Fire Prevention Bureau

​From fire sprinkler requirements to outdoor warming fires, evacuation guidelines for independent living facilities to fire lane requirements, the Fire Prevention Bureau has key information about the fire code.

Click on the dropdown boxes below to find links to fire code interpretations and regulations. You'll also find details about tank installation and removal guidelines, and everything you need to know about tent requirements.  

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Tank Installation Requirements

Plans-Submittal Requirements

The installation of either below-ground or above-ground tanks shall require the submittal of plans to Mecklenburg County's Land Use and Environmental Services Administration (LUESA). This is necessary since several trades (building, electrical, fire, etc.) may be involved in the review process. Work shall NOT proceed on any new installation until such plans are submitted and approved by all applicable trades.

Note: Plans shall include all related tank equipment (pumps/dispensers, wiring methods, etc.).

Site Inspections

Installations will require several site visits by the area fire inspector to ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of the fire code. Once the inspection and approval process by our office is warranted, you may contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 704-336-2101 to arrange for your site inspections. The approved plans shall be on site for the inspector's reference.

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Tank Removal and Safeguarding Requirements

The removal of below-ground or above-ground tanks previously used for the storage of hazardous materials require that a Tank Removal Permit be applied for and obtained from our office, prior to the start of the project. The forms below will assist you in this process. Refer to the Permit User Fee Schedule below for the removal permit fee for the current fiscal year.

Process:

Contact our office at 704-336-2101 for scheduling a tank removal/abandonment site inspection. The Tank Removal Application must be completed and mailed to our office, along with a check payable to City of Charlotte, in order for us to process your application. The guidelines established in the "Permitting and Safeguarding Tanks" document below must be followed during the duration of the project, or a Stop Work Order may be issued on the site.

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Tent Guidelines and Permitting Requirements

Guidelines:

The "Tent Guidelines and Permitting Requirements" document below contains information and provisions of the 2012 North Carolina Fire Code. There are some other guidelines as they relate to vehicle display inside tents, etc. so consult with you inspector for more information.

Permitting Requirements:

Effective September 18, 2013: You MUST download and complete the permit application below, and mail it along with a check payable to "City of Charlotte" and a site and tent diagram to the address indicated, prior to the tent inspection. For more than one tent, you will need to pay for two permits in order to be issued a Multiple Tent Permit. The fee for a tent permit is $135, and a Multiple Tent Permit is $270. 

Mail all documents to:

Dale Carter
Charlotte Fire Department-FPB Office
500 Dalton Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28206.

You may also email the documents to Ms. Carter at pcarter@charlottenc.gov.

Note: For tents or canopies erected for more than six days, you must contact Mecklenburg County Land Use and Environmental Services Administration (LUESA) at 704-336-3830 for additional requirements and/or permits.

Site Inspections:

Provide a name, contact number, and a date and time when someone will be on site for the inspection by the Fire Department. There must be a representative on site for the inspection.