CONNECT with the CityTechnical Bulletins
Technical Bulletins (TB) clarify the application and interpretation of code requirements, policies or procedures.
Updates to TBs
DSD continuously updates its publications to align with the latest building codes, construction practices, safety standards, design guidelines and regulatory changes. Here is a summary of the most recently updated TBs:
- Nov. 12, 2024 | FIRE-9-2 "Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels"
- Nov. 6, 2024 | BLDG-17-4 "Structural Welding of a Minor Nature"
- Sept. 25, 2024 | BLDG-3-1 "Occupancy Classification of a Building with Assembly Use
Technical Bulletin Search
Change of Occupancy from Commercial to Residential
The purpose of this technical bulletin is to provide a road map from the building code perspective when proposing a change of occupancy from a commercial, Group B occupancy to a residential, Group R-2 occupancy.
Revised
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems
As of June 1, 2023, DSD Technical Bulletin FIRE-5-1 has been retired. The SDFD is now performing plan reviews and acceptance testing for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems. Please see the new SDFD Guidelines at the following link: https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/sdfderrcsguide.pdf
Revised
Sprinklers, Standpipes, Fire Pumps and Secondary Water Supply for High-Rises
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to establish the minimum requirements for the design of sprinkler systems, standpipes, secondary water supply and fire pumps in high-rise buildings. High-rise buildings are defined in the California Building Code (CBC) as a building having an occupied floor located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access.
Revised
Requirements for Fire Alarm Control Panels
The purpose of this technical bulletin is to describe the requirements for fire alarm control panels.
Revised
Sprinkler Protection for Balconies, Canopies, Porte-cocheres, and Decks
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to establish the minimum requirements for the design and installation of sprinklers for balconies, canopies, porte-cocheres, and decks.
Revised
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide fire alarm system wiring guidelines and requirements to the permit applicant. In addition to the information provided in this Technical Bulletin, the permit applicant shall follow definitions, guidelines and requirements from adopted codes and standards.
Revised
Design of Sprinkler Systems in Shell Buildings
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to provide the design criteria and requirements to the applicant for providing sprinkler systems in shell buildings without a specific tenant and/or use.
Revised
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to establish the minimum requirements for standpipe systems required by the California Fire Code (CFC) for non-high-rise buildings. See Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-1 for standpipe requirements for high-rise buildings. In addition to the requirements contained in this bulletin, standpipe systems shall also comply with the California Building Code (CBC) and NFPA 14.
Revised
The purpose of this Technical Bulletin is to establish the requirements for Fire Department Connections (FDCs) for standpipe and sprinkler systems in non-high-rise buildings. In addition to the requirements contained in this bulletin, FDCs shall comply with the California Fire Code (CFC), NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 14 and NFPA 24. For high-rise building, see Technical Bulletin FIRE 9-1, Sprinklers, Standpipes, Fire Pumps and Secondary Water Supply for High-Rises.
Revised
Requirements for Exterior Fire Alarm Notification Appliances
This Technical Bulletin provides guidelines for compliance with the requirements for the installation of fire alarm notification appliances on the exterior of buildings.
Revised