Fire Protection Contractors

Here is some information that pertains to contractors who provide services for fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems and other fire protection system services.

• List of active endorsed contractors
• Backflow Reports

The Vancouver Fire Department does not regulate water quality. Annual backflow test reports should be emailed to backflowtestreports@cityofvancouver.us. For more information about this please visit the Backflow and Cross-Connection Prevention page.

Files

 Installer’s certificate for kitchen suppression systems

 Freeze Protection Illustration

 Fire Alarm ITM Report Form

 Kitchen Fire Suppression ITM Report Form

 Commercial Kitchen Solid Fuel Chimney Inspection and Cleaning Report

 NFPA 13R Fire Sprinklers in Exterior Closets

Single family residential sprinkler permits

Fire Sprinkler ITM Annual Report Form

Hood Duct Cleaning PDF Format Form

Fire Contractor Quick Report Submittal As of January 1, 2017 we have migrated to a new system. For this there will be a one-time registration requirement. If your company had an account last year please email us to obtain your login and temporary password. Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com) New contractor in Vancouver?

Fire Contractor Quick Report Submittal

As of January 1, 2017, we have migrated to a new system.

For this there will be a one-time registration requirement. If your company had an account last year, please use the forgot username or password link. If you still have difficulty, please email us to obtain your login and temporary password. Email us at vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com)

New contractor in Vancouver? – Register (civicgov2.com)

Once you are logged in you can:

1. Manage your company and individual endorsements.
2. Manage staff.
3. Submit ITM reports as required by VMC Section 16.04.166

Please contact our office if you have questions 360-487-7260

As of January 1, 2017, we have migrated to a new system.

For this there will be a onetime registration requirement. If your company had an account last year, please email us to obtain your login and temporary password.

Already Registered? – Login (civicgov2.com)

New contractor in Vancouver? – Register (civicgov2.com)

Once you are logged in you can:

1. Manage your company and individual endorsements.
2. Manage staff.
3. Submit ITM reports as required by VMC Section 16.04.166

Please contact our office if you have questions 360-487-7260 or vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Here are some questions we receive related to code & standard references to what is “approved by the authority having jurisdiction”. Some of these questions are clearly answered in the code or standard but we get asked frequently anyway.

General Fire Protection Questions

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

Only issues within the scope of the T.I. permit are required to be made compliant with the current code. An exception is a fire alarm addition to system with a non-working panel. The new devices would not be testable without a working panel.

Bracing, spacing, obstructions etc., if found outside the scope of the permit will be a correction to the building owner but should not hold up final approval of the T.I. permit.

PARTIALLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS

Effective January 1, 2025, new partially sprinklered buildings are prohibited by the Vancouver Municipal Code. Existing partially sprinklered buildings may remain so until a tenant improvement or added square footage is to be completed.

WATER-FLOW ALARMS

Exterior audible water flow gong or horn is required and should be positioned where it might be heard. Exterior water flow visual devices are not required. If voluntarily installed, it should be positioned where it might be seen.

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLIES

DCVAs are allowed by VFD to be installed inside a building on an exterior wall that is accessible for inspection, testing and maintenance. A vault may be used but presents problems for electronic supervision due to potential water accumulation. Please check with Vancouver’s Water Quality Department to determine if the DCVA/DDVA is allowed to be installed inside the building or is required to be installed closer to the city water main.

WATER QUALITY FOR NFPA 13D SYSTEMS

For NFPA 13D fire sprinkler systems, Vancouver’s Water Quality Department requires either a backflow preventer on the sprinkler system or a remote flow through point such as a toilet on each level of the home that has water piping.

FIRE DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS

Installation heights for FDC ports are 18 inches to 48 inches above grade.

BUCKET TESTS

Required for all NFPA 13D systems and some NFPA 13R systems where the hydraulic calculations leave very little safety factor – unless the construction has a 2″ or larger water supply.

CONTRACTOR MATERIALS & TEST CERTIFICATES (CMTC)

CMTCs are required for NFPA 13 & 13-R systems but not for 13-D systems.

