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Emergency Backup Generator

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This checklist covers all the requirements for all new emergency back-up generator system installations or
modifications to existing emergency back-up generator systems. These projects must comply with the International Fire Code, NFPA 30/37/54/58/70/72/110, and Shoreline Fire Municipal Code. One fire permit is required for each separate installation.

Please review Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) 15.05.050 to learn more about the City’s amendments to the International Fire Code. If you have questions about the City’s fire code or submittal requirements, please email the Shoreline Fire Marshal’s Office at fmo@shorelinefire.com; their staff can walk you through the requirements.

How to Apply

Apply for this permit online at the City of Shoreline's eTRAKiT permitting portal. Once you are logged into your account, select Apply/New Permit from the left-hand sidebar and select the following permit type from the drop-down menu: Pre-Intake Record.

Once PIN requests are submitted, the rest of the intake process is facilitated by a permit technician. A permit technician will send further instructions by email to complete the process. 

Required Documents

In addition to the checklist below, any item listed in NFPA 72 7.1 may be required before a permit is accepted for review as per the fire code official.

  • Permit Application and Critical Area Worksheet
  • Submittal Fee
    • Please reference the City's fee schedule for current application fees.
  • Construction Drawings – scaled drawings showing the proposed work. Sprinkler system plans, calculations, and contractors’ materials and test certificates submitted to the City shall be stamped pursuant to WAC 212-80-083 including stamps for NFPA 13D, 13R, and 13.
    • A scaled detailed plan showing the location of the generator room, room size, fuel source, tank
      size and location, fuel piping routes (with minimum required slope noted), generator refueling
      station location, and pipe size and materials. Fuel oil piping to generator must comply with IMC
      Chapter 13 and have double containment.
    • If generator is located inside a building, specify which level of the building the generator and fuel
      tank are located, provide calculations showing compliance with manufacturer’s installation
      requirements for ventilation supply and exhaust, engine cooling and combustion-air openings.
      Provide scaled interior and exterior elevations views showing the location of the generator,
      ventilation openings, (both supply and exhaust), fuel tank vent(s) and the ending exhaust pipe
      terminal.
    • Physical protection of equipment must be detailed on the plan if the generator and fuel tank is
      located outside. (IMC Section 1305.2)
    • Information on spill control, secondary containment and drainage must be provided.
  • Site Plan
    • A scaled site plan showing the location of all buildings on the site and the generator location
      (interior or exterior with setback to property lines clearly shown. Streets, alleys, easements,
      fences, gates and a north arrow must be shown.
  • Cut Sheets
    • Must provide cut sheets for all materials proposed including manufacturer's data sheets on the
      generator, fuel tank, fuel piping and double containment protection, refueling station and other
      equipment required for installation as per referenced codes.

Additional Requirements associated with Electrical, Building and Land Use submittals

  • Electrical Permit Submittal Requirements (Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I))
    •  Load summary, including each step of load (what loads are transferred to the generator at any one time) in starting and running (separate columns totaled to verify capacity).
    • Location of transfer switches for the emergency and legally required systems.
    • What equipment is on which transfer switch and how long of a delay is allowed for each piece of equipment to come on after the normal power is off.
    • Physical protection of the circuit wiring for pressurization fans and fire pumps from the generator to the fan(s) and pump.
    • Sizing of the generator conductors between the generator and first over-current device.
    • One line or riser diagram showing characteristics and generator sizing.
  • Building Permit Submittal Requirements
    • Seismic/gravity anchoring and support per ASCE 7-05 Section 13.3 Refer to seismic bracing matrix documents for more information.
    • Emergency power system and transfer switch (ATS) if set inside the building, must be located in a separate room enclosed with 2-hour fire barriers. IBC Section 403.4.8.1.
    • Control and power wiring serving shaft pressurization fans must be provided with 2-hour fire rated protection. Illustrate this on the building plans. See IBC Section 909.20.7.1.
    • Where an on-site, stand-alone fuel storage tank is provided, the size, type and location must be identified. The applicant must specify occupancy classification for on-site fuel storage.
    • For legally required generators: Combustion, cooling and ventilation equipment air needs to be from an exterior wall opening without self-closing dampers, shutters or other devices. NFPA 110 section 7.7-7.7.7.
    • Equipment screen and platform design details, if applicable, must be provided for review.
    • Shaft used to provide exhaust, combustion air and/or make-up air must comply with IBC Section 707. A complete shaft assembly of listing numbers and associated details must be provided.
  • Land Use Submittals Requirements
    • The ventilation openings and engine exhaust pipes, when visible from the street, need to be designed in a manner that will not detract from the building design.
    • All residential/commercial mechanical equipment installed must conform to the City of Shoreline Noise Code Standards.

Additional Permits (Possibly Required)

These are additional permit that may be required to accompany your project application depending on your scope of work.