The Fire Prevention Division provides a range of supportive services to help prevent incidences such as this one.

  Fire Prevention Division

The Fire Prevention Division provides a wide range
of supportive services including: (1) the enforcement
of local, state and federally mandated regulations;
(2) conducting fire inspections and determining
cause, and (3) keeping the public informed about
fire safety and other life-saving issues. On a routine
basis, the Division issues fire safety permits,
conducts plan checks and fire inspections, and
insures that local companies are in compliance
with hazardous materials disclosure.

Listed below are matters handled by the Fire Prevention Division, at the department's headquarters, 301 N. First Street. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Fire safety permits: The department processes applications for fire safety permits for fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems and tenant improvements. Permits are also required for underground tank installation and/or removal, religious burning, carnivals and fairs, tents or canopies exceeding 400 square feet, certain types/quantities of hazardous materials storage, pyrotechnic activities and model rocket events. Most permits (with the exception of underground tanks) require a simple plot plan or other information, and are based on a flat $50.00 fee. Underground tanks are charged a fee of $150 per tank. For more information about obtaining a permit, call (626) 570-5193.
• Plan checks: As part of the process of obtaining a fire safety permit, applicants must also submit three sets of complete plans for the installation of fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems and tenant improvements. Both fire sprinkler and fire alarm plans must also contain three sets of hydraulic calculations and standby battery calculations, respectively. Plans must contain all information required by the appropriate Code or NFPA Standard. Generally, the average inspection turn around time is 3-7 days for most submittals. For simple plans, over-the-counter plan checks can be requested. For fire sprinkler systems, the fee varies according to the designated total number of sprinkler heads and is based on a $50.00 per hour fee. This fee includes the plan check, underground and weld inspections, (if applicable) hydrostatic tests, rough and final inspections. For all other fire systems, a straight $50.00 an hour fee will be assessed, and includes all appropriate tests and inspections. Additional inspections or plan re-submittals (due to non-compliance) may require additional fees. For more information concerning plan checks, call (626) 570-5193.
• Fire inspections: These include inspections for occupancy, state fire clearance, residential, fire sprinkler, fire alarm, fire suppression systems, general fire hazard, underground tank, and other fire-related inspections. Some inspections require an approved set of plans and/or a permit before an inspection can be scheduled. If possible, 48 hours notice should be given. However, in some cases last-minute inspection requests may be accommodated. Inspections can be scheduled by calling (626) 570-5193.