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR SPACING FOR COMMERCIAL PROTECTED PREMISES

Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Detectors

2019 NFPA 72 17.12 Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed as specified in the manufacturer’s published instructions in accordance with the following:

(1)*On the ceiling in the same room as permanently installed fuel-burning appliances, and

(2)*Centrally located on every habitable level and in every HVAC zone of the building, and

(3) Outside each separate dwelling unit, guest room, and guest suite sleeping area within 21 ft of any door to a sleeping room, with the distance measured along a path of travel, and

(4) Other locations where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards, or

(5) A performance-based design in accordance with 17.3

HEAT TAPE

Heat tape is not allowed for systems or large areas, it must be dry or antifreeze.

Heat tape can be used for branch lines. The tape must be listed for branch lines and be electronically supervised. Listed sprinkler pipe heat tape can be used for small unheated areas like external architectural features but must be electronically supervised.

Ref 2019 NFPA 13 Sections 16.4.1 and 8.2.5.2.3 Heat tape shall not be used in lieu of heated valve enclosures to protect the dry pipe valve and supply pipe against freezing.

WATER METERS

System development charges are not increased when up-sizing the water meter is triggered by the fire sprinkler system. For NFPA 13D or IRC P2904 systems, typically a 1-inch meter is provided at the system development charge cost of a 5/8-inch meter.

MIXED USE

For all other uses where NFPA 13 is required, it shall be required throughout the building regardless of fire areas. (exception: 3-hour or greater horizontal fire separation between occupancy floors.)

For multi-family residential dwellings with parking below that is accessory to the group R and not for public parking, NFPA 13 OH1 can be used for the parking area and NFPA 13-R above.

POST INDICATOR VALVES

In Vancouver, PIVs are not additionally required to be installed because all fire water valves are required to be electronically supervised.

Where installed, PIVs shall be electronically supervised and should also be locked in the open position.

FIRE WATER STANDPIPES

Where both a Fire Department standpipe is required in a stairwell, Vancouver requires this standpipe to be in the same stairwell as the roof access stairwell.

UNDERGROUND FIRE LINES

FIRE HYDRANTS and mains are to be in a public easement and become the property and responsibility of the City once approved.

FIRE LINES: Fire lines between the city main and the structure are entirely private regardless of the location of the double check valve assembly. See illustrations regarding WAC 212-80 for Washington State Licensing requirements.

VALVES

All fire protection water supply valves shall be electronically supervised. Where an individual situation makes this impractical, the applicant may submit an appeal to the fire marshal for an alternate method of supervising the valve’s open position.
Ref IFC 903.4

KITCHEN SUPPRESSION SYSTEM MONITORING

Only required when there is a building full fire alarm system. It is required to be monitored (supervisory ok if a sprinklered building, initiating alarm if not).

Not required for buildings with dedicated function panels (sprinkler monitoring).

SMOKE DETECTOR COVERAGE

LIMITED AREA DETECTION is allowed and does not necessarily have to meet the spacing requirements of NFPA 72. Building smoke/heat detection or area fire detection is required to meet the minimum spacing requirements.

PORTIONS OF A FIRE AREA with smoke detection and notification undergoing a T.I. and not meeting the current NFPA 72 spacing requirements shall be made complaint with the current edition of the code. Hallways and rooms outside the scope of the permit are not required to be retroactively brought into compliance.

NUISANCE ALARMS shall be taken into consideration when designing a monitored fire alarm system. Areas subject to dust, steam, fumes or cooking smoke may be required to have alternative detection such as heat detectors rather than smoke detectors. Examples of these areas include kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics and areas frequently exposed to the outside elements such as near a main entry door.

LOW FREQUENCY SOUNDERS FOR SLEEPING AREAS

These are required in Vancouver for new projects.

NFPA 72, 18.6* Effective January 1, 2014, audible appliances provided for the sleeping areas to awaken occupants shall produce a low frequency alarm signal that complies with the following:

(1) The wave shall have a fundamental frequency of 520 Hz ± 10 percent.

(2) The notification equipment shall be listed for producing the low frequency waveform.

This means that the practice of installing piezo horns in the sleeping rooms is no longer acceptable.

FIRE ALARM WIRING ONLY

Fire alarm wiring may be installed under the building’s general electrical permit. Any devices or connections must be made under a separate fire alarm permit.

SUPERVISORY SIGNALS

Duct detectors (NFPA 72 17.7.5.3); CO detection and fire extinguisher monitoring (NFPA 72 – 17.16) should be transmitted to the supervising station as “supervisory” signals, not general alarm.

