SECTION F-105 PERMITS

F-105.1 Permits required. Permits required by this code shall be obtained from the fire code official in accordance with this chapter and the Philadelphia Administrative Code. There shall be three types of permits as specified in Sections F-105.2 through F-105.4.

F-105.2 Operational Permit. An Operational Permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by Section F-105.6 for either:

1. A prescribed period.

2. A regular renewal period.

3. Until renewed or revoked.

F-105.3 Construction permit. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by Section F-105.7. The fire code official shall determine the type of construction permit required.

F-105.4 Assisted Operation Permit. An Assisted Operation Permit provides for appropriate City agency assistance or oversight for the specified activities in Section F-105.8.

F-105.5 Inspection authorized. Before an Operational Permit is approved, the fire code official is authorized to inspect the receptacles, vehicles, buildings, devices, premises, storage spaces or areas to be used to determine compliance with this code or any operational constraints required.

F-105.6 Required Operational Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue Operational Permits for the operations set forth in Sections F-105.6.1 through F-105.6.47.

F-105.6.1 Aerosol products. An Operational Permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products in excess of 500 pounds (227 kg) net weight.

F-105.6.2 Amusement buildings. An Operational Permit is required to operate a special amusement building.

F-105.6.3 Aviation facilities. An Operational Permit is required to use a Group H or Group S occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles. Additional permits required by other sections of this code include, but are not limited to, hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes.

F-105.6.4 Carnivals and fairs. An Operational Permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.

F-105.6.5 Battery systems. An Operational Permit is required to install stationary lead-acid battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).

F-105.6.6 Cellulose nitrate film. An Operational Permit is required to store, handle or use cellulose nitrate film in a Group A occupancy.

F-105.6.7 Combustible dust-producing operations. An Operational Permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined in Chapter 2.

F-105.6.8 Combustible fibers. An Operational Permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 m³).

Exception: A permit is not required for agricultural storage.

F-105.6.9 Compressed gases. An Operational Permit is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table F-105.6.9.

Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle.

TYPE OF GAS	AMOUNT (cubic feet at NTP)
Corrosive	200
Flammable (except cryogenic fluids and liquefied petroleum gases)	200
Highly toxic	Any Amount
Inert and simple asphyxiant	6,000
Oxidizing (including oxygen)	504
Toxic	Any Amount

For S1: 1 gallon = 3.785 L.

F-105.6.12 Cutting and welding. An Operational Permit is required to conduct cutting or welding operations.

F-105.6.13 Dry cleaning plants. An Operational Permit is required to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry cleaning equipment.

F-105.6.14 Exhibits and trade shows. In lieu of an Operational Permit, exhibits and trade shows shall comply with Section F-408.2 specifically, and other applicable provisions of this code generally.

F-105.6.15 Explosives. An Operational Permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosive, explosive material, fireworks, or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 33. For the display of fireworks, in lieu of an Operational Permit, an Assisted Operation Permit shall be required in accordance with Sections F-105.8.2 and F-3308.2.

F-105.6.16 Fire hydrants and valves. An Operational Permit is required to use or operate fire hydrants or valves intended for fire suppression purposes which are installed on water systems and accessible to a fire apparatus access road that is open to or generally used by the public.

Exception: A permit is not required for authorized employees of the Water Department or the Fire Department to use or operate fire hydrants or valves.

F-105.6.17 Flammable and combustible liquids. An Operational Permit is required:

1. To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOTn) nor does it apply to piping systems.

2. To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building, except that a permit is not required for the following:

2.1 The storage or use Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the fire code official, would cause an unsafe condition.

2.2 The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures when such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days.

3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning equipment.

