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Fire Permit
This permit or construction changes to a fire permit is required for the installation of all fire suppression systems including fire alarm, kitchen hood, fire supression/sprinkler or underground systems to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety and welfare. In addition, fire permits are required prior to altering, adding or replacing any existing fire suppression or fire alarm system. A fire permit is not required for the maintenance of fire suppression and fire alarm systems pursuant to Chapter 9 in the California Fire Code.
Plan Your Project
What You Should Know
There are two categories for Fire Permits: No-Plan and Plan.
No-Plan
- No-Plan Fire-Sprinkler and Fire-Alarm permits: These two permits allow modifications to existing systems under a specific threshold without the need for plans to be submitted. An affidavit by a licensed professional is required and all modifications will be inspected. To learn more, view the
Fire Sprinkler Affidavit Form DS-161 and Fire Alarm Affidavit Form DS-163.
Plan
- Fire Alarm - To install a fire alarm system, it shall be designed and installed in accordance with the California Fire Code (CFC), California Electrical Code (CEC), and the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA 72) as amended by Chapter 80 of the CFC. See Information Bulletin 137 for additional information
- Kitchen Hood – Commercial kitchens require specialized fire suppression equipment. See IB 139 for additional information.
- Fire Suppression/Sprinkler for Buildings – For residential fire sprinkler systems, see Information Bulletin124. For commercial fire sprinkler systems, see IB 139
- Fire Underground - Fire service mains and hydrants, see Information Bulletin 181
- Your project may require a historic review to determine conformance with the historic resources regulations if your project is located:
- On a site with a designated historic resource
- Within a designated historic district
- On a site containing a structure of 45 years or more.
- Please review Information Bulletin 581 for additional information.
Fees
Exemptions
- A Fire Permit is not required for the maintenance of fire suppression and fire alarm systems pursuant to Chapter 9 in the California Fire Code. Learn more about exemptions from a fire permit.
Apply for a Permit
Step 1
Step 2
Download and complete:
Step 3
Complete or obtain a fire plan for your project.
The fire plan and calculations shall be stamped and signed in accordance with the California Business and Professional Code. View the Additional Resources section below for more information.
NOTE: The documents must be in PDF format. View PDF requirements
Step 5
You will be required to upload the completed PDF documents from Steps 2 and 3.
Additional Resources
Fire Alarm Systems
Projects involving the replacement, movement, or addition of up to four fire alarm devices or appliances in an existing fire alarm system will not require submittal of fire alarm plans, calculations and manufacturer’s data sheets provided that the design meets the conditions specified in Sections II or III of Affidavit for Fire Alarm Alterations or TIs (Form DS-163).
All other TIs and new buildings must provide plans and calculations as specified in Information Bulletin 137.
Fire Suppression Systems
- Information Bulletin 181 - Private Fire Underground and Hydrants
- Information Bulletin 124 - Single Dwelling Unit/Duplex Sprinkler Systems
- Information Bulletin 139 - All Other Buildings and Structures Sprinkler Systems
- Information Bulletin 580 – Potential Historic Resource Review
- Information Bulletin 581 – Designated Historical Resource Review
- Tenant Improvements (TIs): Projects involving the replacement, movement, or addition of up to 20 sprinklers in a light hazard, wet sprinkler system will not require submittal of sprinkler plans provided that the design meets the conditions specified in Sections II and III of Affidavit for Fire Sprinkler Alterations or TIs (Form DS-161).
- All other TIs and new buildings must provide plans and calculations as specified in Information Bulletin 139
Additions and Modifications to the California Codes
- Adoption of the California Fire Code – Chapter 5, Article 5, Division 1
- Additions to the California Fire Code – Chapter 5, Article 5, Divisions 2 - 87
Information Bulletins
- Information Bulletin 124 - How to Obtain a Permit for a Residential Fire Sprinkler System
- Information Bulletin 139 - How to Obtain a Permit for Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Information Bulletin 180 - How to Obtain Hydrant Flow Data
- Information Bulletin 181 - How to Obtain a Permit for Private Underground Fire Service and Hydrants
Technical Bulletins
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-1 - Sprinklers, Standpipes, Fire Pumps and Secondary Water Supply for High-Rises
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-2 - Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-3 - Sprinkler Protection for Balconies, Canopies, Porte-Cochéres, and Decks
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-4 - Fire Alarm Wiring
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-1 - Sprinklers, Standpipes, Fire Pumps and Secondary Water Supply for High-Rises
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-2 - Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-3 - Sprinkler Protection for Balconies, Canopies, Porte-Cochéres, and Decks
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-4 - Fire Alarm Wiring
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-5 - Design of Sprinkler Systems in Shell Buildings
- Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-6 - Standpipe System Requirements
- Technical Bulletin RESD-3-1 - Fire Sprinkler Requirements for Additions to Existing, Non-Sprinklered Dwellings
