Plans for many new development projects must be approved by the Fire Marshal during the review process.  The processes in each jurisdiction are different and determining the right person to talk to about a project and finding the right place to submit plans can be confusing.  This document is intended to assist applicants in finding the right fire official to talk to about their project and submitting plans at the correct location.

A network of city fire departments and fire protection districts provides fire protection in Stanislaus County.   The Fire Chief of each city and fire district is the final authority or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) on all fire code issues within their jurisdiction. The cities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Oakdale and Patterson each operate their own fire department and should be contacted directly for assistance with all fire code questions.  The Stanislaus Consolidated Fire District should be contacted for assistance with all fire code questions within the City of Riverbank.  Fire code questions for all unincorporated areas and the cities of Hughson, Waterford, and Newman should be referred to Office of the Stanislaus County Fire Marshal at 552-3700.

The following information applies only to the unincorporated areas of Stanislaus County and other areas served by the Stanislaus County Fire Marshal.

What kinds of plans does the Fire Marshal review?

Fire departments review most projects during the Building Permit review process.  Separate plan submittals directly to the Fire Marshals Office are required for private water lines, on site water supplies, automatic fire sprinklers, special fire suppression systems, or fire alarms.

When does the Fire Marshal review my plans?

Projects will be reviewed when the plans and application for a building permit are submitted.  Plans for private water lines, automatic fire sprinklers, special fire suppression systems, and fire alarms require separate plan submittals directly to the Fire Marshals Office.
  
Who actually reviews the plans?

Development projects are reviewed by the Fire Marshal or a Fire Prevention Specialist who are full time fire prevention professionals that work for Stanislaus County.  Registered Fire Protection Engineers, under contract with the Fire Marshals Office, review plans for water lines, automatic fire sprinklers, special fire suppression systems, and fire alarms.

Who should I contact if I have questions about fire code requirements?

Contact the Office of the County Fire Marshal at 552-3700 for projects in the unincorporated areas or cities of Hughson, Waterford, and Newman.  Contact your local Fire Marshal if your project is in another city.     .
 
Who is the final authority on fire code issues?

The Fire Chief of each city or fire district is the final authority for all fire code issues within their jurisdiction.

Where do I submit plans?

Applications and plans submitted for building permits in the unincorporated areas of the County are submitted to Stanislaus County Development Services located on the 3rd Floor at 1010 10th Street in Modesto.  Plans for private water lines, automatic fire sprinkler systems, special fire suppression systems, and fire alarms must be submitted to the Office of the Fire Marshal at 3705 Oakdale Road in Modesto.

Are fees charged for plan reviews and inspections?

Yes, there are two types of Fire fees that may apply to new development projects.  The first is the Fire Protection Facility Fee.  This fee is collected by many fire districts to finance fire protection facilities and equipment and to assure that new development pays its fair share of capital costs. Fees are determined by each fire district and are based on the size and use of the building being constructed.  These fees are paid at the time the building permit is issued.  Contact the applicable fire district for more information about Fire Protection Facility Fees.

The second fee is for Fire Marshal services.  Fees are charged for all plan reviews and inspections of new buildings and projects.  Fees for general plan reviews and inspections are paid at the time that the building permit is issued.  Separate plan submittals are required for private water mains, water tanks, automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and other special suppression systems.  A $110.00 deposit is required at the time plans are submitted and the balance must be paid when approved plans are picked up. 

When do I need a fire inspection?