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Last Updated: Jul 28th, 2008 |
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Questions directed to The Bureau of Fire
What are the regulations on burning leaves?
Burning of leaves or trash in the City of Hopewell is unlawful, however
it is possible that you can obtain a permit through the Fire Marshals
office to have an open fire for ceremony, recreation, and clearing of
land for subdivision sites.
Do you offer CPR classes?
Special arrangements can be made for classes to be given to a group of
citizens, school groups, churches, clubs, businesses, etc. You can call
Fire Administration to made arrangements.
What kind of fire extinguisher should I purchase for my home?
A multi purpose, dry powder extinguisher is the preferred type for your
home. This extinguisher can be used to extinguish the three classes of
fire that is likely to be involved in a home.
Do you offer tours or field trips of your department?
Yes, any club, group, organization, school, individual, etc. are
welcome to set up an appointment to come and tour our facilities and
learn more about the department. Please call Station Two to make an
appointment.
Can I get a copy of a fire report and is there a fee?
The Bureau of Fire will provide a fire report to owners, occupants or
insurance representatives of structures. There is no cost for a copy of
any fire report.
Questions directed to Code Enforcement
What should I do before I hire a contractor?
- Check to see if the contractor is licensed and ask for a copy of the Business and State contractor’s license.
- Check to see if the contractor is fully insured and ask for copies of certificate of insurance.
- Inquire about employees and subcontractors who will be working on the project.
- Ask for references from previous clients, and then contact these
referrals and ask specific questions regarding job cleanup, job
quality, timeliness, and ask to see the completed job.
Are manufactured homes allowed to be set up in Hopewell?
First a permit must be obtained from the local building official to
install the home and hook up all utilities. Local zoning and land use
regulations must be checked. Necessary site preparation, such as
grading, drainage provisions, and site access for the home must be
considered. After the permit has been approved the home must be
installed according to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and Manufacturer's
installation instructions. All footings, piers, supports, and anchoring
provisions must comply with those instructions and inspections.
Skirting shall be installed to enclose the underside of the home within
60 days of occupancy of the home.
Why can’t the inspector tell me what time my inspection will be made?
Since the time that it takes to perform an inspection can vary from job
to job it’s difficult for an inspector to pinpoint a specific time of
arrival at a particular location. We ask that you call the office and
request your inspection 24 hours before you’d like it done. You may
call after normal business hours and leave your request for an
inspection on the voice mail. You may request to have your inspection
done in the morning or afternoon but the inspectors can not guarantee a
specific time. Please have your permit number, job address, contractor
name, and the type of inspection you would like to have done ready to
give to the secretary when you call. Your request will be entered into
our system and your inspection will be performed the next working day.
My inspection was rejected. Why can’t the inspector come back today and re-inspect?
The inspector may not have enough time to back tract. However, if the
inspector feels that the re-inspection can be worked into the workload,
the inspector will often agree to revisit a job on the same day. The
decision to re-inspect on the same day is the inspector's to make and is
based on the remaining work load left in the workday.
After I get a permit what do I need to have inspected?
The inspection will depend on the type of work that is being performed. Listed below is a guideline to follow.
- Footing – after trench is dug, insulation of reinforcement and before placement of concrete
- Projection – after first covers of block or foundation is complete and prior to back filling
- Foundation – prior to placement of foundation sill plates and after backfill crawl space
- Floor slab – after installation of vapor barrier and prior to back filling
- Drainage / Waterproofing - prior to backfilling
- Plumbing – after rough in is completed
- Electrical - after rough in is completed
- Mechanical – after rough in is completed
- Gas Line– after rough in is completed
- Framing – after approval of all sub trade rough ins and prior to concealment (drywall)
- Insulation – After framing inspection and prior to concealment
- Veneer – after installation of exterior sheeting, flashing, windows, doors, and prior to installation of exterior wall coverings
- Fireplace Masonry – After smoke chamber has been constructed and prior to completion of the chimney above smoke chamber
- Final – After all subtrade final inspections have been approved
How long is a permit good for?
All permits are valid for six (6) months from the time the permit is
issued. A one-time extension may be granted by the Building Official to
extend the permit for another six (6) months if an extension is needed.
This is my own home, why do I have to have a permit to do work on my own home?
The building inspection departments throughout the Commonwealth of
Virginia are required, by law, to provide for the safe construction of
all buildings and structures. This responsibility is to the citizens of
every community in the state, not to any single person or structure.
The building code law does not permit any of its requirements to be
waived. This process is followed for the health, safety, and welfare to
the citizens of the Commonwealth . A building permit is not required
for all activity or construction you do on your home so if you are in
doubt contact your Code Enforcement and inquire before you begin your
next project.
What do I need a permit for?
Permits are required for all work except ordinary repairs. The state
code defines ordinary repairs as replacing less then 100 square feet or
roofing, installing carpet or floor tile, painting, replace broken
glass and patching drywall or plaster.
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