TYPE OF MATERIAL	AMOUNT
Combustible liquids	See Section F-105.6.17
Corrosive materials Gases Liquids Solids	See Section F-105.6.9 55 gallons 1000 pounds
Explosive materials	See Section F-105.6.15
Flammable materials Gases Liquids Solids	See Section F-105.6.9 See Section F-105.6.17 100 pounds
Highly toxic materials Gases Liquids Solids	See Section F-105.6.9 Any Amount Any Amount
Oxidizing materials Gases Liquids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1	See Section F-105.6.9 Any Amount 1 gallon 10 gallons 55 gallons Any Amount 10 pounds 100 pounds 500 pounds
Organic peroxides Liquids Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V Solids Class I Class II Class III Class IV Class V	Any Amount Any Amount 1 gallon 2 gallons No Permit Required Any Amount Any Amount 10 pounds 20 pounds No Permit Required
Pyrophoric materials Gases Liquids Solids	See Section F-105.6.9 Any Amount Any Amount
Toxic materials Gases Liquids Solids	See Section F-105.6.9 10 gallons 100 pounds
Unstable (reactive) materials Liquids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 4 Class 3 Class 2 Class 1	Any Amount Any Amount 5 gallons 10 gallons Any Amount Any Amount 50 pounds 100 pounds
Water-reactive materials Liquids Class 3 Class 2 Class 1 Solids Class 3 Class 2 Class 1	Any amount 5 gallons 55 gallons Any Amount 50 pounds 500 pounds

For SI: 1 gallon = 3.785 L, 1 pound = 0.454 kg.

F-105.6.21.1 Extremely hazardous substances. An Operational Permit is required for quantities of extremely hazardous substances regulated by Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA Title III -- also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act) as listed in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s List of Lists.

F-105.6.22 HPM facilities. An Operational Permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.

F-105.6.23 High-piled storage. An Operational Permit is required to use to use a building or portion thereof as a high-piled storage area exceeding 500 square feet (46 m²).

F-105.6.24 Hot work operations. An Operational Permit is required for hot work including, but not limited to:

1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted.

2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure.

Exception: Work that is conducted under a construction permit.

3. Fixed-site hot work equipment such as welding booths.

4. Hot work conducted within a hazardous fire area.

5. Application of roof coverings with the use of an open-flame device.

6. When approved by the Department, the fire code official shall issue a permit to carry out a Hot Work Program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted in this chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the requirements found in Chapter 26. These permits shall be issued only to their employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
F-105.6.25 Industrial ovens. An Operational Permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 21.

F-105.6.26 Lumber yards and woodworking plants. An Operational Permit is required for the storage or processing of lumber exceeding 100,000 board feet (8,333 ft³) (236 m³).

F-105.6.27 Liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings. An Operational Permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings.

F-105.6.28 LP-gas. An Operational Permit is required for the following to the extent the activity is not regulated by the Pennsylvania "Propane and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act."

1. Storage and use of LP-gas where a container or containers exceed 60 gallons (227 L) water capacity (nominal 200 pounds LP-gas capacity).

2. Operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas.

F-105.6.29 Magnesium. An Operational Permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium.

F-105.6.30 Miscellaneous combustible storage. An Operational Permit is required to store in any building or upon any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 m³) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar combustible material.

F-105.6.31 Open burning. An Operational Permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to.

F-105.6.32 Open flames and torches. An Operational Permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area.

F-105.6.33 Open flames and candles. An Operational Permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.

Exceptions:

1. Candles used during religious services.

2. Candles having protected flames and securely supported on substantial noncombustible bases so located as to avoid danger of ignition of combustible materials.

3. Approved small heating sources, such as alcohol burning devices in spill-proof containers or chaffing dish holders, used for warming food.

4. Open flames other than pyrotechnic used in theatrical performances, where approved by the Department.

F-105.6.34 Organic coatings. An Operational Permit is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an organic coating in one day.

F-105.6.35 Places of assembly. An Operational Permit is required to operate a place of assembly. The Certificate of Occupancy shall be deemed to be the permit in this instance.

F-105.6.36 Private fire hydrants. An Operational Permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants.

Exception: A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments to maintain, test and use private hydrants.

F-105.6.37 Pyrotechnic special effects material. An Operational Permit is required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.

F-105.6.38 Pyroxylin plastics. An Operational Permit is required for storage or handling of more than 25 pounds (11 kg) of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving pyroxylin plastics.
F-105.6.39 Refrigeration equipment. An Operational Permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6.

F-105.6.40 Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities. An Operational Permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities.

F-105.6.41 Rooftop heliports. An Operational Permit is required for the operation of a rooftop heliport.

