SOUTH METRO FIRE RESCUE AUTHORITY
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Policy & Procedure:
Subject: Over the Country (OTC) Permits
Division: Life Safety Bureau
Effective Date:
Revision Date: 8/8/2013
Scope: Life Safety Bureau, Contractors, Subcontractors, Architects, Design
Professionals
Purpose: To establish a process for the issuance of certain permits in an expedited,
“over-the-counter” manner.
Policy: This operating guideline applies to the following types of permits:
1. Fire sprinkler systems: The alteration of an existing wet-pipe fire sprinkler system
with a light or ordinary hazard design classification involving the deletion, addition,
substitution and/or relocation of up to 50 sprinkler heads. System alterations
shall not affect the hydraulic design of the fire sprinkler system.
2. Fire alarm systems: T he alteration of an existing fire alarm system involving
the deletion, substitution and/or relocation of up to 25 alarm devices; the addition
of up to 10 alarm devices; the emergency replacement of all or part of a fire alarm
control panel due to damage or failure; dialer replacement for a new monitoring
company. Buildings containing a smoke management or smoke control system
will not be eligible for fire alarm system over the-counter permits.
3. Access control systems: Limited to 20 access points/locations.
Procedures:
1. During the days and hours listed below, permit applicants included in the scope
of this operating guideline may submit their applications and receive an
immediate plan review and permit (when approved). Each contractor and its
representatives are limited to a total of three (3) over-the-counter permit
applications per day.
a. Hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to
11:00 a.m.; Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Holidays Excluded)
SOUTH METRO FIRE RESCUE AUTHORITY
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
2. All permit applications shall be submitted by a representative of the installing
contractor who is familiar with the scope of the project.
3. Permit applications will not be reviewed if the corresponding tenant finish
construction permit has not been approved.
4. All applicable fees shall be paid upon completion of the plan review regardless
of whether the plans have been approved or disapproved. Additional fees in
excess of normal plan review and permit fees will not be charged for over-thecounter service.
5. Fire sprinkler system submittals shall include a minimum of the following:
a. A completed South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Plan Review Application.
b. One (1) complete hard copy set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF
format) of shop drawings showing all sprinklers and piping to be modified.
The plans shall show the location of the alterations relative to the
remainder of the building and shall include areas immediately adjacent to
the area of alteration to ensure proper coverage. A written scope of work
may also be necessary for clarity. Shop drawings may be submitted on
reduced-size paper (no less than 8.5-inches by 11-inches) for limited
projects with a limited area of work (e.g., add a sprinkler head to a closet),
provided there is sufficient clarity.
c. Fire sprinkler system alteration plans involving less than 20 sprinkler
heads do not need to be signed by a NICET III or a Professional
Engineer.
d. One (1) complete set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF format) of
manufacturers’ specifications for all new equipment.
6. Fire alarm system submittals shall include a minimum of the following:
a. A completed South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Plan Review Application.
b. One (1) complete hard copy set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF
format) of shop drawings showing all devices and wiring to be modified.
The plans shall show the location of the alterations relative to the
remainder of the building and shall include areas immediately adjacent to
the area of alteration to ensure proper coverage. A written scope of work
may also be necessary for clarity. Shop drawings may be submitted on
reduced-size paper (no less than 8.5-inches by 11-inches) for limited
projects with a limited area of work (e.g., add a strobe to a restroom),
provided there is sufficient clarity.
c. Voltage drop and battery calculations shall be provided when adding new
notification appliances or power supplies.
d. All fire alarm system alteration plans shall be signed by a NICET III, or
higher, or a Professional Engineer.
e. One (1) complete set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF format) of
manufacturers’ specifications for all new equipment and any existing
equipment necessary to verify compatibility or calculations.
SOUTH METRO FIRE RESCUE AUTHORITY
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
7. Access control system submittals shall include a minimum of the following:
a. A completed South Metro Fire Rescue Authority Plan Review Application.
b. One (1) complete hard copy set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF
format) of shop drawings showing all locations where access control will
be installed. A written scope of work may also be necessary for clarity.
Shop drawings may be submitted on reduced-size paper (no less than
8.5-inches by 11-inches) for limited projects with a limited area of work,
provided there is sufficient clarity.
c. One (1) complete set and one (1) electronic set (in .PDF format) of
manufacturers’ specifications for all new equipment.