The fire inspection required for licensing is performed by the Fire Company Inspection Program Area Advisor. Questions may be addressed to the Advisor by contacting the Community Risk Reduction Division at 619-533-4400.

State Fire Marshal's Fire Safety Inspection Request

Facilities licensed by the Department of Health, Department of Social Services and Community Care Licensing, are required to have a fire clearance inspection in order to be licensed. A request for an inspection is routed to the Fire Prevention Bureau from various agencies.

Pre-Inspection

It is recommended that facilities licensed by Community Care Licensing request a pre-inspection prior to requesting a fire clearance. The pre-inspection will provide information about building and fire code requirements which must be met to become a licensed facility. Privately owned, single family residences are eligible for this service. Commercial properties, clinics, drug treatment facilities, etc. may hire a consultant, architect or other qualified resource.

To request a pre-inspection, a Special Survey  form must be completed. A check, made payable to the "City Treasurer" in the amount of $221, must accompany the application. The completed form can be printed and mailed to:

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
ATTN: Special Survey Clerk
600 B Street, Ste. 1300
San Diego, CA 92101

Large Family Day-Care

A large family day-care is a facility licensed by Community Care Licensing in which care is provided for nine to fourteen children in a home.

See a checklist for Large Family Day-Care (PDF: 76K) fire safety requirements. Anyone wishing to facilitate approval from the department for his/her license should follow these guidelines prior to the fire inspection.

Other Licensed Facilities

Other facilities may require a fire inspection as well in order to obtain a license, but the request will be made directly by the facility to the Community Risk Reduction Division. These may include residential group care facilities licensed by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs as well as non-public schools and agencies licensed by the Department of Education.

When the occupancy is not a  State Fire Marshal  occupancy (that is, a Residential, Educational or Institutional occupancy), a fee of $332 is charged.

Follow the same procedure described under Pre-Inspection to request a Special Survey inspection.