Knox devices are required for the following:*

• Gates across fire lanes.
• Gates along the paths of firefighter travel from the fire lane to all points along the perimeter of the structure.
• Gates to pool enclosures.
• Building gates or doors leading to interior courtyards containing rescue windows.
• Building gates or doors leading to exterior hallways or balconies providing access to residential units or tenant suites.
• Gates in exterior enclosures containing hazardous or combustible material storage.
• Buildings using hazardous materials or processes where immediate access is warranted.
• Exterior doors to rooms containing main alarm panels or annunciators.
• Doors and gates providing access to parking structures.
• Within the fire command center in high-rises and other large buildings.
• Main entry to buildings equipped throughout with an alarm system and not staffed 24/7.
• Facilities where a high-volume of after-hours calls is expected or experienced.
• Doors and gates to other areas identified by the fire department.
  • Breakaway Lock – When approved by the OCFA, a breakaway lock or a Knox padlock may be used in lieu of a key box for exterior hazardous or combustible material storage areas. Manually operated vehicle or pedestrian gates that are not commonly used or not required to be openable from the egress side in an emergency may also be provided with a breakaway padlock when approved by the OCFA.

A Knox box can be provided for other structures so firefighters do not have to use forcible entry tools to gain access to the site or building interior, but they are not required.

See OCFA Guideline B-01 for additional information.

Submaster Keys, Low Security Keys

These keys are issued to law enforcement agencies. They are used to allow emergency access to exterior portions of the property and secured common areas, such as courtyards, pool enclosures, and walkways leading to the front door of tenant spaces and dwelling units.

Typically used for pedestrian gates, pool enclosures, parking lots, and common areas of multi-tenant buildings and multi-family residential buildings and complexes. If your project is in Irvine, please consult Irvine PD for special requirements.

Master Keys, High Security Keys

These keys are issued to firefighters. Master/high security locks are generally used at building entry points to allow emergency access to the interior of the building. These keys will open submaster/low security locks too, allowing firefighters to open exterior gates.

Mostly used for single tenant buildings, single-family homes/Homebox, exterior doors providing access to the fire alarm panel, and fire control rooms in high-rises and large multi-family residential buildings.

Knox products for OCFA’s jurisdiction must be ordered online at https://www.knoxbox.com. Follow the ordering instructions here to help navigate the Knox website to ensure you order the correct product for your project.

For questions about Knox products for OCFA’s jurisdiction, it’s best to contact OCFA directly at (714) 573-6100. Please leave a message and we will call you back.

The Planning & Development Services Section operates a free tech line. Call (714) 573-6108 and leave a message that includes the following:

• Your name, company, and phone number.
• The address or city your project is located in. The OCFA tech line is only for projects located in OCFA’s jurisdiction.
• The applicable code section or requirement that you have a question on, if known.
• A detailed description of the project conditions relevant to the code section or requirement.

A plan reviewer should contact you by the end of the next business day to discuss your question or, if necessary, request more information. Information provided via the tech line is for general guidance only and may differ from specific requirements applied to a project during review as a more complete picture of your project conditions will be available at that time.

• If your project is currently under review or has already been approved, please contact your plan reviewer directly.
• For questions related to plan submittal, routing, fees, turnaround times, hours, etc., please contact the Planning & Development counter staff at (714) 573-6100 or frontcounter@ocfa.org.
• For questions related to drowning prevention, fire safety education, and related services please access our Community Outreach and Residents page for further details.

Walk-ins will be accommodated at our counter Monday through Thursday between 8 and 11 a.m. Discussions are limited to plans that have not yet been submitted to OCFA for review. A maximum of 15 minutes is available free of charge. While you can bring plans and other material to aid in the discussion, counter meetings are not to be used for preliminary review or over-the-counter approval of plans.

If your project is currently under review or has already been approved, please contact your plan reviewer directly for assistance.

Pre-submittal meetings can be held to:

• introduce a proposed project with unique features or complex design parameters
• review OCFA plan review and submittal policies and procedures
• identify the types of plans that will need to be submitted and their sequence of review and approval
• discuss an identified code deficiency and potential resolution via alternative methods or materials of compliance
• provide an overview of conditions and requirements applicable to or impacting the project.

While pre-submittal meetings can facilitate future approval of projects by ensuring relevant plan and project information is provided and significant items are appropriately addressed in advance, a preliminary plan review will not be conducted during the pre-submittal meeting.

Pre-submittal meetings are by appointment only and are subject to availability of the plan review staff. Please call (714) 573-6108 to arrange the meeting. To ensure that the staff who can best address your project are available to meet, please have a complete list of discussion items prepared when you call.

Once the appointment is confirmed, log into the Public Services Portal and submit a plan for a PR900 fee code. Note the name of the plan reviewer you will be meeting with in the project description field and upload a detailed meeting agenda in addition to any preliminary plans or other documents you would like to discuss. Pay for the presubmittal meeting via the Portal prior to the day of your appointment.

Some code issues may be too complex to adequately address with a call to the help line or may require research and evaluation beyond what can be accommodated in a pre-submittal meeting. When this occurs, a “written response to inquiry” may be appropriate.

The purpose of requesting a written response is similar to requesting a code interpretation from ICC or the State Fire Marshal’s office. It is meant to provide clarification on the purpose or application of a specific code section or OCFA Guideline.

Before you make your request, we recommend that you consult the applicable code interpretation manuals, online SFM interpretations, and review any related OCFA Guidelines as these may already address your question.

