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Types Of Inspections
Who Needs An Inspection?
What Gets Inspected?
When Do I Get Inspected?
Where Will The Inspection Take Place?
Why Do I Have To Have An Inspection?
How Do I Schedule An Inspection?
Who Will Conduct My Inspection?
Zoning Use Certificate (ZUC) Compliance Checklist
 Types of Inspections
There are two very broad categories of inspections conducted by the Fire Department:
- Inspections of existing occupancies, and
- Inspections of new construction
Inspections of existing occupancies Fire Prevention personnel conduct inspections of existing occupancies according to the type of occupancy, and fire companies conduct inspections through the Company Inspection Program (CIP) according to geographic location. In addition to the physical inspection by fire personnel, a Fire Protection Certification permit will be sent each year by mail to remind owners of the required annual testing and certification of all fire protection systems. If your building is equipped with any fire protection systems, you must have each one
tested and certified annually. Examples of systems that you may have include:
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Fire doors
- Smoke detectors
- Standpipes of any type
- Fire escapes
- Hood systems
Properties that consistently demonstrate excellent fire and life-safety compliance will be designated for inspection on a biennial basis. Through this program, annual test and certification of all fire protection systems is still required, but the physical occupancy inspection will be conducted every two years. Please note that some occupancy classifications are not eligible for the biennial inspection program. These occupancies will continue to be inspected on an annual basis.
You do not need to schedule these ongoing inspections for existing occupancies; fire department personnel will conduct the inspection at the appropriate interval.
Inspections of new construction
There are three general types of new construction inspections commonly conducted by Fire Prevention Bureau personnel:
- Fire sprinkler inspections
- Fire alarm inspections
- The final "FPB" inspection
Typically, separate "rough" and "final" inspections are required for any sprinkler and/or alarm work in new installations. Sprinkler and alarm inspections should be requested and scheduled by the contractor performing the work. There is no charge for the required inspections; the cost is covered by the permit fee(s). Reinspection fees may be assessed, however, under certain circumstances, most often due to the contractor failing to make required corrections or to meet specified deadlines, necessitating additional trips by the inspector(s).
The FPB inspection should be requested at the end of your project, when everything required by the Fire Department has been completed. If your plans have a stamp by the Glendale Fire Prevention Section, you will need an FPB inspection, even if you have not done any sprinkler or alarm work. The building inspector will not sign off on your project until the FPB inspection is completed.
Who Needs An Inspection?
The easy way to determine whether you will need any inspections by the fire department is to examine your plans for the project. If your plans have a stamp by the Glendale Fire Prevention Section, normally in the lower right corner, then you will need what is known as the "FPB" inspection by the Fire Department, even if you have not done any sprinkler or alarm work. If an FPB inspection is required, the building department inspector will not sign off on your project until this inspection is complete.
If you have been required to make any alterations or additions to either the fire alarm or fire sprinkler system, or if fire-safe landscaping has been required, then inspections of each of these installations will be required prior to the FPB inspection. The contractor performing the work should be the one to obtain the permit(s) and to schedule the necessary inspections when the work is done.
What Gets Inspected?
A landscape inspection is required for buildings in the high fire hazard areas. Landscape inspections re conducted by the Urban Fire Forester. Your plans will include a note to this effect, and a separate landscape permit is required.
Fire alarm inspections are generally performed in two phases, and are required for any alterations or additions to the alarm system. Rough alarm inspections ensure that the system wiring is in conduit and that the devices will be located according to the plan, among other things. This inspection is typically conducted early in construction, while these items are plainly visible. The final alarm inspection will be conducted near the end of the project. It will include a full-function test of the system to ensure that all of the components are operating properly.
Fire sprinkler inspections are also generally conducted in two phases. In addition, systems utilizing welded piping require a weld inspection prior to any piping being hung. The rough sprinkler inspection is to ensure the proper fit, seismic bracing, and layout of the piping. If a hydrostatic pressure test is required, it is usually performed at the same time as the rough inspection. The piping is filled with water and pressurized for at least two hours to demonstrate that there are no leaks in the installation. Note that in residential sprinkler applications within the City
of Glendale approved CPVC pipe and copper tubing are the only materials allowed.
A hydrostatic test and flush of the underground piping must be witnessed prior to connection to the overhead piping; this may be done during either the rough or final inspection. Generally, a fire department inspector will witness flushes and inspect underground piping in residential occupancies, while an inspector from Glendale Water and Power will witness commercial flushes and underground installations. If in doubt, check your plans or call Plan Check for the inspector required.
The final sprinkler inspection may be requested whenever all the required sprinkler components are in place, including ceiling tiles or drywall, sprinkler escutcheons, and signage for each of the system's valves. A functional test of the bell or other notification devices will be performed at the time of the final inspection. Note that whenever CPVC piping is used, it must be protected within drywall, therefore the drywall installation must also be complete prior to the final inspection.
An FPB inspection is required on every project for which the plans are stamped by the Glendale Fire Prevention Section. This inspection covers general fire and life-safety issues such as emergency lighting, exit requirements, and fire extinguishers. Residential projects also require an FPB inspection for items such as the location and function of required smoke detectors and self-closing garage doors. During the FPB inspection, the fire department inspector will examine your complete set of architectural plans. You will be required to comply with all notes and specifications on your plans;
it is highly recommended that you read through your plans prior to requesting this inspection to ensure that you have complied with each item. The building inspector will not sign off on your project until this inspection is complete.
Please note that for every inspection by Fire Department personnel, you must have your original stamped set of
plans on site, in addition to any permits that may have been issued by the Fire Department during the plan check process.
When Do I Get Inspected?
The Fire Department does not keep track of your project's time frame; if you need inspections by the Fire Department, scheduling inspections is up to you or your contractor.
Where Will The Inspection Take Place?
The inspection will be conducted at your job site.
Why Do I Have To Have An Inspection?
Inspections are conducted to ensure that the installation was done according to the plan, which ensures that it complies
with all applicable codes and ordinances and that the home or business owner has been provided the finished product that they've paid for. This process safeguards both the citizens' and the City's interests in the project, as well as providing for the residents' safety and the safety of the firefighters that may someday respond there.
How Do I Schedule An Inspection?
Schedule your inspection by phoning the Fire Prevention Bureau at 818-548-4810. Inspectors are available for scheduling
from 7:00 - 8:00 am and 4:00 - 5:00 pm (M-Th) and 3:00 - 4:00 (F). Please note that you must speak directly with an inspector to make an appointment; do not leave requests by voice mail. The inspectors will attempt to accommodate your schedule, normally within a 30 to 60 minute window, but you should expect to allow 48 hours lead time for your request.
Who Will Conduct My Inspection?
New construction inspections are conducted by Fire Prevention Bureau personnel. Any of the engineers assigned to
Fire Prevention may conduct new construction inspections; typically, when people call to schedule an inspection,
they want the inspector that is available the soonest. You may request a specific inspector if you choose, and it is probably a good idea for the same inspector to complete a project, particularly if it is complex, however, it will usually mean a longer wait.
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