Can I burn brush, trash, papers or other items?
Construction FAQ: Inspections, Permits & Fees
Q. When do I call for an Inspection?
A. All Inspections: Work must be complete, pre-tested and ready. If a plan review letter was generated, all items listed on the letter must be resolved before calling for an inspection. A copy of the approved plans and a copy of the plan review letter must be at the job site at the time of inspection.
Fire Alarm: Before calling for an inspection the electrical permit must be signed off by the Grove City Building Department Electrical Inspector and the system must be pre-tested. This includes all auxiliary equipment and the fire alarm controls. All carpeting, ceiling tile, drywall and doors must be in place to conduct alarm audibility tests. The fire alarm system must not be in test when the Grove City Building Dept. and Jackson Twp. Fire Dept. arrive to do the inspection.
Underground Cover: Underground pipe inspection must occur prior to covering. Inspection of thrust blocks may occur during or after pouring. Depth and width of the block must be exposed for measurement.
Underground Hydro: Underground may be covered if cover inspection has occurred, however, pressure drops must be within allowable limits. return to top
Underground Flush: Inspection must occur prior to connecting with the building system.
Sprinkler Cover: You must call for cover inspections prior to installation of drywall or ceiling tiles that would interfere with visual access.
Hood Systems: All Fire Protection System Tests.
Pre-installation of a Fire Hydrant: All fire hydrants installed within Grove City, Jackson Township and Urbancrest must have a pre-installation inspection by the Fire Code Official prior to being installed in the ground. All fire hydrants installed in any project must be painted with the color scheme approved by the Fire Code Official for that location. Reference section on Fire Hydrants. There is a fee associated with the pre-installation inspection.
Q. Whom do I call to request an inspection?
A. Many of the required inspections are done by both the Grove City Building Department and the Jackson Township Fire Department. These include: Acceptance tests for all Fire Protection Systems and Life Safety Inspections. If you need both the Fire and the Building Inspectors, you may schedule them at the same time through the Grove City Building Department at 614-277-3075 Mon.-Fri. between the hours of 8am-4pm. Fire Inspection requests are made by calling the Jackson Township Fire Department at 614-875-5588 Mon.-Fri. between the hours of 8am – 4:30 pm
Q. What information do I give when I call to request an inspection?
A. Your name, your company, your phone number, time of inspection, the inspection address, name of the installer/tester who will be present during the test, type of inspection that you are requesting. Failure to show up for the scheduled test could result in addition fees.
Q. How soon after I call can I expect my inspection?
A. Typically, you need to call for your inspection 48 hours in advance, however, if our schedule allows, every attempt will be made to accommodate your request. return to top
Q. Must I be present when the Inspector comes and do I need approved plans on site?
A. A representative capable of performing the required tests, registered with the Grove City Building Department, must have current State License and picture I.D. with them, and be capable of providing access to all areas. This person must have the approved set of plans on site.
Q. If I need to speak to a Fire Inspector when can he/she be reached?
A. You may contact the Fire Inspectors through the Fire Department Administration Office Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4 pm at 614-875-5588 or you may email them.
Staff Office Contact us :
Fire Prevention Officer Lt. William Dolby, CFSI dolbyw@jacksontwp.org 614-945-5041 Inspector Douglas Miller, CFSI millerdo@jacksontwp.org 614-945-5042 Inspector Tammy Sheaks, CFSI sheakst@jacksontwp.org 614-945-5043 Administrative Secretary Jenny Thomas fire.admin@jacksontwp.org 614-875-5588
Q. What will happen if my Fire Protection System fails to pass inspection?
A. All Fire Protection Systems must be pre-tested to prove that they work correctly and to assure that the progression of your project is not delayed. If the system (s) fail the Fire Department acceptance test, you may be assessed a Re-test of failed Fire Protection Systems fee.
