FAQs

Is a fire wall the same as a fire barrier?: No. A Fire Wall is fire-resistance-rated wall which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall. A Fire Barrier is a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.

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Fire Department - New Construction & Addition / Remodel

1. When is a Design Professional required for my project?: The Indiana Administrative Code; 675 IAC 12-6-9, Design professionals states "Design professionals are required for the construction of Class 1 structures where a design release is required, except any of the following:
- Class 1 structures with 30,000 or fewer cubic feet of space.
- Additions to Class 1 structures if the addition adds 30,000 or fewer cubic feet of space.
- Alteration to a Class 1 structure if the alteration does not involve changes affecting the structural safety of the Class 1 structure.
- Installation or alteration of an automatic fire sprinkler system in a Class 1 structure designed by persons as described in subsection (b). Indiana Administrative Code - 675 IAC 12-6-9 (PDF)

2. When is a State Construction Design Release (CDR) required?: The Indiana Administrative Code; 675 IAC 12-6-3, Design release; requirement states, "No construction shall be done on a Class 1 structure until a design release has been issued by the division unless the construction is of a type specifically exempted from the design release requirements by section 4 of this rule. Design releases may be issued by the division.

If a foundation release is obtained under section 14 of this rule, construction may:
- Be done to the grade level only as provided for by section 14(c) of this rule
- Not go beyond that point without the issuance of a design release or a partial design release authorizing the further construction.

If a partial design release is obtained under section 15 of this rule, construction may be done to the extent of the partial design release but it may not exceed that scope without the issuance of a design release or another partial design release authorizing the further construction. Indiana Administrative Code - 675 IAC 12-6-3 (PDF)

3. What is a Class I structure?: IC-22-12-1-4 defines a Class 1 structure as a building or structure that is intended to be or is occupied or otherwise used in any part by:
- The public
- Three or more tenants
- One or more persons who act as the employees of another

4. Where do I go to apply for a Building Permit?: The Engineering Department is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, 20 North 6th Street, and is responsible for reviewing requests, applications and issuing permits for projects involving any of the following activities:
- Building
- Demolition
- Electric
- Enforcement
- Right of Way
- Sewer Taps
- Signs
- Street Light Requests
- Variance Requests
- Water Taps Engineering Department

5. How long does a typical plan review take?: Most reviews are completed within 10 days. The plan review time is often dependent upon the size and complexity of the project. The City's Engineering Department is responsible for issuing permits. Engineering Department

6. If I am remodeling an apartment building with 3 or more units, is the building classified as Residential?: Yes, however, the State of Indiana has classified buildings with 3 or more individual units as a class 1 structure and it would be governed by the Indiana Building Code and not the Indiana Residential Code.

7. What is Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction?: Building construction in which the structural members (including walls, partitions, columns, floors, and roof) are used for the separation of adjacent spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke within a building. See Fire Resistance Rated Construction resource for more information. Fire Resistance Rated Construction Page

8. Is a fire wall the same as a fire barrier?: No. A Fire Wall is fire-resistance-rated wall which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall. A Fire Barrier is a fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.

9. What is the difference between fire stopping and fire blocking?: Fire stopping is the containment of fire or smoke through rated assemblies by the application of tested fire-rated assemblies. In combustible construction, fire blocking shall be installed to cut off concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal) and shall form an effective barrier between floors, between a top story and a roof or attic space.

10. What is meant by "a change of use or occupancy" and when does it apply?: Structures or portions of structures shall be classified with respect to occupancy in one or more of the groups listed in the Indiana Building Code. When a structure has been classified, a change of the use of that structure may require re-classification according to the fire safety and relative hazard involved. A re-classification requires code compliance verification under the new classification Indiana General Assembly non-rule policy document. Interpretation of 675 IAC 12-4-11(b)(2)(B)

11. When is a Knox Box (key box) required?: - The building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system equipped with a local or transmitted water-flow alarm
- The building is provided with any fire alarm system equipped with an outside audible/visual signaling device
- The building is provided with any fire alarm system where the alarm is transmitted to an off-site location, or to the fire alarm center for the servicing fire department. (New construction or a change of tenancy/occupancy classification) Knox Box Information (PDF)

12. Where can I purchase a Knox Box?: A Knox Box can be ordered online or an order form is available at our Administration Office, located at 443 North Street. Please review our Standards and Guidelines document prior to ordering. Knox Box Standards and Guidelines (PDF)