the application for construction permit and submit that with the appropriate fee to the: 

Fire Prevention Division

Hartford Fire Department
812 VA Cutoff Rd.
White River Jct. VT 05001

FIRE SAFETY LINKS
Vermont's Fire Prevention Division
http://www.state.vt.us/fire

Kid's Fire Safety
http://www.fema.gov/kids/

Holiday Fire Prevention
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/tips/holiday.shtm

National Fire Protection Association
http://www.nfpa.org