Stanislaus County FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU 3705 Oakdale Rd Modesto, California 95357 Tel: (209) 552-3700 Fax: (209) 552-2512 UNDERSTANDING THE FIRE MARSHAL PLAN REVIEW PROCESS Plans for many new development projects must be approved by the Fire Marshal during the review process. The processes in each jurisdiction are different. It can be confusing to determine the right person to talk to about a project and to find the right place to submit plans. This document is intended to assist applicants in finding the right fire official to talk to about their project and where to submit plans. A network of city fire departments and fire protection districts provides fire protection in Stanislaus County. The Fire Chief of each city and fire district is the final authority (or Authority Having Jurisdiction [AHJ]) on all fire code issues within their jurisdiction. Who to Contact • Fire code questions for all unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County and the cities of Hughson, Newman, and Waterford should be referred to the Fire Prevention Bureau at (209) 552-3700. • The cities of Ceres, Oakdale, Patterson, and Turlock each operate their own fire department and should be contacted directly for assistance with all fire code questions within their city limits. • The Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District should be contacted at (209) 869-7470 for assistance with all fire code questions within the City of Riverbank. The following information applies only to unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County and the cities of Hughson, Newman, and Waterford What kinds of plans does the Fire Marshal review? The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews most projects submitted to the Building Department during the Building Permit plan review process. The Building Department will provide the Fire Prevention Bureau the plans Fire Prevention Bureau needs from the plans submitted to the Building Department. Separate plan submittals (“deferred submittal”) are required for private water lines, water tanks, fuel tanks, automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, commercial kitchen hood fire protection systems, and special fire suppression systems. Deferred submittals should be sent to the Fire Marshal’s Office directly rather than to the Building Department. When does the Fire Marshal review my plans? Projects will be reviewed when the plans and application for a building permit are submitted. Plans for private water lines, water tanks, fuel tanks, automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, commercial kitchen hood fire protection systems, and special fire suppression systems require separate plan submittals directly to the Fire Marshals Office. It usually requires two weeks to complete the initial review. You will be contacted directly if the Fire Prevention Bureau has questions or corrections, and when the plans have been approved. revised 02/28/2013 page 1 of 2 Who actually reviews the plans? Development projects are reviewed by the Fire Marshal or a Fire Prevention Specialist who are full time fire prevention professionals that work for the Fire Prevention Bureau. Who should I contact if I have questions about fire code requirements? Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at (209) 552-3700. Who is the final authority on fire code issues? The Fire Chief of each city or fire district is the final authority for all fire code issues within their jurisdiction. Where do I submit plans? • New construction or remodels in the unincorporated areas of the County. Applications for building permits and plans submitted for building permits are submitted to Stanislaus County Development Services located on the 3rd Floor at 1010 10th Street in Modesto. • New construction or remodels within the cities of Hughson, New man, and Wa terford. Applications for building permits and plans submitted for building permits are submitted to those respective city halls. • Plans for automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, commercial kitchen hood fire protection systems, private water lines, water tanks, fuel tanks, and special fire suppression systems in the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County or in the cities of Hughson, Newman, and Waterford.. Al l plans should be submitted to the Fr i e Prevention Bureau located on the 3rd Floor at 1010 10th Street in Modesto. Are fees charged for plan reviews and inspections? Yes. There are two types of Fire fees that may apply to development projects. The first is the Fire Protection Facility Fee. This fee is collected by some fire districts to finance fire protection facilities and equipment and to assure that new development pays its fair share of capital costs. Fees vary and are determined by each fire district. Fees are based on the size and the use of the building being constructed. The second fee is for Fire Marshal services. Fees are charged for plan reviews and site inspections of all projects. Depending upon the jurisdiction, fees for plan reviews and inspections may be paid at the time the building permit is applied for or they may be paid when the permit is issued. When do I need a fire inspection? If the Fire Department reviewed the plans during the building permit process they must conduct one or more inspections and sign off on the building permit before a final inspection can be completed by the Building Department. The contractor normally calls to schedule the inspection. A fire inspection can be requested by calling the Office of the Fire Marshal at (209) 552-3700. Call at least 2 business days in advance of the desired inspection. The inspection will be conducted as soon as it can be worked into the schedule. revised 02/28/2013 page 2 of 2 .