Apply for a Fire Permit

The Fire Prevention Bureau is housed in the Development Center, and ensures compliance with the fire code for the safety of occupants and protection of property. Fire Inspectors perform fire sprinkler and fire alarm plan checks, permitting and field inspections to ensure all construction complies with local and national codes. Please send all inquiries relating to fire permits to firepermits@paloalto.gov.

A Fire Permit is required for:

  • Fire alarms/sprinklers
  • Any on-site construction activity that emits or produces heat or flames 

Please follow the steps below to submit a Fire Permit application.

Submit a Fire Permit Application

Step 1.Register or Login to ACA

Register - Create an Account in our User Portal, Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Accela Citizen Access Portal

Having issues creating an account?

Follow this guide to register/create an account on the ACA Portal.

For staff assistance, make an appointment, or call (650) 329-2496 and we'll set up your appointment for you!

If you are having technical difficulties with your account, please email pdsdata@paloalto.gov. 

Step 2.Provide Project Details and Upload Documents

All required documents must be uploaded through the ACA Portal. Before a formal review, all applications are assessed for completeness and accuracy to ensure the project is ready for plan check. 

  1. Click on the Pre-Applications tab
  2. Click on the Create Pre-Application 
  3. Fill out the information on the Pre-Application prompts
  4. Submit and make note of your Pre-Application number (e.g., XXAPP-XXXXX)

Use this guide to for step-by-step instructions to upload your submittal documents: Uploading Your Submittal Documents(PDF, 722KB)

 ACA_PreApp.JPG

For additional guidance on the Online Permitting Services portal, review the ACA User Guide(PDF, 2MB). 

Step 3.Staff to Provide Next Steps

A dedicated staff will be assigned to guide your project from start to finish. The assigned staff will review your submitted documents for completion

  • Complete Applications: Staff will convert your submittal into an official Fire Permit application and contact you to pay the permit fees. Upon receipt of payment, your application will begin plan check. Note: Your official Fire Permit record ID will be in this format XXFDP-XXXXX
  • Incomplete Applications: Staff will provide you a list of outstanding required items before the submittal is ready to be converted into an official Fire Permit application.

You should receive your first response within 2 to 3 business days. Communication regarding next steps will be through e-mail. 

Please note that all payments shall be made through the ACA Portal. The City does not accept payments through 3rd party applications.

For questions and status updates(PDF, 993KB) related to your permit application, please contact our Fire Prevention staff.

Other Resources

About the Fire Prevention Bureau

The mission of the Palo Alto Fire Prevention Bureau, within the city's Development Center, is to provide quality and timely development services. Our fire prevention staff performs fire plan checks, reviews, permitting, and field inspections. Our goal is to accommodate all requests for service in a time frame that meets our customer's needs.

Information for Contractors

PAFD ERRCS Standards(PDF, 298KB)
Guidance for the design and field acceptance testing to ensure radio coverage is adequate for first responders emergency operations. Also referred to as ERRS, DAS, and BDA.

Fire Engine and Ladder Truck Checklist and Specifications
This checklist includes but is not limited to information the Palo Alto Fire Department may require for new commercial structures or residential developments with 3 or more units when submitting for plan review.

PAFD Sign Standard
Specifications for signs used for PAFD operations like FACP, Emergency Power Off, and Fire Riser Room.

Alternative Energy Notification Plaque(PDF, 174KB)
Use this plaque on residences to show locations of PV, energy storage systems, Utility power and their shutoffs. This plaque is for use by first responders and shall be reflective, all weather, and UV resistant. 

Contractor Inspection Checklists:

 

Additional Resources:

Permit Applications

Fire Department Permit Application (Fillable Application)(PDF, 205KB)

Hazardous Materials Permit Application (Fillable Application)(PDF, 218KB)

Hot Works Permit Application (Fillable Application)(PDF, 903KB)

Closure Application for Aboveground HazMat Storage Facilities (Fillable Application)(PDF, 1MB)

Pay Permit Fees Online

Navigate to our online permitting services portal (OPS) to pay permit fees online. Enter the permit number in the box titled "Record Number" (leaving the remainder of the fields blank). Click on "Search" at the bottom of the page. Click on "Payment". Click on "Pay Fees". Click on "Continue Application". Complete required Credit Card information.

To view the City's Municipal Fee Schedule, visit the City Budget page. 

Request a Fire Inspection

Requesting inspections with Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or the PA Inspection Request Mobile App (PA iRequest) Now Available!

Request an inspection with the PA iRequest App
Scheduling inspections with the City’s Palo Alto Inspection Request app is available. The Palo Alto Inspection Request app for iOS (Apple) or Android can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play store to your mobile device (search for Palo Alto iRequest).

Request an inspection through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) web portal
Logging on or registering for an account not required to request an inspection via ACA

Hazardous Materials

HazMat Closure Plan Requirements(PDF, 152KB)
Any facility with hazardous materials that is closing must submit a HazMat closure plan. See requirements to know what to submit with your closure plan, who to submit to, closure procedures, scheduling inspections, and how to get approval.

Electronic Submission Guide of Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)(PDF, 285KB)
Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) and Registration ('Short') Forms must be submitted electronically via the CERS website (cers.calepa.ca.gov). HMBP are required for any business with on-site hazardous materials. Use this step by step guide to navigate the CERS website and requirements.

Hazardous Materials Compliance Guide(PDF, 137KB)
HazMat Compliance Guide for LPG tanks or containers.

Additional Resources:

Special Events

Contact Us

Fire Marshal
Tami Jasso
Phone: (650) 329-2184
Email: fire@paloalto.gov

 

HazMat Contact
Phone: (650) 617-3167

Email: HazMat@paloalto.gov

 

Fire Plan Check Desk

Phone: (650) 329-2194
Email: firepermits@paloalto.gov

 

Development Center
Phone: (650) 329-2496

Already Familiar with our Permitting Process?

Click here for direct access to our online permitting portal: 

ACA Portal

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