Forms and Permits

All questions regarding permits can be answered by calling the Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau.

205-444-7655

Code Compliance

The City of Hoover Fire Department operates under the 2009 version of the International Fire Code. All new construction, major renovations, and fire protection system are reviewed and inspected to ensure Code compliance. All questions concerning the 2009 IFC can be answered by contacting the Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau.

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Permits

Burning Permit:  Note:  The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) does not allow any burning from May 1^st through October 31^st.  Therefore, the City of Hoover will not issue permits for burning during that period.  

Hoover/Jefferson County-         You must first obtain a permit from the Jefferson County Health Department-Division of Air & Radiation Protection.  Permits can be handled by phone calling 205.930.1238.  Jefferson County charges $45.00 for residential permits and $70.00 for commercial permits.  Once you have a permit from Jefferson County, you can complete a Hoover permit and bring or fax both permits to Hoover Fire Administration located at 2020 Valleydale Road.  Once both permits are received by Hoover, a Fire Inspector will be assigned to make an appointment with you to visit the site.  Following his site visit, your permit will be issued if compliance can be achieved. There is no cost from Hoover.  The following minimum restrictions apply:

·         No burning from May 1^st through October 31^st.

·         No burning shall take place when atmospheric conditions ( high winds) make such fires hazardous

·         Asphalt material, tires, synthetic rubber or any other non vegetable matter may not be burned.

·         All burning should be:

o       150 feet from the closest road

o       500 feet from an occupied dwelling

o       1500 feet from any church, nursing home, ballpark or large gathering

·         Fire must be constantly attended

·         Must have permanent water source readily available

·         Permits expire after 30 days

·         Other restrictions noted by Fire Inspector or Health Department.

Hoover/Shelby County- Shelby County does not issue burning permits.  You only need to obtain a permit from Hoover at no cost.  The same restrictions apply as listed for Jefferson County/Hoover.

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Hydrant Permit:  The City of Hoover is serviced by four water providers. 

The process for applying for a hydrant permit is as follows:

1.      Complete a City of Hoover Hydrant permit application and forward in person or by fax.

2.      Once completed, Hoover Fire will review the information and issue a permit if all conditions have been satisfied.

3.      Present Hoover permit to the provider servicing that particular fire hydrant (Birmingham, Shelby, Pelham, Bessemer)

4.      Service provider will issue a permit and hydrant meter provided all conditions have been satisfied.

5.      Service provider may charge water usage fee. 

6.      Once you have a permit in hand from Hoover and the Service provider, you may use the hydrant.

7.      The length of time the permit is valid varies from providers.

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Blasting Permit:  All blasting permits must be applied for in person at Hoover Fire Administration.

To obtain a Blasting Permit you will need to provide the following information.

1. Current Drivers License
2. Blasting Card
3. Current insurance certificate
4. City of Hoover business license
5. State of Alabama Blasting License
6. Name of the property owner.
7. Seismic Company with contact information

There will be a charge of $5.00 for a blasting permit.

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Fireworks Permit: Applications for Fireworks Permits will go through the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s office.  The information needed can be obtained form there website, www.aldoi.gov/firemarshal. 

Once a permit is issued by the Alabama Fire Marshal, the permit will be forwarded to Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau to be approved by the Fire Chief and the Police Chief.

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 Temporary air supported membrane structures and tents:  An operational permit is required to operate an air supported temporary membrane structure or tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet. Please contact the Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau at 205-444-7655 to arrange an inspection.

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Special Events    

Carnivals, Fire Acts and performances, cooking operations at large scale events should be inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office.  Please contact the Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau for questions regarding special events.

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Public Education

Each year Hoover Fire Department delivers realistic and up to date fire education and prevention classes to the citizens of Hoover.  School children are introduced at an early age to fire prevention and fire safety at home and at school.  Each year particularity during fire prevention week, hundreds of school children are able to learn escape techniques in our Fire Safety trailer.   The Hoover Fire Department welcomes the opportunity to speak to different groups concerning Fire Prevention and Safety.  If you would like to have someone speak to your group please contact the Hoover Fire Prevention Bureau at 205-444-7655.

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Plans Review

All plans submitted for review should be delivered to the Hoover Building Inspections Department located at 2020 Valleydale Road, Hoover, Alabama  35244.  A minimum of two sets are required. Once the plans have been delivered to the Building Department, a copy is forward to the Hoover Fire Department for review by a Fire Plans Inspector. Please allow 10 days for the review.  All reviewed plans will be picked up in the Building Inspections Department.

 When submitting fire alarm plans you will be required to take out a low voltage permit and will only be issued to holders of an Alabama Fire Alarm Contractors license. All plans will be reviewed based on the International Fire Code, 2009 Edition. This edition references the 2007 editions of NFPA 13, 13R, 13D, and 72.

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Fire Investigation Unit

The Hoover Fire Department investigates all fires in the city of Hoover and work as a unit with the Hoover Police Department.  All investigators receive fire investigation and arson investigation training.  All Hoover Fire Investigators are members of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Additionally, Hoover Fire Department works closely with the State of Alabama Fire Marshals and often assists in fire investigations outside of Hoover. 

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Grills on Patios, Decks and Balconies of Apartments and Condominiums

The International Fire Code prohibits the use of gas and charcoal grills, smokers, fryers, etc. on decks and balconies of apartments and condominiums.  They can be used on ground floor patios as long as they are at least 10 feet from the building. Below is the actual wording from the code. 

F308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burner and other open flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction.

Open flames on balconies have been the cause of many large fires in the City of Hoover.  Compliance with this ordinance is greatly

appreciated.