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Permits

Operational Permits

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue administers fire and life safety regulations for all properties within Puyallup city limits. Permits must be obtained from the Fire Department for special events, public assembly occupancies, storage or use of hazardous materials, hazardous operations such as hot work and spray finishing, mobile fueling and a wide variety of other activities where a fire or life safety hazards may exist.

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue does not issue operational permits for businesses located within the City of Orting or unincorporated Pierce County. If your business is located in the City of Orting, please visit https://www.cityoforting.org/. If your business is located in unincorporated Pierce County, please visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/.

Operational permits have moved away from a physical PDF and have moved to an online form. Please fill out the form below.

OPERATIONAL PERMIT APPLICATION

FIRE LIFE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Please bring payment in person to 1015 39th AVE SE, Suite 120, Puyallup, WA 98374. Or by mail to “Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, Prevention & Education”, 1019 39th Ave SE #B30, Puyallup, WA 98374.

MOBILE FOOD VENDOR PROGRAM

Who needs an Inspection and a Central Pierce Fire and Rescue Operational Permit?

Any food vendor serving from a truck, trailer, awning or canopy:

  • Producing grease-laden vapor
  • Producing an open flame
  • Using a generator
  • Using propane

We are working with the Washington State Association of Fire Marshals Food Truck Program.  We honor completed approved inspections performed by other participating fire districts in this program or we are happy to schedule one with you.  Please visit the above link for an updated list of participating fire districts.

An annual operational permit will be needed when operating within the City of Puyallup. The permit application and information is available by clicking the link below. Mobile food vendors need only to pay for the permit. Inspection is included.

Appointments can be made by calling our office (253) 538-6402 or email prevention@centralpiercefire.org to schedule a time.

Hotworks/Cutting and Welding

Requirements and application

Hot Works Permit Requirement 1-2022

Knox Box

Knox is a company that builds secure locking devices where a key can be placed inside so local fire and some police agencies can access the building without causing damage to the building after normal business hours or when no one is available to let them in.  Each Fire Department has a unique key that will only allow them into their Knox boxes, and no other emergency agency in North America can gain access. The keys are secured in each fire engine and paramedic unit and require a special code, unique to each individual, before the key is released to be used. Each box also has a micro chip that records all activity and date and time stamps them. An audit is done on a regular basis so each key’s activity can be tracked to assure security and safety for those who have a Knox device at their place of business or dwelling.

Fire Department Connection Caps (F.D.C.’s) protect a building’s sprinkler system.  The locking cap protects fire sprinkler connections from accidental damage, vandalism and physical attack.

Knox Lock Box and Fire Department Connection Locking Cap Information

How do I order a Knox Lock Box?

PROVIDE AN APPROVED HINGED OR FLUSH-MOUNTED KNOX BOX FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT AFTER-HOURS ACCESS.

    1. Go to this website: http://www.knoxbox.com
    2. Or call 800-552-5669
    3. Enter Central Pierce Fire & Rescue OR enter the ZIP code 98445 – Hit search
    4. Select Central Pierce Fire & Rescue
    5. Select the color, mount type (tamper switch optional). You are limited to the 3200 hinged series and flush mount only for new construction.
    6. Select “Add to Cart”
    7. If your city does not match “Tacoma” check the address mismatch box
    8. Save address
    9. Create user account

If the mailing address is different from the location for the Knox box installation that can be noted towards the end of the ordering process.

How should I mount my Knox Lock Box?

Use 4 – 3/8” Grade 5 or Grade 8 fasteners and large, thick steel washers to mount the KNOX-BOX to a solid concrete wall or structural element of the building. Mounting to a hollow surface requires the use of a steel backing plate as well, but in either case, the most critical mounting component is the fastener that attaches the KNOX-BOX to the wall. If it is not Grade 5 or Grade 8, the fastener is not strong enough. Mount approximately 50 inches above grade in a pre-approved location, typically to the side of the main entrance. For proper weatherproofing, caulk the top and sides of the box. Leave the bottom open for drainage.

A recessed Knox box is required for new construction. The hinge must be in the vertical position. It is recommended to connect the tamper switch to the fire alarm system.

For additional location and mounting information or Knox box service, call Central Pierce Fire & Rescue’s Prevention & Education Division at 253-538-6402.

What do I do when my Knox Lock Box arrives?

The FDC caps require us to come to your location to install. The Knox boxes need to be mounted at 50 inches above the ground and in a location that is at the main entrance to the building.  Once you have the box mounted, call us for an appointment to place the key.  At the time of key placement, please be prepared to provide us with your 24-hour emergency contact information for the building/business owner.

Other applications that may apply are Knox locking padlocks for gates, etc., as well as Knox cylinder locks for gates. If you have any additional questions, call us at 253-538-6402.