Fire Prevention Bureau

Due to the Shelter in Place Order, walk-in services are not available.

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.

Schedule an Inspection

Scheduling inspections with Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or the PA Inspection Request Mobile App (PA iRequest) is now Available!

In accordance with the City of Palo Alto’s protocols to ensure compliance with Santa Clara County’s Public Health Order, applicants who wish to schedule inspections online with Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or the Palo Alto Inspection App (PA iRequest) must complete the “Inspection Screening Form” and email the completed form to inspectionscreeningform@cityofpaloalto.org.

City staff will review the form and reply back with further instructions on utilizing ACA or the PA iRequest App for scheduling of inspections. Only one completed screening form is required for each permit and is valid for all inspections required for the scope of the permit.

VIEW: Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

Online Permit Pre-Applications

Pre-applications for fire permits can be filed online through Palo Alto's Accela Citizen Access portal. The online pre-application process allows prospective fire permit applicants to submit their pre-applications and upload digital building plans and documents. Staff then review the application materials to ensure all necessary documents have been provided. The applicant will be notified once the online submittal package is considered complete and ready for the fire permit application intake phase.

To begin a pre-application and learn more head to our Online Permit Services page.

Information for Contractors

A Notice Regarding the Fire Protection System Reporting Requirements
Owners or operators of facilities with fire protection systems are required under the California Fire Code to record all required inspections. Here you find information and requirements.

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.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
The following diagram explains the general requirements of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and shows where they should be located within residences.

Additional Resources:

General Forms

Fire Department Permit Application
Please fill out prior to submitting plans for a Fire Department Permit. Forms are available here to download or upon request at the Development Center.

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.

Schedule an Inspection
Follow the link to access the citizen's accela portal. Have your permit number and a few potential dates/times ready. Inspections are scheduled on a first come first serve basis. Or use iRequest Mobile App – Download this app from your Google Play store or iTunes account to quickly view all Building or Fire permits, request single or multiple inspections, cancel or reschedule inspections and view inspection history all within a few clicks.

Request For Information Form
Fill out and submit this form to request information from the Fire Prevention Bureau.

Hazardous Materials

Electronic Submission Guide of Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)
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
HazMat Compliance Guide for LPG tanks or containers.

Additional Resources:

Special Events

PAFD ERRCS Standards

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.

Contact Us

Fire Marshall
James Henrikson
Phone: (650) 329-2184
Email: Fire@cityofpaloalto.org

Development Center
Phone: (650) 329-2496

Project Coordinator
Phone: (650) 617-3117 (Press 1 then 3)
Email: buildingpermits@cityofpaloalto.org

General Planning
Phone: (650) 329-2496 (Press 2)

Palo Alto, CA

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Fire Prevention Bureau

Schedule an Inspection

Online Permit Pre-Applications

PAFD ERRCS Standards

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