FIRE ALARM PANEL REPLACEMENT FORMAL INTERPRETATION 

INTENT:
This formal interpretation clarifies the difference between a new fire alarm system and a partial existing system upgrade.

INTERPRETATION:
A fire alarm panel is a component of a fire alarm system. The replacement of a panel does not equate to a new fire alarm system.

1.0 DEFINITIONS

1.1 FIRE ALARM SYSTEM: More than one device interconnected for the purpose of detecting or notifying people who may not be aware of an emergency condition.

1.2 FIRE ALARM PANEL: A component of a fire alarm system.

2.0 POLICIES

2.1 New fire alarm systems

2.1.1 New systems shall be installed it in accordance with the requirements of the standards referenced by the current edition of the Fire Code, the component listings.

2.2 Existing fire alarm systems

2.2.1 Existing systems that were code-compliant at the time of their installation may have components replaced and/or upgraded provided that they are compatible and provided that the replacements are not part of a large scale building renovation.

2.2.1 Existing systems that were not installed under a permit or were not in compliance with the code and/or referenced standard and/or the component listings at the time of the original installation shall be treated as a “new fire alarm system” when a fire alarm panel is upgraded or replaced and brought into compliance with current codes and standards.

2.2.2 Existing systems that are altered or upgraded as part of a larger scale building renovation listings shall be treated as a “new fire alarm system” and brought into compliance with current codes and standards.

2.3 Fire alarm panel replacement or upgrade where current code required voice evacuation.

2.3.1 In the case of occupancies required by the current edition of the code to provide voice evacuation, the applicant shall be advised that if there are any future system additions (a new portable classroom for example), the voice evacuation requirement will be in effect for that addition. We will encourage, but not require them to install a panel with the capability to support voice evacuation with an eye to the future.

3.0 PROCEDURES

3.1 Permits

3.1.1 Fire alarm panels

A replacement fire alarm panel may be installed under a permit with a minimum fee base of a new system plus one device. (The affidavit permit is specifically prohibited by City ordinance from being used for a fire alarm panel).

Documentation demonstrating inter-compatibility of all components with the new panel shall be provided.

Voltage drop calculations shall be provided.

The final acceptance test will entail random devices within different zones and a full panel test including a report from the monitoring company.

3.1.2 Fire alarm components other than panels

Like for like twist-in devices that do not require disconnecting electrical conductors may be replaced as normal maintenance. A permit is not required for this work; however, the FMO shall be notified of all component failures with a description of the failure and the product information. Send such notification to vanfmo@cityofvancouver.us

Other initiating, notification and supervisory devices are handled under the usual affidavit or alarm system permit as the scope dictates. Documentation proving compatibility of all components shall be provided.

3.1.3 Emergency repairs

Catastrophic panel failures may be repaired immediately. A permit for the work and inspections are required to be acquired by the fire alarm contractor by the next business day.

Maps

 What part of the water supply is considered “Fire Underground”?

Here are many of the questions we receive regarding our Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement program.

General Questions

When was the endorsement program developed? How long has this been in effect?

Background work on this program began in 2004 and continued with stake holder meetings for nearly three years until an ordinance was passed by Vancouver City Council in May 2007. Based on discussions with contractors during stakeholder meetings and local trade groups (NW Automatic Fire Alarm Association, Society of Fire Protection Engineers – Cascade Chapter, etc.), a decision was made to delay the implementation date of the new endorsement requirements for 18 months. The original effective date was going to be January 1, 2009, until further discussions with contractors led to another 6-month extension in order to allow additional time for getting staff certified.

Where do I find these requirements?

The requirements were codified as amendments to the International Fire Code through the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC). Additional information can be found in VMC 16 using the menu link above.

Is a Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement required to install, inspect, maintain or test fire protection equipment in the City of Vancouver?

Yes, however these requirements will not be enforced until July 1, 2009, in order to allow contractors time to achieve the necessary requisite certifications. Any work submitted, started or conducted on fire protection equipment after July 1, 2009, must be completed by a contractor possessing the proper company endorsement and performed or supervised by an employee with the proper individual endorsements meeting the requirements of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program.

How does one go about obtaining a Fire Protection Endorsement?