If not, or if you are unsure of whether or how they apply to your specific situation, make your request by submitting a plan for a PR905 fee code through the Public Services Portal. Briefly describe the subject of your inquiry in the project description field (for example, “Use of delayed egress hardware” or “Alarm devices in anechoic chambers”) and upload a more through description of your question and scenario along with any relevant documentation when you are prompted to attach a plan. How your request is worded can greatly impact the level of detail and specificity in the response, so please provide as much context as possible so the response can adequately address the question and provide information you can later use when designing your project. Once your request has been screened and accepted, you will be notified to pay via the Public Services Portal.

To facilitate approval of your project, make sure you provide a copy of the written response along with the plan it applies to.

When the status of your review has changed from Assigned to In Progress, Not Approved, or Approved, you may contact your plan reviewer directly to discuss details about the project or get clarification on corrections you may have received. Plan status and contact information can be found in the Public Services Portal under the Plan Status button. Please refrain from contacting your plan reviewer regarding expedited review as they will not be able to accommodate your request.

If you have a question related to the submittal or review process or the Public Services Portal, contact our Permit Technicians at (714) 573-6100 or by email at frontcounter@ocfa.org

If you have a question related to an inspection for your project, contact our Scheduling Office at (714) 573-6150 or by email at scheduling@ocfa.org

OCFA has five regional office that focus our fire prevention efforts more closely to the risks of the individual communities. Please contact the office for the area your business, building, or home is located in.

• For questions related to drowning prevention, fire safety education, and related services please access our Community Outreach and Residents page for further details.

To ensure that construction progresses in an orderly fashion, please refer to the following inspection roadmap to determine when each inspection should be completed.

Inspection Sequence

Please contact the Inspection Scheduling Office at (714) 573-6150 to set up an appointment for an inspector to visit your project. You will need the following information when you call:

• OCFA Service Request Number for the plan that the inspection is based on
• A contact name and number for the person who will be meeting the inspector at the job site
• The building or suite number that will be included in the inspection if the plan covers more than one building
• The scope of the inspection if it will not be the entire scope of the project shown on the approved plan
• The number of devices that will be inspected: for sprinkler plans, the number of sprinkler heads; for alarm plans, the number of pull stations, smoke detectors, and/or strobes
• If scheduling a reinspection because of a cancellation, failed inspection, or phased inspection, make sure you have paid any fees due prior to calling.

Inspection lead time varies between 3 to 6 working days. Inspections are scheduled on an a.m./p.m. basis.

For Inspection of 13D Sprinkler Systems in Tract Homes Only

Where possible, OCFA will provide next-day inspections of 13D systems on tract homes:

• Email the following information to 13D@ocfa.org by 1 p.m. on the day before your requested inspection date.
  • Service Request number
  • Lot number(s)
  • Contact name and number for the person who will be meeting the inspector at the job site
• There is a cap of 25 13D inspections per day among all contractors.
• All systems shall be pretested prior to the inspection.

The cost of most plan reviews includes a set number of inspections necessary to complete a “typical” project that consists of a single system or building of average size, height, and complexity. For projects that fall outside of this range, inspections are performed on an hourly basis or additional inspections may be necessary. Examples include:

• Large developments where streets are installed or completed in phases
• Tract houses and other “cookie-cutter” buildings that have identical sprinkler, monitoring, and/or alarm systems
• Sprinkler systems for buildings four or more stories in height
• Residential buildings with over 150 dwelling/sleeping units
• Large fire alarm system with over 30 initiating devices or 80 notification devices.

Contact the Scheduling Office at (714) 573-6150 to request additional inspections. They may be purchased as a group in advance when you schedule your first inspection, or they may be purchased individually on an as-needed basis to facilitate project phasing.

Most inspections must be requested by the contractor or other knowledgeable representative of the company responsible for the work that will be inspected, who must be present on-site with a standard size hard copy of the approved plan stamped by OCFA at the time of the inspection.

OCFA has a “90% within 10 working days” (Monday-Thursday) target turnaround goal for most new and resubmitted plan types.

The following plan types have a “90% within 5 working days” (Monday-Thursday) turnaround goal:

• PR180 Gates
• PR335 Hood and Duct Extinguishing System
• PR402 Tenant Improvement, NFPA 13D Sprinklers, 1-25 heads, no calculation
• PR430 Sprinkler Tenant Improvement, NPFA 13/13R, 1-25 heads, no calculations
• PR480 Underground Repair
• PR500 Sprinkler Monitoring/Fire Alarm with up to 10 devices

Field Plan Reviews offer a streamlined process for 4 simple plan types, with strict criteria, where the plan review is performed at the inspection. It is not available in all areas. The online submittal process is the same, but the plan is not returned with an OCFA Approval stamp.

