Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement
Program Objective
The program objective of the Fire Prevention and Code Enforcement Division is to reduce the threat of life and property loss to a level equal to or less than the ten year average by actively enforcing Federal, State and Local codes to eliminate hazards. This is accomplished by conducting inspections of buildings and facilities within the community, providing public education programs, examining development site plans, and throughly investigating all suspicious/accidental fires and any unauthorized release of hazardous material products.
Program Personnel
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Program Overview
The Huntington Beach Fire Department performs annual fire inspections on all businesses and multi-family dwellings in the city. These inspections follow the California Fire Code which has been adopted by the City. It includes state regulations for fire protection and public safety.
On an annual basis each City business is inspected to ensure that these codes and regulations are followed. Performing such inspections minimizes the chances of fire and property damage, while increasing public safety. In this capacity the fire department serves business owners as a valuable resource to safeguard their property investments.
The most common codes or violations that are evaluated when conducting inspections are those that can be easily addressed by property owners so the tragedy of fire can be avoided. Some of these include: having fire extinguishers and making sure they are serviced once a year, using proper electrical wiring and components, having proper exits and keeping them clear, and properly storing flammable liquids.
Please click here to view a letter from the Fire Marshal that includes a listing of local and state fire code requirements. It shows the most common fire code violations and can be used by property owners as a checklist to ensure the safety of their businesses.
Development Section
Developments, such as housing tracts and shopping centers, are processed through the Planning Department and usually generate a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is then reviewed by all departments involved. Each department puts in its specific requirements which creates a procedural roadmap for the development.
Fire Department requirements relate to emergency vehicle access, fire suppression and notification systems, soil remediation with structural protection, and may include special systems such as a liquid hydrogen facility or power plant modifications.
After the City Council approves the CUP, drafted preliminary plans are finalized and presented to each department for final review. All requirements must be reflected on the preliminary plans, corrected, approved and returned to create a master document for distribution to concerned departments and contractors.
The responsibilities of the Development Section include the following:
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Provide preliminary project reviews
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Perform plan checks
- Perform inspections of fire suppression systems and soil remediation projects
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Approve project addressing for emergency response dispatch
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Administer the City’s used oil grant
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Maintain a data bank on soil remediation and methane mitigation
Related Fire Department links include:
- Fire Department City Specifications
- Fees and Charges
- Hazardous Materials Disposal
- Hazardous Materials Disclosure Program
- Petro Chemical Program
- Used Oil Recycling