Applications are made on the Vancouver Civic Gov contractor portal. A listing of the requirements needed to obtain an individual endorsement is found in Administrative Rule 9.01, also available on the city website. Multiple individual endorsements can be included with company applications and additional individual endorsements can be added accordingly.

Our employees are currently certified or approved to work in Seattle, WA and/or Portland, OR by passing their respective certification or contractor exams. Will evidence of those approvals suffice?

No. The FMO does not have staffing to allow review of certification programs from other jurisdictions to ensure they remain current; particularly as the codes and standards evolve with each code cycle. The requirements found within Administrative Rule 9.01 were established with input from local contractors through multiple public stakeholder meetings. The adopted Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program utilizes certifications that are recognized nationally and represent each of the respective fields without creating additional workload on FMO staff.

What constitutes fire protection equipment that requires a contractor to obtain an endorsement?

Water-based fire protection systems (wet, dry, pre-action, deluge sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, foam-water systems, water mist), fire alarm equipment, kitchen hood extinguishing systems, halon/clean agent systems, CO2 systems, dry chemical systems, special hazard suppression systems, and the cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust systems.

What is the fee associated with obtaining a Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement?

There currently is no fee.

Do all employees need to have an individual endorsement?

No. It is not the intent of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program to require all employees to have an individual endorsement.  The requirements dictate that at least one qualified endorsement holder is on the job site while work is being done on the respective type of system. Additional trainees or employees would work under the supervision of the individual possessing the endorsement.

System Testing/Maintenance Questions

Is it required to submit copies of confidence test reports in the City of Vancouver and if so, who is responsible? The International Fire Code (IFC) states that records of inspections, tests and maintenance are to be kept on the premises for three years and copied to the fire code official upon request.

Confidence test, inspection and repair reports are required to be submitted to the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) by the contractor performing the inspection or service within 30 days of the service date in accordance with VMC 16.04.

Requirements of the Fire Protection Contractor Endorsement Program, including the submission of confidence test reports from contractors, became enforceable in June of 2007. The requirement for companies and individuals to obtain endorsements is the only issue with delayed enforcement. Contractors must send confidence test and related repair reports within 30 days of the service date.

How will the FMO deal with contractors who fail to submit confidence test reports within 30 days?

If a FMO staff member identifies during a regular fire code inspections that a contractor performed required preventative maintenance and failed to submit copies of the test reports, the contractor is in violation of the VMC and will be issued a Notice of Order and Correction and given an opportunity to submit the report. Failure to submit the testing report after the Notice of Order and Correction may result in a monetary penalty.

Will confidence test reports from non-endorsed companies be accepted by the FMO if the business wasn’t aware or this requirement?

Testing reports submitted by contractors without an active endorsement will be rejected and the business owner will need to have the testing performed by a contractor with an active endorsement. Contractors or employees without an active endorsement who submit inspection, testing and maintenance reports will be given five business days to submit the Endorsement Application and may be issued a $1,000 citation. 

Is there a fee associated with the submission of confidence test reports?

Yes. The contractor will not be responsible for or assessed this fee. An inspection fee ordinance passed in November 2006, added Section 16.04.280 to the VMC which imposes fees to recoup a portion of actual costs for certain occupancy inspections, operational permits, and the review of inspection and test reports related to fire protection systems. 

Fire Marshal Office staff review the inspection and test reports as they are received. The information is recorded in a database and any noted deficiencies or violations are noted for follow up. The business and/or property owner will be responsible for payment of a review fee that will be invoiced to the business. The business/property owner will only be charged the fee once in a calendar year for each bar-coded fire protection system regardless of the number of reports submitted.

Deficiencies noted on inspection/testing reports may result in a special inspection to the site by Fire Marshal Office staff to verify the deficiencies are corrected. If the deficiencies are not repaired, the business/property owner will be assessed a special inspection fee at an hourly rate. It is important for contractors to document all applicable deficiencies and whether those deficiencies were repaired or not to prevent any unnecessary special inspections.

Our clients do not want us to perform all the necessary inspection/testing elements required by the respective NFPA document (NFPA 17A, NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 96, etc.) due to the cost. Customers don’t want to pay for a full Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (IT&M) program. What will the Vancouver Fire Marshal’s Office do to enforce the required testing?

Contractors and employees conducting required inspections and maintenance should identify whenever there is a deviation from the required testing. If certain elements of the required testing are omitted at the request of the client due to cost, inconvenience or any other reason, it is an expectation that service contractors detail these reasons on the inspection report. Failure to do so will provide an assumption that the testing was in full accordance with the applicable standard.

For example, if no records exist of sensitivity testing of smoke detectors within the appropriate testing cycle, then it is required for inspection personnel to note this as a deficiency. Or, if no records exist indicating that a standpipe or fire department connection has had the required 5-year interval flow test/backflush, this would be considered a deficiency and should be identified as such on the inspection report.

Failure by a contractor to include these details on a confidence test report will likely result in a deputy fire marshal visiting the inspected property to investigate the completeness of the inspection and issues requiring follow up. If a deficiency exists that wasn’t repaired after 30 days from original service date (or provide an estimated repair date on the original submission), the property owner will be issued a Correction Notice to fix the deficiency AND receive an invoice from the City of Vancouver for a fire department inspection.

What is the penalty for a business that fails to conduct the IT&M on a required fire protection system as found in IFC Table 901.6?

A business should expect a special inspection by a deputy fire marshal resulting in a fee and could potentially face a $500 civil citation for failing to maintain fire protection systems if appropriate corrective actions are not taken.

Are the testing requirements any different for a non-required system?

No. It is mandatory that non-required systems to be maintained as if they were required. Failure to do so will result in enforcement provisions according to VMC 22.

The VMC indicates that confidence test reports are required to be submitted on approved forms. Are there specific forms we need to use?

Due to investments by some contractors with paperless inspection programs and internal forms, the Fire Marshal’s Office is not requiring the use of Vancouver Fire Department developed forms. However, inspection forms submitted must include all pertinent information required to be tested by the appropriate standard (i.e. NFPA 25, NFPA 72, NFPA 96, NFPA 2001, etc.). Contractors may download forms that were developed by the Fire Marshal’s Office if they wish. Fire Marshal Office staff may require contractors to submit additional information if the forms submitted are incomplete.

Can fire protection contractors be found in violation of VMC Section 16.04.140 Amendment to IFC Section 401.3.1, – Making false reports and how does that apply to me?

Yes. If in the course of testing fire protection equipment, employees initiate more than four alarm signals in a 12-month period to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency, a civil citation can be issued to the persons responsible regardless of the physical street location. Alternately, if a particular contractor has repeated violations, the FMO can pursue criminal misdemeanor charges for tampering with fire protection equipment.

Sprinkler Contractor Questions

Is this endorsement program redundant with the licensing requirements through the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office (WSFMO)?

Requirements identified in Administrative Rule 9.01 to obtain a Vancouver sprinkler endorsement requires nothing more than providing verification that the company is properly licensed through the WSFMO. There are no additional requirements or fees. Further, WAC 212-80 requires local jurisdictions to verify that contractors are properly licensed. This program allows the City of Vancouver to verify that any contractor performing work within the city limits is properly licensed.

We are a Level 3 Contractor providing annual inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler systems. What endorsement is needed by employees performing testing?

At least one employee on site during the inspection and testing must have Level 2 or Level ITT (if only inspecting) Endorsement. To obtain this, the employee would fill out an application and provide a copy of their Inspection Testing Technician certification from the WSFMO. This allows us to identify that employees are approved to inspect and test all types of water-based fire protection systems.

Our company was hired to inspect a fire sprinkler system. During our site visit, we saw a water-foam sprinkler system, but we were not hired to inspect it. Are we required to mark this on our inspection report?

Possibly. If your company tested the sprinkler system used to deliver the foam-water solution, then yes, this should be marked as a deficiency needed to be inspected and tested. If this was tested by another firm, this should be noted on your inspection. If your company did not touch any component of that system because it is on a separate riser, then no, you do not need to report that system.

Fire Alarm Contractor Questions

Is it necessary that all portions of a fire alarm system be installed by someone possessing a Fire Alarm System Installation or Repair Endorsement in accordance with VMC 16.04.095?

No. An electrician, properly licensed by WA State Labor & Industries, is able to run wiring and connect line voltages into a panel without possessing an endorsement. It is the connection of fire alarm equipment (i.e. detectors, horn/strobes, NACs, circuits in the fire alarm control panel, etc.), programming and testing that must be made under the direct supervision of someone holding an endorsement. It is the responsibility of this individual to ensure the installation of fire alarm equipment meets the requirements of NFPA 72. A permit to install or modify a fire alarm system will only be issued to a contractor possessing a Fire Alarm System Contractor endorsement.

I have a NICET Level IV in Special Hazards Suppression Systems. Can this be substituted for a NICET Level III Automatic Fire Alarm Systems certificate so I can obtain a Fire Alarm System Designer of Record endorsement?

No. To obtain a Fire Alarm System Designer of Record endorsement, Administrative Policy 9.01 requires a NICET Level 3 or CFAD Level III or higher in Automatic Fire Alarm Systems Design.

New Construction Questions

Can I request a final acceptance inspection for an FRI permit without an active endorsement? 

Requests for final acceptance inspections for active FRI permits after must be made by an employee of a contractor with a valid endorsement. Permits will not be given final approval until the contractor possesses an active endorsement. A temporary final approval will be provided until an application is received by the FMO.

Qualification Requirements for Fire Protection System Contractors & Employees

PURPOSE

It is the intent of this policy to ensure that fire protection systems and interrelated equipment are altered, cleaned, designed, installed, maintained, repaired, serviced or tested by individuals and companies who have demonstrated a basic knowledge to perform such work in accordance with the applicable codes and nationally recognized standards.

REFERENCES

International Fire Code (IFC); Vancouver Municipal Code, Section 16.04

SCOPE

This policy is applicable to all locations where the City of Vancouver has jurisdiction and is intended to apply to new and existing fire protection systems.

An integral part of being recognized as a trade is that some form of training and certification is required on the part of the people performing the work. Training and certification establishes individuals are aware of how the work should be performed, what expectation levels are required and what are the rules governing the performance of the trade and the equipment they work on.

In order to ensure that fire protection systems are serviced properly, amendments made to the International Fire Code via the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) require that work is supervised by a person holding the necessary endorsements.

APPLICATIONS

Application can be made via our website. Applicants are required to submit documentation along with a completed application identifying they meet the following requirements.

Applicants for individual endorsements may be required to provide current personal identification in the form of a valid driver’s license or another form of picture identification acceptable to the fire code official.

ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

Administrative Rule 9.01 Contractor individual endorsement as required by Vancouver Municipal Code 16.04 This is a list of credential document requirements for endorsement for work on regulated fire protection system equipment for which an active endorsement is required. This list follows the Vancouver Municipal Code and the 2021 Washington State Fire Code (2021 International Fire Code as amended by the State of Washington under RCW 19.27.031 and WAC 51-54A). The following individual endorsements require current employment by a Vancouver endorsed fire protection system contractor company. Endorsed contractor companies are required to employ at least one endorsed individual and to have company-level credentials that may include WA State Fire Marshal Licensing, Electrical Licensing and Business Licensing
Sprinkler NFPA 13 and NFPA 13R Credentials
WA State Fire Marshal License Level 3	Designer of Record Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 2 (or higher) or WA State Marshal License Fitter	Install & Repair Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 2 (or higher) or WA State FM License Level ITT	Inspect & Test Report Type (1 credential required)
Sprinkler NFPA 13D and IRC P2904 Credentials
WA State Marshal License Level 1 (or higher)	Designer of Record Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 1 (or higher) or WA State Marshal License Fitter	Install & Repair Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 1 (or higher)	Inspect & Test Report Type (Not normally required)
Fire Underground Credentials
WA State Marshal License Level 3 or WA State Marshal License Level U or WA State Licensed Professional Engineer	Designer of Record Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 3 or WA State Marshal License Fitter	Install & Repair Report Type (1 credential required)
WA State Marshal License Level 3 or WA State Marshal License ITT	Inspect & Test Report Type (1 credential required)
Fire Alarm Credentials
NICET 3 or higher or ESA/NTS CFAD 3 or higher or WA State Licensed Professional Engineer	Designer of Record Report Type (1 credential required)
NICET 2 or higher or ESA/NTS CFAD 2 or higher and Individual electrical License	Install & Repair Report Type (2 credentials required)
NICET 2 (or higher) or ESA/NTS CFAD 2 (or higher)	Inspect & Test Report Type
Commercial Hood & Exhaust Cleaning Credential
Current certification acceptable to the AHJ	Inspect & Test Report Type
Kitchen Fire Suppression Credential
NICET 3 in special hazards (or higher) or WA State Licensed Professional Engineer	Designer of Record Report Type (Not required for factory engineered systems)
ICC/NAFED certification – Pre-engineered kitchen fire extinguishing systems or NICET 2 in special hazards (or higher) and Individual electrical License	Install & Repair Report Type (2 credentials required)
ICC/NAFED certification – Pre-engineered kitchen fire extinguishing systems or NICET 2 in special hazards (or higher) and Factory Certification/Training	Inspect & Test Report Type (2 credentials required)
Fixed Fire Protection Systems Credential
NICET 3 in special hazards (or higher) or WA State Licensed Professional Engineer	Designer of Record Report Type (Not required for factory engineered systems)
NICET 2 in special hazards (or higher) and Factory Certification/Training	Install & Repair Report Type (2 credentials required)
NICET 2 in special hazards (or higher) and Factory Certification/Training	Inspect & Test Report Type (2 credentials required)