Field Plan Review Process

When Field Plan Reviews Fail Inspections:

• If the Inspection Fails for Not Meeting Field Plan Review Criteria – The plan must be submitted as a Revision, and applicable fee differences will apply
• If Project Meets Field Plan Criteria, but Still Fails the Inspection – The inspector will identify the items requiring correction. Once corrected, call the Scheduling Office at (714) 573-6150 to schedule a reinspection and to pay the reinspection fee

Field Plan Review Criteria
PR630 1-25 heads	Tenant improvements to commercial sprinkler systems Addition or modification of 1 to 99 sprinklers, without calculations, located on 1 or 2 floors* The area of work is within a light hazard occupancy A maximum of one mechanical tee per branch line *For work installed incrementally within a tenant space/floor(s), submit a plan for the entire scope of work under fee code PR430/435/440
PR635 26-99 heads	No more than one fire sprinkler per outlet Installation of new flex heads is limited to areas where their use has previously been approved by OCFA List SR# of previously approved plan with flex heads: __________________
PR625	Temporary generators; temporary fuel dispensing at a construction site Duration of 180 days calendar days or less Tank capacity between 60 and 10,000 gallons (If less than 60 gallons, OCFA approval is not required) Tank is UL 142 listed and double-walled
PR610	Emergency repairs to underground water supply lines serving only private hydrants & sprinkler systems Repair is limited to the private portion of the underground system (i.e. downstream of the backflow preventer or other connection to the public water system) Work is the result of an accidental break Repair is limited to a single device (hydrant, riser, PIV, FDC, or DDC) and/or 50 feet of connected pipe

Where Field Plan Reviews Are Allowed

Participating Cities	PR 610	PR 625	PR 630	PR 635
	Emergency Underground Repair	Temporary Generator; Construction Site Fueling	Small Sprinkler Tenant Improvement (1-25 heads)	Large Sprinkler Tenant Improvement (26-99 heads)
Buena Park	OK	OK	OK	OK
Dana Point	OK	OK	OK	OK
Irvine	OK	No	OK	OK
La Palma	OK	OK	OK	OK
Laguna Woods	OK	OK	OK	OK
Laguna Niguel	OK	OK	OK	OK
Lake Forest	OK	No	No	No
Los Alamitos	OK	OK	OK	OK
Rancho Santa Margarita	OK	OK	OK	OK
San Clemente	OK	OK	No	No
Santa Ana	OK	No	OK	OK
Stanton	OK	OK	OK	OK
Villa Park	OK	OK	OK	OK
Yorba Linda	OK	OK	OK	OK
Unincorporated County	OK	OK	OK	OK

The OCFA Board of Directors adopts plan review and inspection fees to offset the cost of services provided by Planning & Development. Each fee code includes the cost of two plan submittals and a set number of related inspections, which varies depending on the type of plan and size or complexity of the project. Where additional inspections are required, such as for projects where a single plan review covers multiple identical buildings, additional inspection fees, represented by the “PR###i” codes in the schedule, may be assessed.

Current Fee Schedule (Effective July 1, 2024)

City	Address	Phone
Aliso Viejo	12 Journey	(949) 425-2540
Buena Park	6650 Beach Blvd	(714) 562-3636
Cypress	5275 Orange AV	(714) 229-6730
Dana Point	33282 Golden Lantern	(949) 248-3500
Garden Grove	11222 Acacia Parkway	(714) 741-5121
Irvine	1 Civic Center Plaza	(949) 724-6313
Laguna Hills	24035 El Toro Rd	(949) 707-2600
Laguna Niguel	30111 Crown Valley Pkwy	(949) 362-4329
Laguna Woods	24264 El Toro Rd	(949) 639-0500
Lake Forest	100 Civic Center Dr	(949) 461-3400
La Palma	7822 Walker Street	(714) 690-3340
Los Alamitos	3191 Katella Avenue	(562) 431-3538 ext. 302
Mission Viejo	200 Civic Center	(949) 470-3054
Rancho Santa Margarita	22112 El Paseo	(949) 635-1800
San Clemente	910 Calle Negocio #100	(949) 361-6163
San Juan Cap	32400 Paseo Adelanto	(949) 443-6347
Santa Ana	20 Civic Center Plaza	(714) 647-5800
Seal Beach	211 Eighth St	(562) 431-2527
Stanton	7800 Katella Avenue	(714) 379-9222
Tustin	300 Centennial Way	(714) 573-3132
Villa Park	17855 Santiago Boulevard	(714) 998-1500
Westminster	8200 Westminster Boulevard	(714) 548-3254
Yorba Linda	4845 Casa Loma Avenue	(714) 961-7120
Orange County	300 N Flower Santa Ana	(714) 667-8889

Construction and Development

General information, hours, routing, fees, directions, submittal process: (714) 573-6100
Inspection Scheduling: (714) 573-6150
Secured Fire Protection Agreements: (714) 573-6562
Technical Code Assistance: (714) 573-6108

Outside Agencies

CalGEM (California Geologic Energy Management Division)
Insurance ratings: ISO, Verisk
Knox Company

Existing Buildings and Facilities

Community Education Programs
Community Right to Know: (714) 573-6254
Vegetation Maintenance and Management: (714) 573-6774
Code Enforcement, Fire Hazard Complaints, Permits, Special Activities: Prevention Field Services has five regional office that focus our prevention efforts more closely to the risks of the individual communities:

The following plans types are typically required to be submitted to OCFA for residential tracts consisting of detached single family homes and duplexes:

• CUP (PR105), when required by the local planning department
• Tentative Tract/Parcel Map (PR110)
• Final Map (PR115)
• Fire Master Plan (PR145)
• Gate (PR180), usually reviewed as part of the Fire Master Plan
• Architectural, for community rooms, gyms, and other assembly spaces with 50+ occupants (PR204, PR208)
• Fire Sprinklers (PR405)

Depending on the location of the project, the following may also be required:

• Fuel Modification (PR125) and/or Fire Protection Plan (PR146)
• Methane Mitigation (PR172 and/or PR174)

Click here for information on how to submit a plan.

