In order to purchase a safe room some cities require a building permit. Contact your local Building Inspection or Code Enforcement department to find out. Storm shelters are typically treated as an accessory building for permitting purposes. Some cities consider them the same type of installation as a gun safe (ours can double as one) and don’t require one. They vary in their permitting requirements so Tornado Alley Armor recommends checking with the folks in your city.
If you happen to be a FEMA rebate recipient be sure to check the all the requirements and deadlines. If you need a permit make sure to start the ball rolling when you order your safe room because sometimes it can take a few weeks for your city to process the permit paperwork. Check with the city management department in your town to find out if a permit is required. If you do happen to need one it is your responsibility to obtain it. We are happy to assist you with any documents the city may want. Not all cities require permits and the requirements vary from town to town. For instance, the City of Fort Worth, TX does not require a permit for our type of safe rooms. If a “contractor registration” is required we are happy to take care of that as well as the cost involved.
City building inspection departments will walk you through the process. Getting a permit for a storm shelter may involve completing a simple building permit application for your safe room, providing a copy of your property plot plan (or survey) with the tornado shelter location designated on the drawing. You will be responsible for all permit paperwork and fees. We will work with you to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions. We’re happy to help! 918-518-1551 or email us at info@tornadoalleyarmor.com.
