Fire Prevention is responsible for consulting with and securing the cooperation of individuals and property owners regarding life safety matters, and for inspection and testing of new fire protection equipment installations such as automatic fire sprinkler and fire alarm systems: for enforcement of fire related federal, state and local laws, ordinances and administrative orders for public safety in City schools, public/private institutions and places of public assembly; and for investigation of suspicious fires and/or fires of undetermined origin.
Fee Schedule
Fire Prevention Standards
The Standards for Fire Protection were set by the Fire Prevention Officers division of the Fire Chiefs Association of Santa Cruz County.
Licensed Contractors
» Fire Alarm Contractors
» Fire Sprinkler Contractors
» 5 Year Certifications
» Underground Contractors
» Hood & Duct Contractors
» Weed Clearing Contractors
Permits & Inspections
The Santa Cruz Fire Department provides permits and inspections for all specialized fire detection and suppression systems, as well as tent permits, fire dancing permits and other special event permits.
Business Fire Safety Inspection Program
Per Resolution NS 27,591, effective October 1 2007, the City of Santa Cruz establishes fees and charges for services, inspections and permits under the fire prevention code of the city of Santa Cruz.
Residential Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements
Smoke & carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in accordance with the 2010 California Residential Code (CRC). All alarms shall comply with requirements for listing and approval by the Office of the State Fire Marshal
Cal Fire Solar PV Installation Guidelines
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Office of the State Fire Marshal (CAL FIRE-OSFM), local Fire Departments (FD), and the solar photovoltaic industry have developed this guideline for installations to increase public safety for all structures equipped with solar photovoltaic systems.
Fire Safety Complaints
For all complaints please call our administration office at 420-5280. We will complete a complaint form and have an inspector conduct an inspection of the property. We will investigate all fire safety complaints, including weed complaints. We are not able to look over fences, climb fences, enter a back yard unless the resident is present and we have their permission. If the site is determined to be a fire hazard, a safety notice will be issued.
Outside Burning
Santa Cruz backyard burn season has ended, effective April 29th, 2013
As of September 19th, 2012, the Santa Cruz Fire Department has adopted revisions to the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District’s Rule 438(Open Outdoor Fires), which regulates backyard burning. These revisions were developed to reduce air pollution levels and smoke complaints from backyard burning. Be sure to read the Santa Cruz Fire Department's new Open Outdoor Burning Guidelines.
Weed Abatement
The Weed Abatement program runs each year, in Spring and Summer, to ensure that excess weeds and brush don't become a hazard to the properties around them. In early April, owners of all vacant lots in the city are contacted about the need to mow/abate the weeds and overgrowth on their lots before May 15th.