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Fire Codes & Regulations
Upon issuance of a new Business Certificate, the Poway Fire Department will perform an initial inspection of your business and premises to verify compliance with the California Fire Code. Use the Business Certificate Applicants Information Sheet (PDF) to prepare for your inspection.
California Civil Code 1102.19(a) established that, as of July 1, 2021, when you sell property that is located in a high or very high fire hazard severity zone, you'll need documentation of a Defensible Space Inspection. Only the properties in the very high fire hazard severity zone will need to comply with Section 51182 of the CA Government Code.
Check if you are in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Use the City of Poway Online Services Portal to apply for a real estate defensible space inspection. If this is your first time using the portal, you will need to register for an account. Once registered, click apply and enter defensible space in the search bar to start the request process. After completing the application, call (858) 668-4470, option 1 to schedule an inspection. For additional assistance contact us at (858) 668-4470.
Prepare For Your Inspection
Purpose
This service allows city staff to work hand-in-hand with property owners to develop a specific plan to lessen the risk of wildfire and comply with environmental guidelines.
The program's purpose is to save homes during wildfires by reducing flammable vegetation around structures by creating what is often referred to as "defensible space." The creation of defensible space is an important part of the city's comprehensive strategy to lessen the devastating impacts of wildfire. Reducing highly flammable vegetation will shorten the flame length and reduce the speed and intensity of a wildfire. It will also enhance firefighter safety and reduce the risk of burning embers penetrating structures.
Scope
The program is conducted citywide, and includes city, state, special district, utility, and privately-owned land where structures are within 100 feet of highly flammable chaparral.
Therefore, the focus is on areas where chaparral is found near structures and would typically include the very high fire hazard areas (map), and exclude the center portion of the city or more developed areas of the city. Streambeds, banks, and vernal pools are areas excluded from this program.
The program only targets the reduction of highly flammable chaparral species and annual weeds. It does not include ornamental landscaping, nor does it include common species such as palm or eucalyptus trees. Trees that are dead or dying may be required to be removed if they are determined to create a fire hazard.
The City of Poway Fire Department requires a fire watch (PDF) when a fire sprinkler system, fire alarm system, fire monitoring system, or required fire protection system is nonoperational. A capable person shall serve as the on-site fire watch. Fire watch personnel shall remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are occupied, or when an activity requiring a fire watch is being conducted. The sole purpose of the fire watch person is to perform hourly patrols inside and outside the building, watch for the occurrence of fire, and activate the 911 system as needed.
It is the policy of the City of Poway Fire Department, where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved. (CFC 403.11.1)
Fire Watch Process
1. The City of Poway Fire Department shall be notified when a system is nonoperational. Reporting parties may email the Fire Prevention Division.
2. A Fire Watch Log (PDF) shall be completed and available to fire department officials upon request.
3. The City of Poway Fire Department shall be notified when the system is restored. Reporting parties may email the Fire Prevention Division.
The California Fire Code regulates the handling, use and storage of flammable and combustible liquids (PDF) inside of buildings.
All open burning, portable outdoor fireplaces and recreational fires are regulated by the City of Poway Fire Department through the Poway Municipal Code and its adoption of the California Fire Code. Reference the Open Burning, Bonfires, and Recreation Fires (PDF) policies and procedures sheet for more information.
All rack storage greater than eight feet requires a permit through the City of Poway Building Department prior to installation. This will insure proper design methods required for the minimum compliance of seismic anchoring, structural design, and load bearing capabilities, as well as proper aisle spacing and related exiting requirements.
Once rack storage reaches 12 feet in height, an annual permit from the Fire Department is required to maintain high-piled combustible storage. Special attention is given to the commodity (what is being stored), the density of the fire sprinkler system, shelving, aisles, and longitudinal and transverse flue spaces.
Reference the Fire Prevention Division Policies and Procedures for Rack Storage (PDF) for more information.
Definitions
- Aisle: The designated floor space separating rows of rack storage as well as the end cap of a row of rack storage.
- Commodity: A combination of products, packing materials, and containers to be stored on racks.
- High-piled Combustible Storage: Storage of combustible materials on pallets, on racks or on shelf's where the top of storage is greater than 12-feet.
- Longitudinal Flue Space: The space between back-to-back rows of rack storage or between the rack and wall perpendicular to the direction of loading.
- Solid Shelving: Shelving located within racks that obstruct fire sprinkler water penetration through the racks.
- Transverse Flue Space: The space between rows of storage parallel to the direction of loading.
Permitting Process
Begin the permit process at the counter of Development Services. Obtain a permit application with the Building Division. Planning Department approval is required for zoning purposes. Building Division plan submittals are now submitted online.
RCFEs provide care, supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming. They may also provide incidental medical services under special care plans. The facilities provide services to persons 60 years of age and over and persons under 60 with compatible needs. RCFEs may also be known as assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and board and care homes. The facilities can range in size from 6 beds or less to over 100 beds. The residents in these facilities require varying levels of personal care and protective supervision. Because of the wide range of services offered by RCFEs, consumers should look closely at the programs of each facility to see if the services will meet their needs.
Policies & Procedures
View the City of Poway Fire Department Policies and Procedures for Residential Care Facilities 2010 (CBC / CFC) (PDF).
RCFE Pre-Inspection
To obtain a RCFE pre-inspection, complete the Residential Care Facility Pre-Inspection Form (PDF) and return it with a check in the amount of $133 payable to the City of Poway.
>The City of Poway requires a fire department operational permit to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet. To obtain a Tent / Special Event Structure Permit and inspection, review the Tents & Temporary Special Event Structure Guidelines (PDF), then submit an online request.