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Fire Permit

This permit or construction changes to a fire permit are required for the installation of all fire suppression systems, including fire alarm, kitchen hood, fire suppression/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 Information Bulletin 139 for additional information.
  • Fire Suppression/Sprinkler for Buildings
    For residential fire sprinkler systems, see Information Bulletin 124 . For commercial fire sprinkler systems, see Information Bulletin 139
  • Fire Underground
    For 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:

  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  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.

Compliant Outdoor Expansion

Apply for a Permit

Step 1

Review 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

When submitting plans with your application, you must check the plan sheet numbers before uploading your files.

Verify Sheet Numbering on Plans with ePlanSNAPP

Step 7

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

All other tenant improvements and new buildings must provide plans and calculations as specified in 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

Permits & Inspections