The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department requires a permit for monitored fire and/or harmful gas alarm systems for both residential and commercial properties. A fire alarm permit is $18.00 for 24 months and may be obtained using one of the following options:

Apply or Pay for Fire Alarm Permits

• Apply by Mail:

Construction plans for public school construction and certain other state-funded building projects are reviewed to ensure that plans, specifications, and construction comply with California's codes (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations). The majority of DSA's plan review and construction oversight focuses on new construction and alteration projects for California K–12 schools and community college districts. DSA’s plan review ensures the project’s compliance with code requirements related to structural safety; fire and life safety; accessibility; and, sustainability.

Request Local Fire Authority Review

All new buildings must meet the minimum performance requirements for in-building, emergency responder communication system coverage. Please refer to the Where Required section of this webpage for additional information.

Upon completion of building construction, a radio coverage test demonstrating acceptable coverage levels shall be completed and submitted to SDFD for approval. If the test does not meet coverage requirements, an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS) shall be installed.

A fire permit is required for the installation of all ERRCS to comply with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare. In addition, a fire permit is required prior to modification of (altering, adding, or replacing) any components of an ERRCS. Maintenance of the system performed in accordance with California Fire Code and SDFD ERRCS Guidelines is not considered a modification and does not require a permit pursuant to Section 510.3 in the California Fire Code.

• If you are applying for proof through testing of acceptable emergency responder radio coverage, please expand and complete the Apply for Proof of Acceptable Coverage section of this webpage. Failure of an acceptable coverage compliance test will require the installation of an ERRCS.
• If you are applying for an ERRCS Installation Permit, please expand and complete the Plan Your Project and Apply for ERRCS Permit sections of this webpage.
• If you are submitting an Acceptance Test report for an installation that was previously approved by City of San Diego Department of Information Technology – Wireless Technology Services Division, please utilize the Apply for Proof of Coverage section.
  • NOTE: An SDFD associate inspection shall be required to verify the installation and results of the acceptance test report.

• Fire Access Roadways
  • Apparatus Specifications
• Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition
• Knox Box Requirements
• Knox FDC Locking Caps
• Mitigation for Reduced Brush Management Zones
• Modified Roadways Surface
• On-site Fire Hydrants
• Photovoltaic Roof Access

Special Events Guidelines (PDF) This document describes many of the events requiring a permit and outlines the procedure for obtaining the permit.

Some events require only a fire permit, while others require a permit from other City departments, including the Office of Special Events.

Regulation is based on the type of event, the setting, and the potential risk to the participants and the surrounding community.

Questions may be addressed to Special Services at 619-533-4388.

The Application for a Single Event Permit can be completed online, and can be emailed to sdfdevents@sandiego.gov, mailed, or carried in to our office. The completed permit package shall be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the event. A $300 fee will be charged for applications submitted less than 10 business days prior to the event. Applications received less than 5 business days before an event may not be reviewed.

Apply for Single Event Permit Special Events Permit Fees

Each of the following provides information to familiarize promoters, sponsors, and vendors with information about specific types of events. For questions which have not been covered here, contact 619-533-4388.

• Model Rocketry (PDF)
• Outdoor Festivals/Special Events (PDF)
• Portable Cooking at Special Events (PDF)
• Temporary Special Event Structures
• Tent & Membrane Structures
  • Structural Stability Acknowledgement and Indemnification
• Trade Shows and Exhibits (PDF)

• Installation and removal of:
  • Above-ground tanks for fuels, oils and other lubricants, chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids;
  • Below-ground tanks for fuels, oils and other lubricants, chemicals and flammable or combustible liquids;
• Re-pipe or modification to hazardous systems or installations;
• Installation of:
  • Liquid Propane Gas (LPG): Operation permit required for storage or use of LPG.
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG): Fuels not otherwise used for household use.
  • Compressed Gas: Flammable, toxic, corrosive, pyrophoric, oxidizing, inert, refrigerants, etc.
  • Medical gas: Anesthetic and other gases used in medicine (including veterinary medicine) which are not otherwise regulated by the State of California (i.e. schools and institutions).
  • Cryogens: Flammable, toxic, corrosive, pyrophoric, oxidizing, inert, etc.
• Site/Soil Remediation: When any device is installed for the remediation of a site, or soil stockpiled on a site, in which hazardous liquids or vapors are recovered or used during the process, a permit is required.

• The Hazardous Materials Permit Application is a form listing owners, operators, contractors and information related to the installation.
• All portions must be filled in, including a signature. Proof of insurance is required to be provided along with the application. A check covering total Hazardous Materials Permit Fees, payable to the "City Treasurer," is required at the time of application.
• Mail or deliver by appointment only. Call (619) 533-4477 to schedule an appointment.
  • San Diego Fire-Rescue
    Attn: Technical Services
    525 B Street Suite 300
    San Diego, CA 92101

Apply for Hazardous Materials Permit

• The plan review encompasses a thorough review of submitted plans, checking for compliance with current applicable codes.
• Submittals must include all pertinent information both in specification and plan view; details and cut-sheets for any equipment; and the materials, manner and method of installation.
• Submit two full size and one reduced (11 x 17) set of plans. The full sized sets will be stamped and returned when review is completed.
• As-builts will not be accepted.
• When changes are made to the installation in the field, the changes must be pre-approved.
• When required, a referral will be made to Development Services for occupancy classification and/or building permits.
• Expedited plan review is available. See information below. 
• When plan review has been completed, notification will be sent and plans may be picked up by appointment only. Please call (619) 533-4477 to schedule a pickup appointment. 

• Upon request plan review can be expedited by submitting a Request for Technical Services Overtime Inspection/Plan Review form along with the Hazardous Permit Application. 

• Field inspections of the installation during various stages of construction are required.
• The number of inspections is based on the type of installation.

• Upon request an overtime inspection may be performed before or after regular business hours and weekends.
• An additional fee is charged.
• You may download a Request for Technical Services Overtime Inspection/Plan Review (PDF).