FIRE CODE ENFORCEMENT

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for enforcement of all local, state, and national safety codes that pertain to life safety. All commercial, industrial, and public buildings are subject to a fire inspection as is multi-family occupancies such as hotels, motels, apartments, and care facilities. There are several different types of inspection programs that are over seen by the Prevention Bureau.

Company Inspections 

These types of inspections are conducted by the on duty fire companies of the Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department. The occupancy classifications usually consist of commercial, industrial, and public buildings. Each occupancy that falls under this program is inspected once every other year. This accomplishes several things; the fire crews become familiar with the occupancies layout and the business owner(s), and reduce the loss of life and property by identifying fire and life safety violations.

This is a new program that will begin in fiscal year 2007/2008. Inspection fees will be attached to these inspections.

Self-Inspections

The Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department will provide as a Public Service Announcement, a Self-Inspection guide to assist the property owners and operators an additional tool in fire prevention-risk assessment. These types of inspections are for "Business" type occupancies only. A form can be sent out to the business owner to complete when requested. The business owner is provided a check list of common violations that are found in this type of occupancy. The business owner will retain the form and present the form during the next fire department inspection.

Automatic Fire Suppression System Self-Inspections

These types of inspections are monitored by the Fire Prevention Bureau staff and the Fire Company Inspection program. Every occupancy that has an Automatic Fire Suppression System is required to have their fire suppression system inspected as per California Code of Regulation Title 19, and they must fill out a self-inspection every four months. If the system is due for it five (5) year test, a licensed contractor is required to complete the test as per state law.

New Construction Inspections and Fire Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau is responsible for conducting all of the Fire Code plan review for compliance of all state and local fire codes for new construction and renovations. The inspections on all new businesses and construction projects are done in conjunction with the City Building Departments as to create a "one-stop-shop" for the customer.  Once this is accomplished it is then assigned an inspector and inspected on an annual basis.