Inspections

The Inspection Section of the Bureau of Fire Prevention inspects the life safety components of new building construction, building remodels, and fire sprinkler & fire alarm systems to ensure compliance with the San Francisco Fire Code.  The City is geographically divided into 17 Fire Inspection districts (see Fire Inspection District Map).  A Fire Inspector is assigned to each of these Fire Inspection Districts and responsible for conducting inspections within his/her area. Click here to search San Francisco property inspection records, violation & permit history. We encourage you to explore this page to access various form, guides and check lists required in the inspection process.

Referral and Request Forms

High-Rise Inspections:

The Fire Inspectors assigned to the High Rise Section perform annual fire safety inspections for 630 high rise buildings in the City.  The authority to conduct these High Rise inspections is made pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, Section 13217.  This Code provides that the local fire departments may annually inspect all high-rise structures for compliance with building standards and other regulations.  The SFFD provides a list of frequently used forms below. Forms can also be accessed from the Office of the State Fire Marshall.
 

State Fire Marshal Documentation Forms: 

Sprinkler Systems - Inspection and Testing (AES 2) 

Standpipe and Hose Systems - Inspection and Testing (AES 3)

Fire Pumps - Inspection and Testing (AES 5) 

Pre-Enginereed Fire Extinguishing Systems (AES Forms)

SFFD Forms:

SFFD Binder:
The San Francisco Fire Department requires testing of all emergency equipment.  Records of all tests and inspections shall be maintained in a binder marked “SFFD” and stored on the premises for the fire department’s review.  Depending on your buildings features, some, or all of the items listed below require your attention:

  • Facility Emergency Plan (Update plan as needed)
  • Fire Safety Director Certificate (Valid for 5 years)
  • Fire Alarm UL Certificate (Expiration date on certificate)
  • Annual High-Rise Life Safety Training log
  • Annual Fire Drill log
  • Annual Fire Alarm Test Certificate, includes the testing of (but not limited to): Pull Stations, Visual Warning Devices, Audibility of Fire Alarm System, Waterflow and Tamper Devices, Smoke Detectors, Firefighters’ Phone System, Stairwell Emergency Phones, and Heat Sensors.
  • Sprinkler/Standpipe (5-yr Certification and Annual inspection)
  • Fire Pump Test (Diesel and Electric pumps)- (Annual and Weekly)
  • Emergency Generator- (Weekly and Monthly)
  • Elevator Emergency Equipment and Key Operation (Quarterly)
  • Exit and Emergency Lighting (Quarterly)
  • Emergency Exit and Release Devices (Annually)
  • Smoke Control Systems and Fire/Smoke Dampers (Quarterly)
  • Roll-up type fire doors (Annual)
  • Firefighter Air Replenishment System (Semi-Annual)
  • Special Extinguishing Systems – including, but not limited UL300 or Halon systems (Semi-Annual)

 
The Fire Command Center (FCC) Shall Contain the Following Additional Features (Ref: 2010 SFFC, Section 508.1.5.1)

  1. Stock spare of sprinklers required by NFPA #13.
  2. Permanent signage with the name and telephone number of the applicable elevator service company.
  3. Building contact phone numbers.
  4. Utility shut-off location map.
  5. Public address system instructions.
  6. Smoke control system procedures.
  7. Sprinkler shut-off valve and standpipe isolation valve locations.
  8. Emergency evacuation/relocation procedures, location of tenant areas of refuge, and location of any tenants requiring evacuation assistance.
  9. Hazardous materials inventory statement and management plan, when required by the fire code official.  

 
Additional Inspection Responsibilities Include:

  • Fire Inspectors investigate fire and life safety complaints within their respective districts and determine if further action is required.  Complaints related to fire and life safety can be reported to the Bureau of Fire Prevention from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday.
  • The Fire Inspectors assigned to the High Rise Section perform annual fire safety inspections for over 550 high rise buildings in the City.  The authority to conduct these High Rise inspections is made pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, Section 13217.  This Code provides that the local fire departments may annually inspect all high-rise structures for compliance with building standards and other regulations.
  • Various City agencies and departments will refer requests for inspections of food establishments, nightclubs, street fairs, and other activities or events to ensure compliance with applicable codes, and to certify that reasonable fire and life safety precautions are in place.