This flowchart shows the typical sequence in which plans need to be submitted to and approved by OCFA. It is an overview only: not all plan types that OCFA reviews are shown, and not all plan types shown are required for all projects.
In addition to this flowchart, please refer to the “What types of plans are required” section above and OCFA Guidelines to determine which plans may need to be submitted for your project.

The primary information required on the plan is provided below This is only a partial listing as each project is unique.

CUP (PR105)

• Basic road design, including widths, turning radii, etc.
• Location of trash can staging areas and parking relative to hydrants and fire lanes
• Use/occupancy classification, size, height, and construction type of buildings
• Location of walls, fences, and other obstructions to emergency access

Tentative Tract/Parcel Map (PR110)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Roadway cross-sections

Final Map (PR115)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Layout of roads shall substantially match that on the approved fire master plan

Fire Master Plan (PR145)

• See OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix C
• Fire Master Plans (PR145) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet, available here.

Gate (PR180) – typically reviewed as part of the Fire Master Plan

• See Appendix B in OCFA Guideline B-01

Fuel Modification (PR125)

• See OCFA Guideline C-05

Methane Mitigation (PR172 and/or PR174)

• Methane testing procedure
• Results of testing and whether mitigation is recommended

Fire Sprinklers (PR405)

• Standard information required by NFPA 13D
• Sprinkler plans (PR405) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet for NFPA 13R/13D systems

Architectural (PR204, PR208)

• See OCFA Guideline E-01 and Appendix A

Access and Water

• Minimum fire lane width is 20 feet; parking is restricted on roads less than 36 feet in width; no parking areas shall be marked by signs or red curbs
• Minimum turning radii are 20’ inside and 40’ outside; no back-to-back turns are permitted without increased road width or sufficient recovery distance between turns
• No parking is permitted within 15 feet on both sides of a hydrant
• Dead-end roads shall not exceed 150 feet without an approved turnaround
• At least two points of vehicle access are required for tracts with 150 or more dwellings
• Setbacks between the face of the building and edge of the fire lane are required for buildings with 2 or more stories
• The most remote point of single-family homes/duplexes shall be within 300’ of the fire lane
• There may be limitations or additional requirements for homes in areas with insufficient hydrant water supply or limited emergency access.

Fire Sprinklers

• All new homes require fire sprinklers.

Special Hazards

• Homes in or near oil wells or dump sites may require methane testing and/or mitigation
• Homes adjacent to open space may require a fuel modification/fire protection plan to mitigate the potential wildfire hazard; where fuel modification is required, the plan must be approved prior to the tentative tract/parcel map.
• Homes in certain fire hazard severity zones may require prescribed home hardening features to withstand the impact of a wildfire.

Use the following resources to assist with the design of your project:

Requirements for fire department access and water	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendices B and C
Requirements for fire department access and water during construction	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix  A
Requirements for architectural plans for community rooms, gyms, and other assembly spaces	OCFA Guideline E-01 Appendix A
Requirements for Fuel Modification	OCFA Guideline C‐05
Oil Well Maps	CalGEM website

Plan processing questions: (714) 573-6100 or email frontcounter@ocfa.org

Code and other technical questions: (714) 573-6108

The following plans types are typically required to be submitted to OCFA for multi-family residential projects:

• CUP (PR105), when required by the local planning department
• Tentative Tract/Parcel Map (PR110)
• Final Map (PR115)
• Fire Master Plan (PR145)
• Gate (PR180), usually reviewed as part of the Fire Master Plan
• Architectural, for multifamily residential buildings and community rooms, gyms, and other assembly spaces with 50+ occupants (PR204, PR208, PR264, PR268, PR272). Note: Attached townhomes constructed in accordance with the California Residential Code do not require OCFA review.
• Fire Sprinklers (PR410, PR415, PR420, PR425)
• Underground, when the dedicated fire water supply line serves multiple buildings or an NFPA 13 sprinkler system (PR470, PR475)
• Sprinkler Monitoring and Alarm System (PR500, PR510, PR520, PR530)
• Alternate Materials and Methods (AM&M) request is often required on larger buildings or development to compensate for access or construction deficiencies (PR910)

Depending on the location of the project, the following may also be required:

• Fuel Modification (PR125) and/or Fire Protection Plan (PR146)
• Methane Mitigation (PR172 and/or PR174)

Click here for information on how to submit a plan.

This flowchart shows the typical sequence in which plans need to be submitted to and approved by OCFA. It is an overview only: not all plan types that OCFA reviews are shown, and not all plan types shown are required for all projects.

In addition to this flowchart, please refer to the “What types of plans are required” section above and OCFA Guidelines to determine which plans may need to be submitted for your project.

The primary information required on the plan is provided below This is only a partial listing as each project is unique.

CUP (PR105)

• Basic road design, including widths, turning radii, etc.
• Location of trash can staging areas and parking relative to hydrants and fire lanes
• Use/occupancy classification, size, height, and construction type of buildings
• Location of walls, fences, and other obstructions to emergency access

Tentative Tract/Parcel Map (PR110)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Roadway cross-sections

Final Map (PR115)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Layout of roads shall substantially match that on the approved fire master plan

Fire Master Plan (PR145)

• See OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix C
• Fire Master Plans (PR145) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet, available here.

Gate (PR180) – typically reviewed as part of the Fire Master Plan

• See Appendix B in OCFA Guideline B-01

Fuel Modification (PR125)

• See OCFA Guideline C-05

Methane Mitigation (PR172 and/or PR174)

• Methane testing procedure
• Results of testing and whether mitigation is recommended

Fire Sprinklers (PR405)

• Standard information required by NFPA 13D/13R/13
• Sprinkler plans (PR405) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet, available here.

