OCFA - Planning & Development FAQ

Knox
What do I need to know about Knox?
A Knox box is a secure storage device that prevents unauthorized access to keys and allows emergency responders non-destructive access to property that is secured by a lock or a gate. “Knox” is the name of the company that makes these devices. Refer to Guideline B-06 for information relating to gates and barriers that may require a plan review and require a Knox box. To obtain an order form for a Knox box, call OCFA Planning and Development at 714-573-6100. An order form with instructions to obtain a Knox box will be faxed to you to complete. You may also refer to the Knox website for current prices.

Plan Review
Do I need to submit plans to the Orange County Fire Authority?
You may refer to our Plan Review Submittal Criteria Form to determine if plans need to be submitted to the OCFA. City and county building departments may also refer you to OCFA plan review based upon their assessment of the project. OCFA serves 25 cities and the unincorporated portions of Orange County. Please refer to our Plan Submittal Routing Form for a list of cities we serve.

Where do I submit my plans?
Plans need to be submitted in person at the either the city in which the project is located or at the OCFA. Refer to Plan Submittal Routing Form to determine where your plans are submitted and picked up. An OCFA Service Request Form will be completed at the time of submittal.

How much will a plan review cost?
Refer to our Plan Review and Inspection Fees. Fees paid at the OCFA may be paid with check, Visa, MasterCard or cash. Fees are “pay as you go” and due upon submittal. Some cities apply an administrative fee in addition to our fees.

What is an over the counter plan review?
An over the counter plan review is one that may be performed “while you wait.” Only certain plan reviews qualify for this review. This service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon on a walk-up basis and from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. by appointment only. This is on a first-come first-served basis; arriving before 11:00 a.m. does not guarantee your plan will be reviewed that day. Refer to Over the Counter Plan Review for more information and eligible plan types.

How can I get a copy of the fire code?
The fire code is a copyrighted document that may be purchased at some bookstores or on the internet, or it may be possible to review it at libraries that carry it. You may also review the fire code at the Planning and Development front counter.

Do I need to submit plans for a gazebo, patio, or fireplace in my backyard?
Such projects may require an evaluation by OCFA if adjacent to or in an area designated as a Fuel Modification Zone, Special Fire Protection Area (SFPA) or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). The terms “SFPA” and “VHFHSZ” are interchangeable terms for a high fire hazard area designated by specific cities and the county. Contact Planning and Development at 714-573-6100 to inquire if your project is in this zone. Please submit the appropriate form, either the Accessory Structure Form or the Outdoor Fireplace Form in person or via fax to 714-368-8843. There is no charge for this service, and the process can generally be completed in 10 business days. Contact Planning and Development at 714-573-6100 to inquire if your project is in this zone

How long does it take to review plans?
Most reviews are performed within 10 business days; refer to our Plan Review and Inspection Fees for specific turnaround times. There is also an option to submit a Request for Accelerated Plan Review Form with your plans. This is a request - not a guarantee. The fulfillment of this request depends on many factors - including current workload, the current number of accelerated requests, type of plan, plan reviewers’ schedules, etc. If the plan is accelerated, additional fees will be due at time of plan pick-up (refer to fee code PR926 on our Plan Review and Inspection Fees). You may check the status of your plan on-line. This information is updated nightly at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Whom do I contact with questions about my project?
If you have received a correction letter for your plans, contact the plan reviewer who reviewed your plans; their phone number is on the correction letter. For basic submittal criteria questions, contact 714-573-6100. For general code/technical questions, contact 714-573-6108. If you would like to discuss a specific project more in-depth, a pre-submittal meeting may be arranged with a plan reviewer for a fee (please see fee code PR900 on our Plan Review and Inspection Fees). Refer to our Project Pre-Submittal Meetings Form for details.

How can I reach my plan reviewer?
You may contact your plan reviewer via telephone or by e-mail by inserting your plan reviewer’s name in this format: firstnamelastname@ocfa.org. Anytime you contact a plan reviewer, please provide the Service Request (SR) number of your project. Plan reviewers are assigned various projects, are involved with inspections, take training courses, teach seminars, and are active in many facets of fire prevention that may make them unavailable at certain times. If you do not have the direct telephone number of your plan reviewer, please contact Planning and Development at 714-573-6100.

Will I have to install residential or commercial fire sprinklers?
Certain projects require installation of fire sprinklers. Refer to Informational Bulletin 07-99 for details.

What is a fuel modification zone?
A fuel modification zone is a strip of land where combustible vegetation has been removed and/or modified and partially or totally replaced with more adequately spaced, drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants in order to provide a reasonable level of protection to structures from wildland and vegetation fires. Refer to Guideline C-05 - Fuel Modification for more information.

I lost my plans, what do I do?
Approved plans are important documents for you to retain. We do not keep copies of all plan types and only certain approved plans are kept on file for a short period. You may contact us to inquire if your plans are on file. If your approved plans are on file, the plans may be borrowed for a 24-hour period to make copies. You may return with the copies to be re-stamped for a fee (please see fee code PR924 on our Plan Review and Inspection Fees). If the plans are not on file, a new submittal will need to be made.

General
How do I report a possible code violation or fire hazard?

You may contact either our Safety & Environmental Services Section area office for your city. See the S&ESS Contact Us list for the proper office and phone number.

How many smoke detectors should I have in my home?
Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms. Refer to Safety and Education for more information.

What kind of fire extinguisher should I have in my home?
Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle class A-B-C fires. Extinguishers with such a designation are designed to extinguish fires that may occur in homes- including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires. Call (714) 573-6200 for a fire extinguisher brochure. Refer to Safety and Education for more help information.

Where can I get copies of your informational bulletins and guidelines?
OCFA has developed Informational Bulletins and Guidelines that assist you with our application of the fire code within our jurisdiction. These forms discuss purpose, requirements, scope of how requirements are applied, definitions, and details regarding specific submittal requirements.

How do I find a fire sprinkler or fire alarm contractor or have my system inspected/serviced?
Please refer to the fire protection service section of the phone book or Internet, or seek referrals. OCFA is not able to provide referrals to specific contractors or businesses.

New Construction Inspections
How do I get a new construction inspection?

Inspections may be scheduled once your plan has been approved through the plan review process. Inspections may be made 48 hours in advance. You are required to have your original, approved, stamped plan at the project site for the inspection. Contact inspection scheduling at 714-573-6150 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday and be prepared to provide your Service Request Number (SR#) that corresponds to the approved plan for which you are requesting an inspection. Refer to our Inspection Roadmap form for more information on types of inspections.

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