Inspections

The Inspection Section of the Bureau of Fire Prevention inspects the life safety components of new building construction, building remodels, and fire sprinkler & fire alarm systems to ensure compliance with the San Francisco Fire Code. The City is geographically divided into 17 Fire Inspection districts (see Fire Inspection District Map). A Fire Inspector is assigned to each of these Fire Inspection Districts and responsible for conducting inspections within his/her area. Click here to search San Francisco property inspection records, violation & permit history. We encourage you to explore this page to access various form, guides and check lists required in the inspection process.

Referral and Request Forms

High-Rise Inspections:

The Fire Inspectors assigned to the High Rise Section perform annual fire safety inspections for 630 high rise buildings in the City. The authority to conduct these High Rise inspections is made pursuant to California Health and Safety Code, Section 13217. This Code provides that the local fire departments may annually inspect all high-rise structures for compliance with building standards and other regulations. The SFFD provides a list of frequently used forms below. Forms can also be accessed from the Office of the State Fire Marshall.

State Fire Marshal Documentation Forms:

Sprinkler Systems - Inspection and Testing (AES 2)

Standpipe and Hose Systems - Inspection and Testing (AES 3)

Fire Pumps - Inspection and Testing (AES 5)

Pre-Enginereed Fire Extinguishing Systems (AES Forms)

SFFD Forms:

SFFD Binder:
The San Francisco Fire Department requires testing of all emergency equipment. Records of all tests and inspections shall be maintained in a binder marked “SFFD” and stored on the premises for the fire department’s review. Depending on your buildings features, some, or all of the items listed below require your attention:


The Fire Command Center (FCC) Shall Contain the Following Additional Features
(Ref: 2010 SFFC, Section 508.1.5.1)

  1. Stock spare of sprinklers required by NFPA #13.
  2. Permanent signage with the name and telephone number of the applicable elevator service company.
  3. Building contact phone numbers.
  4. Utility shut-off location map.
  5. Public address system instructions.
  6. Smoke control system procedures.
  7. Sprinkler shut-off valve and standpipe isolation valve locations.
  8. Emergency evacuation/relocation procedures, location of tenant areas of refuge, and location of any tenants requiring evacuation assistance.
  9. Hazardous materials inventory statement and management plan, when required by the fire code official.


Additional Inspection Responsibilities Include: