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Site Plan Review and Inspection
Process New Construction
THE SITE PLAN
The
site plan (blue print) is reviewed before the first block is
laid for a newly constructed building or buildings. During this review we ensure the proposed building
or buildings are properly located on the site,
in terms of a "fire exposure" point of view. The site plan review also
ensures that a water supply is available and that fire engines will have
adequate access to the building. This review can help determine if additional
fire hydrants or a sprinkler system is required. While the Fire Prevention
Division is reviewing the site plans, Lee County Development Services is also reviewing zoning and
impact to roads.
THE BUILDING
PERMIT PLAN REVIEW
Proposed
building plans (blue prints) are reviewed to ensure that the building meets
two main categories, "Means of Egress Requirements" and
"Protection Requirements" as per the Florida Fire Prevention Code. Before those requirements can be
determined, the purpose of the building, whether its use will be residential or
for storage for example, must be established since different types of buildings
have different safety requirements.
MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS
This includes determining the maximum capacity for the
building, along with the type and number of exits needed.
FIRE PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS
This includes fire barriers, such as walls, floors, columns or other
fire-rated construction. Other fire protection systems include fire alarm, smoke
detection and fire sprinkler systems.
THE NEW BUILDING
INSPECTION PROCESS
The
inspection of a new building is the lengthy portion of the new construction
approval process. During plan review, the fire safety requirements are
identified and inspected to determine if all components of the fire protection
system, from fire-rated walls to sprinkler and alarm systems, are constructed
and installed correctly. This process requires numerous visits from fire
inspectors throughout the building process, along with cooperation between the
fire inspector, the plans reviewer and the contractor. Once the building is
complete, the fire inspector will determine that all fire safety aspects of the
structure have passed inspection and a final approval from the fire department
will be granted.
This
inspection process has been a standard for the Fire Prevention Division since it
came into existence in 1982.
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The
Fire Prevention Division staff members interact with developers,
builders, architects, engineers, and property owners in the
process of applying the Florida Fire Prevention Code to
commercial and multi-family building constructed within the
District. The Division performs routine annual fire
inspections, re-inspections, and occupancy use permit
inspections within the community's business districts and
multi-family residential complexes. The Division also
provides plan review and inspection services for new
construction commercial, interior remodeling projects, and
multi-family residential complexes throughout the District.