Q. What do I do if I don’t understand the required corrections?
A. You may contact your assigned Inspector directly or at 614-875-5588 for an explanation/clarification. return to top
Q. Is there a fee for the Permits or Inspections?
A. The Jackson Township Fire Department and Grove City Building Department each have their own Permit and Fee schedule. Both entities are present for the required inspections. A copy of the fees required by the Fire Department and Building Department fees may be obtained at the Grove City Building Department located at 4035 Broadway Grove City, Ohio Mon.-Fri. between the hours of 8 am- 4:30 pm or you may obtain a copy of the Permit and Fee schedule required by the Jackson Township Fire Department at the Fire Department Administrative Offices located at 3650 Hoover Rd. Mon.-Fri. between the hours of 8 am- 4:30 pm. This information and required forms can be accessed via the web sites: http://www.jacksontwp.org/fire or Grove City Building Department
Q. Can I access the permit forms online?
A. Yes. You can print the forms from the web site. return to top
Q. When do my
permits and fees have to be paid?
A. Permits fees must be paid for with your application. Any other fees must be paid prior to the inspection or re-inspection.
Q. Is there a fee for working without a permit?
A. Yes. It is a violation of the Ohio Building and Fire Codes to install or modify any portion of a fire protection system without approved plans from the Grove City Building Department and all required permits in Grove City and Jackson Township. If the contractor is found to be working without an approved permit(s) they will be charged twice the permit fee. Reference the full list of the required permits under the Permit Section.
Q. Does Jackson Township Fire Department have a Knox Box Program?
A. Yes. All new Commercial and any Existing Commercial building that remodel or alter the building, will be required to add Knox Box(s) to their building in a location approved by the Fire Code Official. You may obtain the necessary forms from the Fire Department Administration Office 3650 Hoover Rd. Grove City Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Knox box Information
Q. What process do I have to go through to get a Knox Box for my facility?
A. You must obtain the necessary application and fill it out completely. You must then return it to the Fire Department to be signed by the Fire Code Official. This application must be accompanied by a check made out to the Knox Box Company. Your application will then be mailed with the check to the Knox Box Company and the Knox Box will be shipped directly to you. Knox Box information
Q. Does Jackson Township Fire Department have required annual permits?
A. Yes. The following permits are annual: Flammable Sprays and Finishes, Welding or Cutting Operations, and State Licensed Daycare.
Q. Do I need a permit to use a fire hydrant?
A. Yes, Any use of a fire hydrant whether PUBLIC or PRIVATE requires a permit from the Jackson Township Fire Department. This permit may be obtained from the Jackson Township Fire Department Administration Office located at 3650 Hoover Rd. Mon.-Fri. between the hours of 8 am- 4:30 pm. Also, any use of a PUBLIC hydrant requires a permit be obtained from the Columbus Division of Water 614-645-7330.
Use of a PUBLIC or PRIVATE fire hydrant requires the use of a backflow preventor.
PRIVATE hydrants (Yellow with white bonnet) may be used by the owner of the complex or his representative after a permit is obtained from the Jackson Township Fire Department. There is no fee for the use of a PRIVATE hydrant as long as the owner or his representative accept all responsibility for any damage to the hydrant occurring from this use and comply with all Jackson Township rules regarding USE of a PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANT.
See Permit and Fee Schedule for fees on USE of a PUBLIC FIRE HYDRANT.
Q. What are the normal operating hours for the Inspectors of the Fire Prevention Bureau?
A. 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, closed most major holidays.
Q. Can I get an Inspection outside the normal operational schedule of the Fire Prevention Bureau?
A. Yes. Special Hours Inspections can be requested and are considered on a case by case basis. There would be additional hourly fees attached to inspections outside normal operating hours.
Q. Do I need a permit for a Recreational Fire?
A. A documented permit is not required, however we request that you give the Fire Department advance notice so that our Unit Captains and dispatchers do not have to send a full assignment if your fire is reported by a concerned citizen. However, there are some restrictions: The size of the fire cannot exceed 2’x3’ in diameter.
Definition of a Recreational Fire: An outdoor fire, not burning rubbish, not contained in an outdoor fireplace or barbecue grill or pit, max. 2’x3’; for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
Q. Do I need a permit for a Bon Fire?
A. Yes. Bon Fires (5’x5’) require a permit and approval from the Ohio EPA Phone number 614-728-3778. Jackson Township Fire Department requires a permit, however, there is no fee attached to this permit, only that you have obtained documented approval from the Ohio EPA prior to the event. EPA Web Site Information: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dapc/general/openburning.html
Definition of Bon Fire (5’x5’): An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes.
Q. Can I burn brush, trash, papers or other items?
A. No open burning of any kind, other than as explained above is allowed.