Fire Prevention Bureau

PAFD ERRCS Standards 2023(PDF, 445KB)
Guidance for the design and field acceptance testing to ensure radio coverage is adequate for first responders emergency operations. Also referred to as ERRS, DAS, and BDA.

Fire Engine and Ladder Truck Checklist and Specifications
This checklist includes but is not limited to information the Palo Alto Fire Department may require for new commercial structures or residential developments with 3 or more units when submitting for plan review.

• Engine Turning Performance Analysis
• Ladder Truck Turning Performance Analysis
  
  

PAFD Sign Standard
Specifications for signs used for PAFD operations like FACP, Emergency Power Off, and Fire Riser Room.

Alternative Energy Notification Plaque(PDF, 174KB)
Use this plaque on residences to show locations of PV, energy storage systems, Utility power and their shutoffs. This plaque is for use by first responders and shall be reflective, all weather, and UV resistant.

Contractor Inspection Checklists:

• Fire Final Inspection Checklist(PDF, 335KB)
• Fire Alarm Inspection Checklist(PDF, 182KB)
• Fire Hood and Duct Inspection Checklist(PDF, 179KB)
• Weld Inspection Log(PDF, 286KB)

Additional Resources:

• Evacuation Map
• Fire Watch Guide and Log(PDF, 105KB)
• Hot Work Permit Guide(PDF, 221KB)
• Knox Box Ordering
• Knox Box Request Services
• PAFD Residential Sprinkler Checklist(PDF, 92KB)
• Pre-incident Plan Guide 
• Residential Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Locations and Requirements
• STANDARDS FOR OPEN FLAME COOKING DEVICES ON BALCONIES, PATIOS, AND DECKS OF MULTIPLE UNIT RESIDENCES (UN-90)

Pre-applications for fire permits can be filed online through Palo Alto's Accela Citizen Access portal. The online pre-application process allows prospective fire permit applicants to submit their pre-applications and upload digital building plans and documents. Staff then review the application materials to ensure all necessary documents have been provided. The applicant will be notified once the online submittal package is considered complete and ready for the fire permit application intake phase.

To begin a pre-application and learn more head to our Online Permit Services page.

Navigate to our online permitting services portal (OPS) to pay permit fees online. Enter the permit number in the box titled "Record Number" (leaving the remainder of the fields blank). Click on "Search" at the bottom of the page. Click on "Payment". Click on "Pay Fees". Click on "Continue Application". Complete required Credit Card information.

Requesting inspections with Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or the PA Inspection Request Mobile App (PA iRequest) Now Available!

Request an inspection with the PA iRequest App
Requesting inspections with the City’s Palo Alto Inspection Request app is available. The Palo Alto Inspection Request app for iOS (Apple) or Android can be downloaded from the Apple App store or Google Play store to your mobile device (search for Palo Alto iRequest).

Request an inspection through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) web portal
Logging on or registering for an account not required to request an inspection via ACA

• ACA Schedule Inspection Guide(PDF, 545KB)

Fire Department Permit Application (Fillable PDF)(PDF, 733KB)
Please fill out prior to submitting plans for a Fire Department Permit. Forms are available here to download or upon request at the Development Center.

Hot Works Permit Application (Fillable PDF)(PDF, 903KB)

HazMat Closure Plan Requirements(PDF, 152KB)
Any facility with hazardous materials that is closing must submit a HazMat closure plan. See requirements to know what to submit with your closure plan, who to submit to, closure procedures, scheduling inspections, and how to get approval.

Electronic Submission Guide of Hazardous Materials Business Plan (HMBP)(PDF, 285KB)
Hazardous Materials Business Plans (HMBPs) and Registration ('Short') Forms must be submitted electronically via the CERS website (cers.calepa.ca.gov). HMBP are required for any business with on-site hazardous materials. Use this step by step guide to navigate the CERS website and requirements.

Hazardous Materials Compliance Guide(PDF, 137KB)
HazMat Compliance Guide for LPG tanks or containers.

Temporary Generator Permit Guide and Inspection Checklist

All temporary generators need a separate fire permit and hazmat inspection. 

Hazardous Materials Disclosure Checklist and Inventory

Submit this checklist with every commercial and multi-residential building permit, and every hazmat permit. 

Additional Resources:

• Hazardous Materials Disclosure Checklist and Inventory(PDF, 128KB)
• Hazardous Materials Related Projects Plan Submittal Guidelines(PDF, 113KB)
• Hazardous Materials Storage Secondary Containment Standards(PDF, 16KB)
• Temporary Generator Permit Guide and Inspection Checklist(PDF, 127KB)
• Toxic Gas Matrix (UN-015)(PDF, 42KB)
• Aboveground Diesel Fuel Tanks for Emergency and Standby Power Guidelines (UN-018)(PDF, 43KB)
• Closure Guidelines for Aboveground HazMat Storage Facilities (UN-032)(PDF, 212KB)
• Closure Application for Aboveground HazMat Storage Facilities (Fillable Document)(PDF, 1MB)
• Standards for Storage and Use of Portable Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) Heating Appliances(PDF, 278KB)
• HazMat Site Map Requirements(PDF, 187KB)
• NFPA 704 Placard Information(PDF, 86KB)

• Special Event Permit Application
• Special Event Checklist(PDF, 204KB)
• Standards for Outdoor Assembly Events(PDF, 413KB)
• Festival Cooking Booths Diagram (UN-042)
• FEMA Special Events Contingency Planning(PDF, 923KB)