Last Updated: 2011-01-04

Assembly & Educational Occupancies

Permit Holder Guidelines #3

PERMIT TITLE: Assembly & Educational Occupancies

CODE SECTION:(Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code) 107.2

FEE: $75.00 (1-50 occupants), $115.00 (51-500 occupants), $150.00 (over 500 occupants)
(Check payable to the City of Richmond)

SCOPE: Requirements and Guidelines for Public Assembly & Educational Facilities

PERMIT EXPIRATION: ONE (1) year from date issued, unless operational.

REQUIREMENTS: Permit holder agrees to abide by the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and any special stipulations noted on permit, as well as the following:

  1. An approved sign noting the maximum occupancy load as approved by the Building Official shall be posted near the main entrance to assembly room. The “Certificate of Occupancy” issued by the Building Official shall be available for review by the Fire Officials.
  2. No overcrowding allowed. (Defined as exceeding the approved occupant load or crowding that blocks the means of egress.)
  3. A tracking system (hand counters or other method) that correctly reflects the number of people on the premises is to be maintained at all times.
  4. Exits shall not be secured from the egress side and must be kept ready for ease of escape when occupied.
  5. No storage of any kind (temporary or otherwise) is allowed to block exits, exit aisles or exit discharges. All aisles leading to the exits and from the exits to the public way are to remain unobstructed at all times. Parking shall not obstruct exit discharges.
  6. All exit signs shall be visible and all illuminated exit signs shall be illuminated at all times the building is occupied. All egress lighting shall illuminate when tested.
  7. All decorative materials shall be either noncombustible or flame-resistant in accordance with both large and small scale flame test of NFPA 701. The interior finish of all structures shall be maintained as approved.
  8. No open flame such as candles shall be used without first obtaining approval and a permit from the Fire Marshal’s office.
  9. Fireworks and Pyrotechnics shall not be used without first obtaining approval and a permit from the Fire Marshal’s office.
  10. All employees shall be trained on emergency evacuation procedures and fire extinguisher use, and shall participate in quarterly evacuation drills.
  11. All smoking materials shall be disposed of properly to prevent fires.

Contact Information:

Fire Department
City of Richmond
201 E. Franklin St.
Richmond, VA
23219 USA
Map It
Ask Fire
Phone: (804)646-2500

This is a print version of the webpage. The navigation of the site has been removed through the print css. If you require a printout of the page as it looks in your browser, please use screen capture.