Underground (PR470, PR475)

• See OCFA Guideline B-03
• Information required to demonstrate compliance with NFPA 24

Architectural (PR204, PR208, PR264, PR268, PR272)

• See OCFA Guideline E-01 and Appendices A and R

Monitoring and Alarm System (PR500, PR510, PR520, PR530)

• Standard information required by NFPA 72
• See also OCFA Guideline D-01

Access and Water

• Minimum fire lane width is 20 feet; parking is restricted on roads less than 36 feet in width; no parking areas shall be marked by signs or red curbs
• Minimum turning radii are 20’ inside and 40’ outside; no back-to-back turns are permitted without increased road width or sufficient recovery distance between turns
• No parking is permitted within 15 feet on both sides of a hydrant
• Dead-end roads shall not exceed 150 feet without an approved turnaround
• At least two points of vehicle access are required for tracts with 150 or more dwellings
• Setbacks between the face of the building and edge of the fire lane are required for buildings with 2 or more stories
• The most remote point of single family homes/duplexes shall be within 300’ of the fire lane; the most remote point of multi-family housing shall be within 150’ of the fire lane
• There may be limitations or additional requirements for homes in areas with insufficient hydrant water supply or limited emergency access.

Fire Sprinklers

• All new multi-family residential structures require fire sprinklers.

Architectural

• Large multi-family structures will typically required the more robust NFPA 13 sprinkler system instead of an NFPA 13R system.
• Courtyard-style multi-family residential structures may require enhanced construction and sprinkler/standpipe systems.
• A laddering area is required beneath each rescue opening in multi-family residential structures; this may require increased setbacks between buildings and fences, vegetation, and other obstructions

Sprinkler Monitoring & Fire Alarm Systems

• All new multi-family residential structures require sprinkler monitoring and smoke detection in the dwelling/sleeping units at a minimum. Larger buildings will require a full alarm system.

Special Hazards

• Homes in or near oil wells or dump sites may require methane testing and/or mitigation
• Homes adjacent to open space may require a fuel modification/fire protection plan to mitigate the potential wildfire hazard; where fuel modification is required, the plan must be approved prior to the tentative tract/parcel map.
• Homes in certain fire hazard severity zones may require prescribed home hardening features to withstand the impact of a wildfire.

Use the following resources to assist with the design of your project:

Requirements for fire department access and water	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendices B and C
Requirements for fire department access and water during construction	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix A
Requirements for architectural plans for multi-family residential structures	OCFA Guideline E-01 Appendix R
Requirements for architectural plans for community rooms, gyms, and other assembly spaces	OCFA Guideline E-01 Appendix A
Requirements for underground fire water supply systems	OCFA Guideline B-03
Requirements for monitoring and fire alarm systems	OCFA Guideline D-01
Requirements for Fuel Modification	OCFA Guideline C‐05
Oil Well Maps	CalGEM website

Plan processing questions: (714) 573-6100 or email frontcounter@ocfa.org
Code and other technical questions: (714) 573-6108

If the proposed project meets any of the conditions listed below, or the project is referred to OCFA by the local building or planning department, a plan submittal to OCFA is required. Please note that a submittal to OCFA may be required for special circumstances and other hazards not identified below.