PROCEDURE: Endorsements issued to applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will remain valid until the required license/certification expires.

Prior to the expiration date of endorsements, applicants shall submit an updated credential document through the City of Vancouver Contractor web portal and upload a copy of all current required documents. Work performed with an expired endorsement will be subject to enforcement requirements of the International Fire Code as adopted by the Vancouver Municipal Code.

VIOLATION: Endorsements may be suspended or revoked by the fire code official. In addition, failure comply with the Vancouver Municipal Code shall subject the company and/or individual(s) to monetary and/or criminal penalties referenced by VMC Section 16.04.095.

Endorsements remain the property of the Vancouver Fire Department and shall be surrendered upon request or revocation.

Qualification Requirements for In-house Employees & Government Officials

PURPOSE: It is the intent of this policy to provide an interpretation on the exceptions found in VMC 16.04.095 adopting International Fire Code (IFC).

REFERENCES: International Fire Code; Vancouver Municipal Code, Section 16.04; WAC 212-80-015 Compliance

SCOPE: This policy is applicable to all locations where the City of Vancouver has jurisdiction and is intended to apply to new and existing fire protection systems.

In order to ensure that fire protection systems are serviced properly, amendments made to the International Fire Code via the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC) require that work is supervised by qualified individuals.

BACKGROUND: VMC 16.04.095 provides some exceptions to the requirements of obtaining endorsements. These exceptions are similar to some found in WAC 212-80-015 and were provided to maintain some consistency with regulations already in place for licensing of sprinkler contractors by the WA State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Of particular note for licensing at the state level for sprinkler contractors is WAC 212-80-015 (7) which specifies, “A full-time employee, or owner of a facility who is qualified to the satisfaction of the local authority having jurisdiction to perform inspection and testing of fire protection sprinkler systems in said facility.” This exception in the sprinkler licensing exempts employees from having to be licensed but does not exempt them from having to demonstrate to the local AHJ that they are appropriately qualified. Examples include but are not limited to employees of school districts, maintenance personnel for city or county agencies, maintenance personnel/employees of large commercial/industrial facilities or national retail stores.

An additional exception provided in WAC 212-80-015 and adopted locally by the VMC relates to government employees acting in their official capacities. This exception was provided in the VMC for situations where employees of a government employer (federal, county, city) may be called upon to mitigate an emergency and mitigation efforts require operation or shutdown of a fire protection system.

While an employee of a county/city or even school municipality could be requested or assigned the responsibility to test or repair a fire protection system as part of their normal job duties, it is not the intent of this exception to consider normal job duties as an official capacity. If that were the case, that would mean that any employee, regardless of training or knowledge could be assigned to test/maintain or repair fire protection equipment potentially creating an undesirable outcome.

INTERPRETATION: It is the policy of the Vancouver Fire Department, that employees performing routine inspection, testing, repair, maintenance or other work requiring employees of companies contracting the work to provide verification of meeting requirements specified in Administrative Rule 9.01.

While the requirements found in Administrative Rule 9.01 cover all fire protection systems, this decision is further supported by a mutual decision amongst all Clark County AHJ’s regarding employees doing in-house work on sprinkler systems. That decision is documented in a bulletin explaining that prior to employees performing work on sprinkler systems for buildings owned by their employer, the employees must submit documentation proving they meet the same minimum qualifications required for individual employed by contractors hired to do the same level of work.