Division 9 — Fire Permit Procedures

(“Fire Permit Procedures” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

The purpose of these procedures is to establish the process for the review and approval of Fire Permit applications for compliance with the minimum standards necessary to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.

(“Purpose of Fire Permit Procedures” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

• (a) No fire suppression systems, fire alarm system, or component of such systems, shall be installed within any structure or premises nor shall any alteration, addition, or replacement be made in any such existing fire suppression or fire alarm system unless a Fire Permit has been obtained for the work.

• (b) 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.

• (“When a Fire Permit Is Required” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

• (a) Permits for fire suppression piping or other materials in and across a public right-of-way may be issued only after right-of-way approval has been granted for the installation by the City Engineer.

• (b) The Building Official may allow deferral of Fire Permit applications, as well as associated plans and documents necessary for approval of a fire suppression or fire alarm system, in accordance with Section 129.0205 of the Land Development Code.

(“General Rules for Fire Permits” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 9 9 1

San Diego Municipal Code (5-2020)

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

A Fire Permit may be issued only to a person, firm, or corporation that holds a valid California State Contractor’s License that permits fire protection system installations such as fire alarm and fire suppression systems.

(“Qualifications for Obtaining a Fire Permit” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

• (a) An application for a Fire Permit shall be submitted in accordance with Sections 112.0102 and 129.0105.

• (b) Every application shall include the following:

  • (1) The location of the work proposed to be installed; and

  • (2) The amount and kind of work proposed.

• (c) Submittal documents including plans, specifications, diagrams and computations, inspection requirements, and other data may be required, in accordance with the requirements of the Land Development Manual.

• (d) A Fire Permit may only be issued for the work proposed to be installed as described in the permit application and no deviation from the work proposed to be installed shall be made without the written approval of the Building Official.

• (e) All submitted plans shall be signed as required by Chapter 7 of the California Business and Professions Code.

(“How to Apply for a Fire Permit” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

A decision on an application for a Fire Permit shall be made by the Building Official in accordance with Process One. The Fire Permit shall be approved if the Building Official determines that the work described in the permit application and the accompanying plans complies with the requirements of the Building Regulations and the appropriate standards referenced in the California Building Code, other applicable laws and ordinances, and any applicable development permit .

(“Decision Process for a Fire Permit” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 9 9 2

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

(5-2020)

• (a) A Fire Permit may be issued after all approvals have been obtained and the required fees have been paid.

• (b) A Fire Permit shall not be issued until associated permits have been issued.

• (c) If one year has elapsed since the date a Fire Permit application is deemed complete and the applicant has not requested that a Fire Permit be issued, the application file shall be closed. Plans and other data submitted for review may be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Building Official. To reapply, the applicant shall submit a new Fire Permit application with required submittal materials and shall be subject to all applicable fees and regulations in effect on the date the new application is filed.

• (d) The Fire Permit application file for City projects shall be closed after two years have elapsed since the date the Fire Permit application is deemed complete.

• (e) The Building Official may extend a Fire Permit application one time, for a period not exceeding 180 calendar days, if the Building Official determines that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant prevented issuance of the Fire Permit.

(“Issuance of a Fire Permit” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.) (Retitled to “Issuance of a Fire Permit and Closing of a Fire Permit Application” and amended 4-9-2020 by O-21181 N.S.; effective 5-9-2020.)

• (a) A Fire Permit shall expire if substantial work authorized by the permit has not been completed and validated by an inspection within 180 calendar days of the date of permit issuance.

• (b) A Fire Permit shall expire if, after initial utilization of a permit pursuant to Section 129.0908(a), work authorized by the permit is suspended or the structure is abandoned for a continuous period of 180 calendar days.

• (c) A Fire Permit shall expire 2 years after the date of permit issuance if the work authorized by the permit has not received final inspection approval by the permit expiration date.

• (d) If the work authorized by the Fire Permit has not received final inspection approval by the permit expiration date, all work shall stop until a new permit is issued.

• (e) Any Fire Permit associated with a Building Permit shall expire concurrently with the Building Permit.

Ch. Art. Div. 12 9 9 3

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 12: Land Development Reviews

(5-2020)

• (f) An expired Fire Permit may be extended by the Building Official concurrently with the extension of a Building Permit.

• (“Fire Permit Expiration” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

All construction work and equipment authorized by a Fire Permit shall be inspected by the Building Official in accordance with Section 129.0111.

(“Required Inspections for a Fire Permit” added 4-6-2016 by O–20624 N.S.; effective 5-6-2016.)

Ch. Art. Div. 12 9 9 4

San Diego Municipal Code

Chapter 13: Zones

(10-2022)