4.09 Removal of Class II Standpipe Hose Cabinets in Sprinkler Retrofitted Buildings

Reference: 2022 CFC Section 901.8 ; 2022 SFFD Administrative Bulletin 2.08.

I. 2022 CFC Section 901.8 requires written approval from the fire code official in order to remove any existing fire appliances or equipment. In order to speed the permit process, buildings subject to the San Francisco High-rise Sprinkler Ordinance will be permitted to remove Class II Standpipe hose cabinets on individual floors after they have been fully sprinklered. The applicant shall state his or her intention to remove the hose cabinets on the approved sprinkler plans.

II. Buildings not subject to the ordinance will continue to require written approval from the fire code official in order to remove any fire appliance. These written requests will be considered on a caseby-case basis.

III. Removal of Class II standpipes requires an approved building permit.

To request removal of hose cabinets a letter on business letterhead shall be written to the SFFD Fire Marshal requesting removal of hose cabinets. The letter shall list all permit number(s) under which the sprinkler system was installed under. The letter shall be delivered or mailed to:

San Francisco Fire Department
Attn: Fire Marshal
698 2nd Street - Room 109
San Francisco, CA 94107

The Fire Department will verify the sprinkler permit(s) has been completed and a fire inspector will do an onsite inspection. If it is determined that the building is fully sprinklered a letter from the Fire Marshal approving the removal of the hose cabinets will be issued.

The approval letter must be submitted as part of the construction plans to remove the hose cabinets. At minimum, the plans must show the locations of the standpipe outlets and by what means they are being removed.