Fire Prevention

Plans are to be submitted to the City of San Marcos Fire Prevention Division located at 1 Civic Center Drive. The fire department currently checks plans and issues permits for the following:

Fire sprinkler systems

• New systems – NFPA 13D, 13R and 13       
• Tenant improvements (TI) affecting seven or more sprinklers

* Note: For TI's affecting 6 or fewer sprinklers - submit an as built drawing for documentation and permit issuance. Visual inspection required - $50.00 permit/inspection fee.

Fire alarm systems

• New systems 
• Fire sprinkler monitoring systems 
• Tenant improvements – including panel upgrades and wireless upgrades

Underground fire line services

• On-site private fire hydrants 
• Building fire service (fire sprinkler riser(s), post indicator valves, fire department connections)

Alternative fire extinguishing systems

• Kitchen hood suppression systems                           
• FM 200 / CO2 extinguishing systems

*NOTE:  Plans are reviewed by a third party plan review consultant – Parsley Consulting

* PARSLEY CONSULTING IS CONDUCTING ELECTRONIC PLAN REVIEWS ONLY

*FOR SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS – CONTACT PARSLEY CONSULTING DIRECTLY:

760-745-6181 or visit the website

Once approved by Parsley Consulting, three sets of e-stamped plans plus comments and hydraulic calculations (if any), and manufacturer cut sheets for all components must be printed and submitted to San Marcos Fire Prevention Division for wet-stamps and permit issuance.

*San Marcos Fire Prevention Division is located at City of San Marcos City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive, San Marcos, 92069
*Fire Permit/Inspection Fees will be due to San Marcos Fire Dept. when plans are picked up.
*Permit/Inspection Fee Schedule (page 18-19)(PDF, 2MB)

Other permits

Tents & canopies: Submit application through Building Department, include structural / hold-down information.

Burn permits: Submit and receive through San Marcos Fire Prevention Division located at City Hall. Burn permits may be restricted during wildfire risk conditions.

Fire prevention standards

Access roads(PDF, 2MB)
Fire lanes(PDF, 1MB)
Knox box and gate switches(PDF, 3MB)
Directories and monuments(PDF, 2MB)
Private underground main(PDF, 845KB)
Signage specifications(PDF, 3MB)
Protection Guidelines for Lithium-Ion BESS Facilities(PDF, 4MB)

Our services 

The business inspection program is an ongoing annual business and apartment inspection program. The business inspection program focuses on maintaining a safe working environment.

San Marcos Fire Department personnel conduct all inspections and will always provide appropriate identification, arrive in an official uniform, and drive a marked city vehicle.

Apartment Inspection Fee Schedule (Fee Schedule(PDF, 1MB) pages 24-25)

To schedule a business inspection call (760) 744-1050, ext 2409

Phony inspectors

There have been several recent reports of people posing as fire inspectors and claiming they need to do a safety inspection at local businesses. Sometimes they even say a business needs new equipment installed or repaired. After their visit, they bill the business for hundreds of dollars.

This is a fraudulent practice and you do not need to comply with these phony inspectors. The San Marcos Fire Department conducts fire inspections once a year at all businesses; however, our inspections are FREE OF CHARGE and are NEVER conducted by a private party or company.  

Fire & life-safety inspection checklist for businesses 

All businesses and apartment complexes are inspected on an annual basis to ensure compliance with the California Fire Code and local ordinances. For a list of general code requirements, see the checklist below.

Permits 

• Businesses require a Business License. For License application or renewal call: 760-744-1050, Ext. 3101 

Access 

• 'Knox Box’ contains Master Keys for access to ALL building areas. 
• Address for commercial buildings are 12” in height, contrasting, and visible from the streets. 
• Suite numbers are 4” in height and properly displayed on front and rear doors. 
• Fire Lanes shall be clearly marked, identifiable, maintained, and unobstructed. 
• Labels are posted for utility rooms such as Fire Alarm, Sprinkler Risers, and Electrical rooms. 

Exits 

• Exit doors, aisles, and stairways shall ALWAYS remain unobstructed. 
• Exit doors must be single action lever, openable from inside without key or special knowledge. 
• Exit doors are equipped with panic hardware when occupant load exceeds 50 or more persons. 
• Exit doors shall open in the direction of egress when occupant load exceeds 50 or more persons. 
• Exit signs are properly illuminated when two or more exits are required. 
• Emergency lighting and back up batteries are operational where installed. 
• Fire rated doors are maintained, self closing, and undamaged. 

Fire protection systems 

• Fire Alarm Systems shall be annually inspected per NFPA 72. 
• Fire Sprinkler Systems shall have their 5 year certification by a C16 Fire Protection Contractor. 
• All control valves for the Fire Sprinkler System shall be labeled and locked in the open position. 
• Fire protection equipment such as fire hydrants, risers, control valves shall have a 3’ clearance. 
• Kitchen hood suppression systems shall have proper coverage and serviced every 6 months. 
• Alternative fire extinguishing systems (Spray Booths, FM200) shall be serviced every 6 months. 

Fire extinguishers 

• Fire extinguishers shall be serviced annually, on discharge, or when tampered. 
• A minimum 2A:10BC rated fire extinguishers shall be mounted 3-5’ above the floor. 
• Location of fire extinguishers shall not exceed 75’ travel distance. 
• Class K extinguisher is provided within 30’ of commercial cooking equipment. 

Electrical 

• Extension cords and multi-plug adapters are not used as permanent wiring. 
• Cords are not damaged, spliced, or extending through walls, ceilings, floors, & under doors. 
• Circuit breakers have a clearance of 30”, proper labels, & cover panels for blank/missing breakers. 
• Cover plates are present on all electrical outlets and junction boxes. 

General fire safety 

• Combustible storage below ceiling is maintained at least 24” below ceiling (18” Sprinklered). 
• Combustible storage is not located in utility service rooms. 
• Housekeeping is maintained and storage is neat and orderly. 
• Dumpster clearance is a minimum of 5’ from combustibles and lids are in a closed position. 
• Exhaust hood filters/ducts above cooking appliances are maintained to prevent grease accumulation. 
• Fire rated doors, ceilings, walls, and floors, are free of penetrations or damage. 
• Fire rated doors are self-closing, latching, and undamaged. 
• Ceiling tiles are in place and not missing or damaged. 

Flammable liquids and hazardous materials 

• Flammable liquids are labeled and stored in original containers or approved safety cans. 
• Flammable liquids exceeding 10 gallons are stored in an approved cabinet. 
• Secondary containment is provided for all hazardous liquids exceeding 55 gallons. 
• Grounding & bonding is provided for flammable liquids dispensed from one container to another. 
• Class I & II liquids are not stored in A, E, I, R occupancies. (Except for maintenance purposes, 5 gallons or less in approved containers. 
• Self closing metal or listed containers is used for the storage of oily rags or similar materials. 
• Compressed gas cylinders are properly labeled and secured with a chain or rack. 
• Signage according to NFPA 704 standards identify hazards on sites. 
• Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS, is readily available on the premises.