HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustry Bulletin 2026-001 Pre-Pipe Inspections V1.3
BILLY P. ALCORN
FIRE CHIEF
Justin H. Beal, Acting Fire Marshal
Fire Prevention and Investigations Division
(559) 621-4181 FAX (559) 457-1279
Fresno Fire Department 911 H Street Fresno, CA 93721-3082
“To protect and put service above all else.”
FIRE INDUSTRY BULLETIN 2026-001
SCOPE
Latest updates to the policy governing required inspections of metallic, fire sprinkler
system piping, prior to installation, used by the City of Fresno Fire Department (FFD or
Department).
PURPOSE
The purpose of this industry bulletin is to provide the latest information to our industry
partners related to upcoming changes to FFD Policy #405.002.
BACKGROUND
As noted in the California Fire Code (CFC), the fire code official has the authority to
formulate policies they deem necessary based upon local conditions related to
inspections and permit requirements.
INFORMATION
As of January 2, 2026, all permit applicants will be required to have an approved
construction permit, including permit number, for the system installation prior to
scheduling a new construction permit inspection when using the City of Fresno’s (COF)
– Accela Citizens Access (ACA) portal.
In the past, pre-pipe inspections have been allowed prior to the review of fire sprinkler
system construction documents, and/or the issuance of an automatic fire sprinkler system
construction permit since the piping may be delivered to the construction site prior to the
construction documents being approved and the inspection can take place while the pipe
is located at ground level.
Unfortunately, because of a necessary change in new construction permit inspection
scheduling procedure, this pre-approval inspection convenience can no longer be
accommodated, and each new construction permit inspection request must be
accompanied by a valid FFD permit number when a permit applicant is entering the
scheduling request into the COF-ACA portal.
As FFD continues to refine the electronic, new construction permit inspection scheduling
process, there may be issues or concerns that become apparent to our outside
stakeholders and partners. If an applicant discovers an issue, or has questions,
concerns, etc. regarding this process, we invite you to contact our office at Fire-
Construction@fresno.gov.
NOTE
This bulletin is effective January 2, 2026, and remains in effect until revoked.