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The new 2022 California Building Standards Code will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. All construction project applications submitted on or after that date must conform to the new regulations. Learn more.

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Development Services

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 PDF icon Fire Sprinkler Affidavit Form DS-161 and PDF icon 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 PDF icon historic resources regulations if your project is located:
    1. On a site with a designated historic resource
    2. Within a designated historic district
    3. On a site containing a structure of 45 years or more.
  • Please review  PDF icon 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 PDF icon exemptions from a fire permit.

Compliant Outdoor Expansion

Apply for a Permit

Step 1

Review PDF icon User Guide – Apply for a Standalone Permit

Step 2

Read the PDF icon requirements for PDF file uploads.

Not following the PDF requirements will delay project review and approval.

Step 3

Download and complete:

Step 4

Obtain or complete the following documents:

Step 5

Your PDF documents MUST meet our upload requirements. See Step 2 for more info.

Validate your PDF documents with Scout™

Step 6

Apply for the permit

You will be required to upload the completed PDF documents from Steps 3 and 4.

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 the 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 PDF icon Affidavit for Fire Alarm Alterations or TIs (Form DS-163).

All other TIs and new buildings must provide plans and calculations as specified in PDF icon Information Bulletin 137.

Fire Suppression Systems

Additions and Modifications to the California Codes

Information Bulletins

Technical Bulletins

Forms

Are you submitting a construction change to a Fire Permit that was originally submitted prior to March 1, 2021, or a deferred submittal to a Combination Permit submitted prior to July 19, 2021?

Yes

No