Condition	Plan Type Required
Location, Access, and Water Supply
New building or additions: Construction of a new building, a new story, or increase the footprint of an existing building	Fire Master Plan (PR145)
Modification of roads, driveways, and parking lots: Changes to roadways, curbs, or drive aisles potentially impacting emergency response	Fire Master Plan (PR145)
Hydrants: Addition or relocation of fire hydrants	Fire Master Plan (PR145)
Fences/Gates: Addition, relocation, or modification of fences or walls obstructing access to sites or structures; Addition, relocation, or modification of gates in fences/walls obstructing access to sites or structures	Gate Plan, unless a Fire Master Plan (PR145) is being submitted for other site work and the gates/walls/fences are part of that plan
Vegetation: The property/structure is on the perimeter of a community containing or adjacent to slopes or hills; or adjacent to an open space or wildland area containing non-irrigated vegetation; or in a State or Local Responsibility Area (SRA/LRA) Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) as defined by the State; or near an area that could be affected by a wildfire in the open space.	Fuel Modification (PR125)*; Accessory Structure (PR182). Buildings in a FHSZ may be subject to special construction requirements—the building department will determine specific requirements.
Oil Wells: Construction of a habitable structure within 300 feet of an active or proposed oil well	Fire Master Plan (PR145), Methane Plan (PR170)
Combustible Soil Gas: Located within 100’ of a CalGEM field boundary, within 300’ of an oil/gas seep, or within 1000’ of a landfill	Methane Testing/Mitigation Plans (PR170-PR172)
Piping supplying sprinklers or hydrants: Installation/modification/repair of underground piping, backflow preventers, or fire department connections serving private fire hydrants or sprinkler/standpipe systems	Underground Plan (PR470, PR475)
Occupany and Use
A Occupancy: Drinking/dining/recreation/meetings/training/religious functions or other gatherings in a room > 750 sq.ft. (> 1,000 sq.ft. for training/adult education) or > 49 people	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR208)
C Occupancy: Organized camps (see California Building Code section 314)	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR208, PR264-272)
E Occupancy: Education or daycare for children 3-17 years old. Dedicated tutoring centers classified as a B occupancy are exempt.	Architectural Plan (PR212-PR220)
H Occupancy: Manufacture, storage, or use of hazardous materials exceeding Maximum Allowable Quantities per the California Building Code or Fire Code	Architectural Plan (PR232)
I Occupancy: Medical care (OSHPD-3) not classified as a B occupancy; Incarceration or restraint; Adult daycare; Child daycare (<3 years old)	Architectural Plan (PR216-PR220, PR248-PR260)
L Occupancy: Laboratory suites (see California Building Code section 313)	Architectural Plan (PR232)
R Occupancy: Hotel, apartment, or similar multi-family residential building with 3+ units and 3+ stories; Congregate housing/dormitories with 17+ people. Single family homes and duplexes are exempt; 3-story townhouses/rowhouses where an independent direct exit to grade is provided for each dwelling are exempt.	Architectural Plan (PR264-PR276)
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 1-6 clients	Submit a floor plan through the “Request Fire Clearance” button on the Public Services Portal
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 7-16 ambulatory clients	Architectural Plan (PR276)
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 7-16 non-ambulatory and/or bedridden clients	Architectural Plan (PR248)
High-rise structure: 75 feet or more to highest occupied floor level	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR285)
Motor vehicle facilities: Maintenance or repair of cars, commercial trucks, boats, aircraft or other motor vehicles	Architectural Plan (PR236-PR240); Chemical Classification and/or Special Equipment Plan may also be required (PR315-PR382)
Egress Control: Installation or modification of locks delaying or preventing occupants from leaving a space or requiring use of a card, button, or similar action to open a door in the direction of exit travel	Architectural, Sprinkler, and/or Alarm Plan depending on the occupancy and type of device installed (PR200-PR280, PR420-PR425, PR500-PR530)
Special Equipment and Hazardous Operations and Materials
Spraying: Installation, modification, or use of spray booths/rooms where flammable/combustible liquids or powders are used	Spray Booth Plan (PR345); Chemical Classification (PR315-PR328)
Dust: Combustible dust producing operations and collection systems (wood working; large bakeries and food production using flour and other finely ground combustible powders; grinding and finishing of aluminum, titanium, and other combustible metals, etc.)	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Ovens: Industrial ovens, autoclaves, and drying equipment, including distribution-scale bakeries and coffee-roasters	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Refrigeration: Industrial/commercial refrigeration systems	Refrigeration Plan (PR340)
Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning plants using flammable/combustible liquids	Dry Cleaning Plan (PR355)
Industrial/Medical Gas: Storage and piping systems conveying compressed gases	Special Equipment Plan (PR350)
Tanks: Aboveground storage tanks for hazardous materials (60 gallons or larger), including related equipment	Tank Plan (PR300)
Dispensing: Dispensing of flammable/combustible liquids from underground tanks	Dispensing Plan (PR305-PR310)
Vapor Recovery: Vapor recovery systems for flammable/combustible gases	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Smoke Control: Smoke control and evacuation systems	Smoke Control Plan (PR380-PR382)
ESS: Energy storage systems, battery back-up or charging systems (Any system exceeding the energy storage capacity thresholds listed in CFC 1207)	ESS Plan (PR375)
Hot work: Welding/brazing/soldering, open flame torches, cutting/grinding, or other similar operations	Special Equipment Plan (PR315, PR340-PR382)
Hazardous materials: Storage, use or manufacture of flammable/combustible liquids or other hazardous materials	Chemical Classification & floor plan (PR315 and PR318-PR328)
High-piled combustible storage: Storage or merchandizing areas over 500 sq. ft. where items are located higher than 12’ (6’ for high-hazard commodities, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.)	High-piled Storage Plan (PR330)
Commercial Cooking: Cooking under a Type I commercial hood; installation or modification of a fire extinguishing system located in a commercial cooking hood	Hood & Duct Extinguishing System, not just the hood mechanical plan. (PR335)
Photovoltaic System: Solar panel installation, where review is requested by the building official	PV System Plan (PR363)
Fire Sprinklers & Extinguishing Systems
New: For new structures, occupancies, uses, and hazards where required by the California Building/Fire Codes and local ordinances	Sprinkler and Underground Plans (PR400-PR480)
Remodel: Sprinklered buildings or spaces undergoing remodel must be evaluated by a licensed contractor to determine if modification is needed; if so, contractor shall submit plans prior to making modifications.	Fire Sprinklers (PR430-PR450)
Addition: An addition to a currently sprinklered building; or an addition where sprinklers are required based on the local jurisdiction’s sprinkler ordinance threshold (area, stories, % area increase or remodel)	Fire Sprinklers (PR400-PR480)
Special Extinguishing Systems: Addition or modification of dry chemical, CO2, foam, inert gas, and similar extinguishing systems	Special Extinguishing System Plan (PR365)
Alarm Systems
New: For new structures, occupancies, uses, and hazards where required by the California Building/Fire Codes and local ordinances	Alarm Plan (PR500-PR530)
Remodel: Buildings or spaces undergoing remodel that have an existing alarm system must be evaluated by a licensed contractor to determine if modification is needed; if so, contractor shall submit plans prior to making modifications.	Alarm Plan (PR500-PR530)
Addition: An addition to a building or tenant space that is currently equipped with an alarm system	Alarm Plan (PR500-PR530)

Click here for information on how to submit a plan.

This flowchart shows the typical sequence in which plans need to be submitted to and approved by OCFA. It is an overview only: not all plan types that OCFA reviews are shown, and not all plan types shown are required for all projects.

