HomeMy WebLinkAbout401.005 - Required Fire Sprinkler PermitsEffective Date: October 2012 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/22/2025 Section 401.005
Next Revision Date: 7/22/2028 Page 1 of 3
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 401.005 REQUIRED FIRE SPRINKLER PERMITS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements regarding required permits for automatic fire sprinkler
system alterations, modifications, etc.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all licensed contractors engaged in the repair, alteration,
modification, etc. of automatic fire sprinkler systems within the City of Fresno (COF)
and contract service areas. These requirements apply to both required and voluntarily
installed automatic fire sprinkler systems.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
When repairs, alterations or modifications to an automatic fire sprinkler system are
contemplated, it is the servicing contractor’s obligation to consult the Department prior
to engaging in any work as noted in the California Code of Regulations Title 19 –
Public Safety (CCR T:19), California Fire Code (CFC) and National Fire Protection
Association Standard (NFPA) 13 - Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
In most cases, alterations or modifications to automatic fire sprinkler systems will
require a full set of construction documents; however, other smaller, alterations or
modifications may require an abbreviated construction document submittal package.
Sprinkler system alterations or modifications consisting of twenty (20) fire sprinklers
(or less) require an electronically issued permit.
In every case where it is practical, the Department should be consulted prior to the
replacement of any fire sprinkler or automatic fire sprinkler system component, or
other alteration or modification. Generally, complete documentation is necessary in
accordance with CCR T:19, the CFC, NFPA 13, and FFD requirements.
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
the following:
1. Replacement of painted fire sprinklers is considered an alteration, and an
electronic permit for twenty (20) fire sprinkler heads (or less) replacement is
Effective Date: October 2012 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/22/2025 Section 401.005
Next Revision Date: 7/22/2028 Page 2 of 3
required, regardless of the number of painted fire sprinkler heads that are
replaced.
2. Replacement of recalled fire sprinkler heads is considered an alteration, and
an electronic permit for twenty (20) fire sprinkler head (or less) replacement is
required, regardless of the number of painted heads that are replaced.
3. When there is an addition, alteration, relocation, modification, or removal of
twenty (20) fire sprinkler heads (or less), an electronic permit for twenty (20)
heads (or less) is required, regardless of the type of addition, alteration,
relocation, modification, or removal.
4. When there is an addition, alteration, relocation, modification, or removal of
more than twenty (20) fire sprinkler heads, regardless of the type of addition,
alteration, relocation, modification, or removal, a full set of automatic fire
sprinkler system construction documents is required.
5. All NFPA 13D/R systems require a full set of automatic fire sprinkler system
construction documents, regardless of the type of addition, alteration,
relocation, modification, or removal, including updated hydraulic calculations.
6. A full set of automatic fire sprinkler system construction documents is required
for any special systems or conditions including, but not limited to: Spray booths,
exterior canopies, building additions, etc.
NOTE:
The Department has a zero-tolerance policy related to alterations or modifications to
automatic fire sprinkler systems without permits, regardless of the reason or rationale.
Contractors that perform alterations or modifications to automatic fire sprinkler
systems without a valid permit shall be subject to a penalty of four (4) times the
calculated permit fee, as noted in the City of Fresno Master Fee Schedule (MFS).
Additional action(s) that may be taken by the Department against a contractor
performing work without a valid permit may include any or all of the following:
• Formal complaint filed with the California Contractors State License Board.
• The refusal to issue any new permits as authorized by applicable law.
• Any other remedy provided for by law may also be instituted at the sole
discretion of the Department, either solely, or concurrently with any other
remedy.
• None of these remedies are subject to an appeal, except as provided for by law
Effective Date: October 2012 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 7/22/2025 Section 401.005
Next Revision Date: 7/22/2028 Page 3 of 3
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
When an electronic permit is required, based on the operational guidelines listed
above, the contractor who is altering, modifying, etc. any automatic fire sprinkler
system must complete the application process as noted on the City of Fresno’s –
Fresno Accelerated Application System to Track Electronic Reviews (FAASTER)
system web portal.
INFORMATION
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DEFINITIONS
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CROSS-REFERENCES
California Cide of Regulations Title 19 – Public Safety
National Fire Protection Association
Standard 13, 13D, 13R, currently adopted editions
California Fire Code, currently adopted edition
Master Fee Schedule, currently adopted edition