This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the rebuild/repair plan review process at the Los Angeles County Fire Department for properties damaged or destroyed during the recent fires in 2007. The Fire Department is committed to assist fire victims through the plan review process. Special circumstances that do not fit these general requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Where can I get information regarding the Fire Department plan review process for rebuilding?
Plan Checker: Miles Bonner mbonner@fire.lacounty.gov
Supervisor: Mike Visnagra mvisnagr@fire.lacounty.gov
Calabasas/Malibu Field Office Ph: (818) 880-0341
26600 Agoura Road, Fax: (818) 880-0345
Calabasas, CA 91302
Public hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
(Appointments can be scheduled for customers that cannot come in during regular business hours)
- Do I need Fire Department approval of my building plans?
Yes. Fire Department plan review and approval is required for the rebuilding of all destroyed buildings.
Repairs to fire damaged single-family residences without adding additional square footage does not require Fire Department approval.
- What information do I need to submit for building plan review?
See “Residential Plan Check Information Sheet”.
- How long is the turnaround time for building plan review?
The standard Fire Department plan review turnaround time is 10 business days or less. However, all fire victims are given an expedited plan review next-in-line priority.
- Are there any fees required for building/sprinkler plan reviews?
There are no fees for building/sprinkler plan reviews. The County of Los Angeles Fire Department Developer fee will not be charged unless over 2,000 sq. ft. is added to the original permitted square footage. Then each sq. ft. over the 2,000 sq. ft. threshold will be charged according to the current schedule.
- Am I required to build my home in compliance with current Building and Fire Code requirements?
Yes, construction standards will be per the current Building and Fire Codes.
- Am I required to comply with the current water supply and access requirements?
Yes, all structures must be built according to the current water supply and access requirements.
If it is determined that it is not possible to rebuild to the current water supply and access requirements, the Fire Marshal will consider appeals utilizing alternate means of protection on a case-by-case basis. See “Residential Rebuild Guidelines”.
- How do I find out how much water is available from the public fire hydrant closest to my residence?
This information is provided by your water purveyor and included on Part II of Form 195. See the “Contact Information” sheet for locations and phone numbers of your local water purveyor.
- What is the required fire flow for a single-family residence?
The required fire flow for a single-family residence on a parcel of less than one acre is 1250 GPM at 20 psi residual pressure.
The required fire flow for a single-family residence located on a parcel of greater than one acre in the VHFHSZ is 1000 GPM at 20 psi residual pressure.
Residences larger than 5,000 square feet in floor area will have greater fire flows as established by Los Angeles County Fire Department Regulation #8.
- What is the access requirement for a single-family residence?
The vehicular access requirement for a single-family residence is a roadway/driveway a minimum 20 feet in width to within 150 feet of all portions of the exterior walls. See the document.
- Am I required to submit fuel modification plans to the Fire Department Fuel Modification plan check unit?
Yes, all structures must comply with the current fuel modification/brush clearance requirements.
- Do I have to pay fuel modification fees?
Yes, fuel modification fees apply.
- How long do I have to rebuild?
There is no deadline to rebuild.
- Will I be required to install interior fire sprinklers?
Yes, interior fire sprinklers are required, if the home is located in the unincorporated county area.