The primary information required on the plan is provided below This is only a partial listing as each project is unique.
CUP (PR105)

• Basic road design, including widths, turning radii, etc.
• Location of trash can staging areas and parking relative to hydrants and fire lanes
• Use/occupancy classification, size, height, and construction type of buildings
• Location of walls, fences, and other obstructions to emergency access

Tentative Tract/Parcel Map (PR110)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Roadway cross-sections

Final Map (PR115)

• Easements for emergency access
• Covenants/easements for fuel modification areas and access points
• Layout of roads shall substantially match that on the approved fire master plan

Fire Master Plan (PR145)

• See OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix C
• Fire Master Plans (PR145) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet, available here.

Gate (PR180) – typically reviewed as part of the Fire Master Plan

• See Appendix B in OCFA Guideline B-01

Fuel Modification (PR120)

• See OCFA Guideline C-05

Methane Mitigation (PR172 and/or PR174)

• Methane testing procedure
• Results of testing and whether mitigation is recommended

Fire Sprinklers (PR420, PR425)

• Standard information required by NFPA 13D/13R/13
• Sprinkler plans (PR420, PR425) must include the standardized OCFA coversheet, available here.

Underground (PR470, PR475)

• See OCFA Guideline B-03
• Information required to demonstrate compliance with NFPA 24

Architectural (PR204, PR208, PR264, PR268, PR272)

• See OCFA Guideline E-01 and Appendices A and R

Monitoring and Alarm System (PR500, PR510, PR520, PR530)

• Standard information required by NFPA 72
• See also OCFA Guideline D-01

Use the following resources to assist with the design of your project:

Requirements for fire department access and water	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendices B and C
Requirements for fire department access and water during construction	OCFA Guideline B-01 and Appendix A
Requirements for architectural plans	OCFA Guideline E-01 and appendices
Requirements for underground fire water supply systems	OCFA Guideline B-03
Requirements for monitoring and fire alarm systems	OCFA Guideline D-01
Requirements for Fuel Modification	OCFA Guideline C‐05
Oil Well Maps	CalGEM website

Plan processing questions: (714) 573-6100 or email frontcounter@ocfa.org

Code and other technical questions: (714) 573-6108

The California Fire Code requires a construction and/or operating permit for certain hazardous uses, operations, equipment, and materials. Some of the most common types are:

Operations & Equipment: Open Flames Combustible Material Storage or Composting Dust Producing Operation Energy Storage Systems and Batteries Fuel Dispensing High Piled Combustible Storage Hot Work (Grinding, Welding, Torching, etc.) Industrial Ovens Lumber Yard Plant (cannabis) Extraction Systems Photovoltaic Systems (solar panels) Refrigeration Tire Storage/Recycling/Rebuilding Spraying, Dipping, or Powder Coating Operations Vehicle Repair or Service Garage Waste Handling (junk yard, recycling plant)

Materials: Aerosol Compressed Gas Corrosive Cryogen Flammable and Combustible Liquids Flammable Solids Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Magnesium Oxidizer Toxic and Highly Toxic Unstable/Reactive Water Reactive

Use & Occupancy: Amusement Building Assembly (50+ people) Commercial cooking High-Rise Building Open or Covered Mall Tent or Membrane Structure School or Daycare Residential Care or Nursing Home Jail or holding cell Laboratory Multi-family Residential (3+ units) Modifications to a building that impact the sprinkler or alarm system

Because the particular requirements for each project can vary, the types of plans that OCFA reviews will be different for each project. If the proposed project meets any of the conditions listed below, or the project is referred to OCFA by the local building or planning department, a plan submittal to OCFA is required. Please note that a submittal to OCFA may be required for special circumstances and other hazards not identified below.

