Fire Prevention & Permits
Welcome to Fire Prevention
The overall mission of the San José Fire Department is "To serve the community by protecting life, property, and the environment through prevention and response." The Bureau of Fire Prevention (BFP) contributes to this mission through its primary focus on key areas of responsibility that include; public education and outreach services, investigation of fires to determine cause and origin, and code compliance activities such as plan review and inspection.
Organization
BFP is managed by one Deputy Chief who serves as Fire Marshal. The Fire Marshal is supported by a Battalion Chief who serves as the Assistant Fire Marshal. Currently one Captain supervises all Fire Code Enforcement Inspectors, which include Permitted Occupancy, Special Occupany and Hazardous Materials Inspectors. The Development Services Division is supervised by Senior Fire Protection Engineers and staffed by Associate Engineers and Hazardous Materials Inspectors. BFP has dedicated support staff members who are an integral part of daily operations. One Captain supervises the Arson Unit and its staff of Arson Investigators.
Codes
BFP administers the California Codes and the
San Jose Municipal Code. The most common of the California codes that BFP administers is the
California Fire Code (CFC). The most common of the San Jose Municipal code that BFP administers are:
Chapter 17.12 - CITY OF SAN JOSE FIRE CODE
Chapter 17.68 - HAZARDOUS MATERIALS STORAGE PERMIT
Chapter 17.78 - TOXIC GASE ORDINANCE &
Chapter 17.82 - FIRE SAFETY DURING CONSTRUCTION
Permits
Permits shall be in accordance with Sections 105.1.1 through 105.7.14 of the 2010 California Fire Code (CFC).
Permits required. Permits required by the code shall be obtained from the fire code official. Permit fees, if any, shall be paid prior to issuance of the permit. Issued permits shall be kept on the premises designated therein at all times and shall be readily available for inspection by the fire code official.
Types of permits. There shall be two types of permits as follows:
1. Operational permit. An operational permit allows the applicant to conduct an operation or a business for which a permit is required by CFC Section 105.6 for either:
1.1. A prescribed period.
1.2. Until renewed or revoked.
2. Construction permits. A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify systems and equipment for which a permit is required by CFC Section 105.7.
Annual Permits
If you have questions regarding the fee increase or the billing process, you may contact the
Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Online Permits
San José Permits online is for obtaining a variety of information regarding proposed development for properties within the City of San José and for registered users to submit permit applications, obtain simple development permits and schedule inspections.
Fees
City of San José Fire Department Fee schedule (
Click Here)
Design Documents
These documents (
Click Here) are some of the most requested by architects, designers, contractors and others. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is pleased to provide these documents online for your convenience.
If you have any questions, you may contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention.
Fire Department Planning Approvals
Fire Code Design Requirements
Hazardous Materials Program
- See the Hazardous Materials Inspections Link on the Left hand column above.
Visit the City of San José's Your Business Coaching Center (i.e., keep it simple). The Link is www.sanjoseca.gov/businesscoach.