F-105.6.42 Spraying or dipping. An Operational Permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 15.

F-105.6.43 Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts. An Operational Permit is required to establish, conduct or maintain storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds 2,500 cubic feet (71 m³) of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.

F-105.6.44 Temporary membrane structures, tents and canopies. An Operational Permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 square feet (19 m²), or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 m²).

Exceptions:

1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

2. Fabric canopies open on all sides which comply with all of the following:

2.1. Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m²).

2.2. The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m²) total.
2.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be provided.

F-105.6.44.1 Tents accessory to Group A-2 nightclub occupancies. Permits shall not be issued for tents that are accessory to an A-2 nightclub occupancy having a floor area greater than 1000 square feet (95 m²) without the approval of the Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections or his or her designee. Specific provisions include:

1. The occupant load of the tent shall be determined in accordance with Section F-1004 for assembly occupancies.

2. Requirements of the Philadelphia Zoning Code governing parking spaces shall be maintained where tents are erected on parking lots serving the A-2 nightclub use.

3. Toilet facilities shall be provided on the premises in accordance with the Philadelphia Plumbing Code based on the occupant load including the tent.

4. Application for the Operational Permit shall be submitted at least seven calendar days in advance of the event.

F-105.6.45 Tire-rebuilding plants. An Operational Permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a tire-rebuilding plant.

F-105.6.46 Waste handling. An Operational Permit is required for the operation of wrecking and salvage yards, junk yards and waste material-handling facilities.

F-105.6.47 Wood products. An Operational Permit is required to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood in excess of 200 cubic feet (6 m³).

F-105.7 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections F-105.7.1 through F-105.7.12.

F-105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation, modification, or removal from service of an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

F-105.7.2 Compressed gases. When the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table F-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.

Exceptions:

1. Routine maintenance.

2. For emergency repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.

The permit applicant shall apply for approval to close storage, use or handling facilities at least 30 days prior to the termination of the storage, use or handling of compressed or liquefied gases. Such application shall include any change or alteration of the facility closure plan filed pursuant to Section F-2701.6.3. The 30-day period is not applicable when approved based on special circumstances requiring such waiver.

F-105.7.3 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation, modification, or removal from service of fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

F-105.7.4 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 a modification and does not require a permit.

F-105.7.5 Flammable and combustible liquids. A construction permit is required:

1. To 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.

3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

F-105.7.6 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 27 when the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table F-105.6.21.

Exceptions:

1. Routine maintenance.

2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be^[22.1] made within two working days of commencement of work.

F-105.7.7 Industrial ovens. A construction permit is required for installation of industrial ovens covered by Chapter 21.

Exceptions:

1. Routine maintenance.

2. For repair work performed on an emergency basis, application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.

F-105.7.8 LP-gas. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an LP-gas system.

F-105.7.9 Private fire hydrants. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification, or removal from service of private fire hydrants.

F-105.7.10 Spraying or dipping. A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth.

F-105.7.11 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 a modification and does not require a permit.

F-105.7.12 Temporary membrane structures, tents, and canopies. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 200 square feet (19 m²), or a canopy in excess of 400 square feet (37 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. Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides which comply with all of the following:

3.1 Individual canopies shall have a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m²)

3.2 The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m²) total.

3.3 A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

F-105.8 Required Assisted Operation Permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections F-105.8.1 through F-105.8.2.

F-105.8.1 Transportation of explosives. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for the transportation of explosives of 1000 pounds (454 kg) or more into or through the City of Philadelphia. A separate permit is required for each movement.

F-105.8.2 Fireworks display. An Assisted Operation Permit is required for each event of indoor and outdoor use of fireworks. Where a single show has a series of performance dates in a theater, sports arena or similar venue, such series of dates shall be considered one event for the purposes of this permit, provided there is no change from the approved fireworks or pyrotechnic displays.

TYPE OF CRYOGENIC FLUID	INSIDE BUILDING (gallons)	OUTSIDE BUILDING (gallons)
Flammable	More than 1	60
Inert	60	500
Oxidizing (includes oxygen)	10	50
Physical or health hazard not indicated above	Any Amount	Any Amount