Condition	Plan Type Required
Access and Water Supply
Exterior equipment or storage: A new or modified exterior storage area, operation or piece of equipment potentially impacting emergency response to the site, building, or hydrants, or located within 60’ of a property line or other structure.	Fire Master Plan (PR145)
Occupany and Use
A Occupancy: Drinking/dining/recreation/meetings/training/religious functions or other gatherings in a room > 750 sq.ft. (> 1,000 sq.ft. for training/adult education) or > 49 people	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR208)
C Occupancy: Organized camps (see California Building Code section 314)	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR208, PR264-272)
E Occupancy: Education or daycare for children 3-17 years old. Dedicated tutoring centers classified as a B occupancy are exempt.	Architectural Plan (PR212-PR220)
H Occupancy: Manufacture, storage, or use of hazardous materials exceeding Maximum Allowable Quantities per the California Building Code or Fire Code	Architectural Plan (PR232)
I Occupancy: Medical care (OSHPD-3) not classified as a B occupancy; Incarceration or restraint; Adult daycare; Child daycare (<3 years old)	Architectural Plan (PR216-PR220, PR248-PR260)
L Occupancy: Laboratory suites (see California Building Code section 313)	Architectural Plan (PR232)
R Occupancy: Hotel, apartment, or similar multi-family residential building with 3+ units and 3+ stories; Congregate housing/dormitories with 17+ people. Single family homes and duplexes are exempt; 3-story townhouses/rowhouses where an independent direct exit to grade is provided for each dwelling are exempt.	Architectural Plan (PR264-PR276)
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 1-6 clients	Submit a floor plan through the “Request Fire Clearance” button on the Public Services Portal
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 7-16 ambulatory clients	Architectural Plan (PR276)
Residential Care/Assisted Living: 7-16 non-ambulatory and/or bedridden clients	Architectural Plan (PR248)
High-rise structure: 75 feet or more to highest occupied floor level	Architectural Plan (PR200-PR285)
Motor vehicle facilities: Maintenance or repair of cars, commercial trucks, boats, aircraft or other motor vehicles	Architectural Plan (PR236-PR240); Chemical Classification and/or Special Equipment Plan may also be required (PR315-PR382)
Egress Control: Installation or modification of locks delaying or preventing occupants from leaving a space or requiring use of a card, button, or similar action to open a door in the direction of exit travel	Architectural, Sprinkler, and/or Alarm Plan depending on the occupancy and type of device installed (PR200-PR280, PR420-PR425, PR500-PR530)
Special Equipment and Hazardous Operations and Materials
Spraying: Installation, modification, or use of spray booths/rooms where flammable/combustible liquids or powders are used	Spray Booth Plan (PR345); Chemical Classification (PR315-PR328)
Dust: Combustible dust producing operations and collection systems (wood working; large bakeries and food production using flour and other finely ground combustible powders; grinding and finishing of aluminum, titanium, and other combustible metals, etc.)	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Ovens: Industrial ovens, autoclaves, and drying equipment, including distribution-scale bakeries and coffee-roasters	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Refrigeration: Industrial/commercial refrigeration systems	Refrigeration Plan (PR340)
Dry Cleaning: Dry cleaning plants using flammable/combustible liquids	Dry Cleaning Plan (PR355)
Industrial/Medical Gas: Storage and piping systems conveying compressed gases	Special Equipment Plan (PR350)
Tanks: Aboveground storage tanks for hazardous materials (60 gallons or larger), including related equipment	Tank Plan (PR300)
Dispensing: Dispensing of flammable/combustible liquids from underground tanks	Dispensing Plan (PR305-PR310)
Vapor Recovery: Vapor recovery systems for flammable/combustible gases	Special Equipment Plan (PR360)
Smoke Control: Smoke control and evacuation systems	Smoke Control Plan (PR380-PR382)
ESS: Energy storage systems, battery back-up or charging systems ( 50 gal. electrolyte, > 1,000 lb. lithium ion)	ESS Plan (PR375)
Hot work: Welding/brazing/soldering, open flame torches, cutting/grinding, or other similar operations	Special Equipment Plan (PR315, PR340-PR382)
Hazardous materials: Storage, use or manufacture of flammable/combustible liquids or other hazardous materials	Chemical Classification & floor plan (PR315 and PR318-PR328)
High-piled combustible storage: Storage or merchandizing areas over 500 sq. ft. where items are located higher than 12’ (6’ for high-hazard commodities, plastic, rubber, foam, etc.)	High-piled Storage Plan (PR330)
Commercial Cooking: Cooking under a Type I commercial hood; installation or modification of a fire extinguishing system located in a commercial cooking hood	Hood & Duct Extinguishing System, not just the hood mechanical plan. (PR335)
Photovoltaic System: Solar panel installation, where review is requested by the building official	PV System Plan (PR363)
Sprinklers, Extinguishing Systems, & Alarm Systems
For new or modified structures, occupancies, uses, equipment, and hazards where required by the California Building/Fire Codes or local ordinances	Sprinkler and Underground Plans (PR400-PR480) and/or alarm plans (PR500-PR530)

Click here for information on how to submit a plan.

In cases where OCFA is reviewing an architectural plan, approval of the architectural plan will be contingent upon either prior or simultaneous approval of the plans for the regulated operation, equipment, or material as the requirements for one may impact the other. In some cases where they are unlikely to significantly impact the architectural plans, review may be deferred, but these plans are usually reviewed before submittal of sprinkler or alarm plans as the equipment, operation, or material may trigger installation of these systems or drive certain design or performance criteria.

The type of information required on the plan varies depending on the type of plan being submitted and the scope of the project.
Many plan types have a standardized OCFA coversheet that includes much of the basic information needed for plan review.
Additionally, OCFA has guidelines for many types of plans that outline what information is required to demonstrate compliance with applicable codes and standards.

D-01	Fire Alarm, Water Flow Alarm & Signaling Systems
D-02	Fire Extinguishing Systems for Commercial Cooking Operations
E-01	Architectural Review – General Requirements Appendix A: Assembly Occupancies Appendix B: Business, Factory, Mercantile, Storage, and Utility Occupancies Appendix E: Educational/Daycare Occupancies Appendix H: Hazardous Occupancies Appendix I: Institutional Occupancies Appendix L: Laboratory Occupancies Appendix R: Residential Occupancies
G-01	High Piled Combustible Storage
G-02	Refrigeration Systems
G-03	Smoke Control Systems
G-04	Chemical Classification Packet
H-01	High-Rise Buildings – Plan Review
H-02	High-Rise Buildings – Construction
H-03	High-Rise Buildings – Incident Pre-Planning

For other types of plans, please refer to the applicable chapters and sections of the currently adopted California Building Code and California Fire Code and adopted standards. Plans must include enough information and detail for the OCFA plan reviewer to be able to confirm compliance with applicable regulations in order to be approved. OCFA inspectors will confirm construction or installation in accordance with the approved plans as well as compliance with operational performance and other criteria that were not or could not be verified effectively during plan review.

Plan processing questions: (714) 573-6100 or email frontcounter@ocfa.org

Code and other technical questions: (714) 573-6108