Your building permit application may be reviewed by your local fire agency to
be sure that it meets the Uniform Fire Code and Uniform Building Code
requirements as adopted by that agency. Listed below are some of the major
Uniform Fire Code requirements which may affect your project. It is highly
recommended that you contact your local fire agency and ask them to preview your
plans prior to submittal to the Planning Department.
YOUR LOCAL FIRE AGENCY URGES YOU TO CONTACT THEM ABOUT THESE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE APPLYING FOR A BUILDING PERMIT
| (831) 685-6690 |
Aptos/LaSelva Beach Fire Protection District |
| (831) 726-3130 |
Aromas Tri-County Fire Protection District |
| (831) 338-7222 |
Boulder Creek Fire Protection District |
| (831) 336-5495 |
Ben Lomond Fire Protection District |
| (831) 423-8856 |
Branciforte Fire Protection District |
| (831) 479-6842 |
Central Fire Protection District |
| (831) 335-4422 |
Felton Fire Protection District |
| (831) 722 0125 |
Pajaro Valley Fire Protection District |
| (831) 438-0211 |
Scotts Valley Fire Protection District |
| (831) 335-5100 |
Zayante Fire Protection District |
| (831) 335-6748 |
County Fire |
NEW OR REPLACEMENT SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS
- FIRE SPRINKLERS- An automatic sprinkler system approved by your local fire
agency must be installed in all new and replacement single family dwellings.
- REQUIRED ACCESS- A fire access road is required when any portion of the
building is more than 150 feet from the public road, as measured along an
approved access route from the public road to the building.
- WATER STORAGE- An approved water supply capable of supplying the required
water flow for fire protection must be provided. This may be accomplished by
various means such as water tanks, reservoirs, or hydrants, but must be
approved by the Fire Agency in any case. Contact your local Fire Agency for
details. When a portion of the building is more than 150 feet from a water
supply on a public street, an approved hydrant is required on the site.
The following Uniform Building Code requirements apply to all new or
replacement single family dwellings, and are verified by the building
Inspector.
- SMOKE DETECTORS- Smoke detectors are required in each sleeping room and in
hallways. A smoke detector is required at each story, including basements, and
may be required at certain other locations as specified in the Building Code.
Smoke detectors are required to be supplied with power by the permanent wiring
and to have a battery backup. Smoke detectors must be interconnected unless
tests demonstrate that the alarm from any detector is audible in all sleeping
areas.
- HOUSE NUMBERS- House numbers a minimum of 4 inches in height with a
contrasting background showing the address must be placed in such a position
as to be plainly visible from the street adjoining the property.
- SPARK ARRESTORS- Spark arrestors are required on all chimneys. Spark
arrestors must have openings 1/2 inch in diameter.
- ROOFS- Roofs must have a minimum Class B Fire Resistive rating, and Class
B is required in some areas of the County.
ROOM ADDITIONS AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
The fire agency will review your application for projects greater than 500
square feet. Other projects will be reviewed by the Building section of the
Planning Department. As a general rule, the requirements are the same for these
projects as for new buildings. A sprinkler system is not required in room
additions unless the existing building is equipped with a sprinkler
system. However, the requirements are site specific and subject to
modification by the fire agency. For this reason it is extremely important that
you contact your local fire agency about these requirements BEFORE you
apply for a building permit.
- Smoke detectors are required in the new construction as outlined above. In
addition, smoke detectors must be installed in the existing portion of the
building in the locations specified above, EXCEPT that they may be
battery operated and need not be interconnected.
- House numbers showing the address must be placed in such a position as to
be plainly visible from the street adjoining the property.
- Spark arresters are required on all new chimneys. Spark arresters must
have openings one half inch in diameter.
REMODELS WITH NO INCREASE IN SQUARE FOOTAGE
There are no fire agency requirements for remodels with no increase in square
footage, and your plans will not be sent to the local fire agency for
review.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be required in existing structures when any of the following apply:
-
When residential garages (Group U occupancies) are added on to and result in 1001 square feet or more
-
When residential room additions increase the total square footage by more than 50%. Additions 500 square feet and less are exempt from fire sprinkler requirements.
If the project is a remodel, your
plans will not be reviewed by the local fire agency.
However, the following building code requirements apply to all remodels:
- Smoke detectors are required in the remodeled portion as outlined above.
In addition, smoke detectors must be installed in the existing portion of the
building in the locations specified above, EXCEPT that they may be
battery operated and need not be interconnected.
- House numbers showing the address a minimum of 4 inches in height with a
contrasting background shall be provided in such a position as to be plainly
visible from the street adjoining the property.
- Spark arresters are required on all new chimneys. Spark arresters must
have openings 1/2 inch in diameter.
brochure updated 4/9/08 |
