Projects in the cities of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach will be submitted to their respective cities. However; most projects located within the Community of Oceano require building plan review by the Five Cities Fire Authority.

Oceano

Project Plan FAQ's

How are project plans submitted to the FCFA?

The contractor of the project is responsible for submitting an application with 1 set of building plans to the Fire Authority’s headquarters, located at 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande. All plan reviews will be conducted within 14 days of submittal. The Plan Check Fee, according to FCFA’s Master Fee Schedule, is due at the time the plans are picked up.

What must be included in the submittal?

The complete set of plans will include: a plot plan, including an area map, access road information (driveway, turnouts, etc.), proposed and existing buildings, and the location of the nearest fire hydrant or fire department connection. Additionally: a fire plan application must also be submitted. NOTE: an additional full set of plans MUST be submitted to the Oceano Community Services District in order to receive a Water Service Will-Serve letter.

What projects are exempt from Fire Authority Plan Review?

Water heater and Forced Air Units (FAU) – new and replacement                                 Fireplace installation – new and replacement                                                                                   Water damage repair                                                                                                                           Deck installation – new and replacement                                                                                         Demolition                                                                                                                                         Interior residential remodel including windows, electrical or plumbing improvements               Commercial tenant improvements including; windows, electrical, or plumbing improvements, where: no fire protection system exists, no square footage is added, and there is no change in occupancy classification. Detached accessory structures less than 120 square feet in size                                                   Grading plans                                                                                                                                     Residential solar photovoltaic, solar hot water, and pool systems                                               Cell towers

When is a sprinkler system required?

  • All new residential structures regardless of size                                                                   In all other new and existing structures as outlined within the 2010 California Fire Code, Section 903.2 

If Fire Sprinklers are required for your project, you MUST submit a Water Service / Fire Flow Information Form completed by your Water Service Provider.

How are fire protection system plans submitted to the FCFA?

The contractor of the project is responsible for submitting 2 sets of fire protection system plans to the Fire Authority’s headquarters, located at 140 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande. The Plan Check Fee, according to FCFA’s Master Fee Schedule, is due when the plans are picked up. No installation work may be conducted until the plan review is approved and a permit is issued. If work is started without a permit, a double permit fee will apply. The permit fee, according to FCFA’s Master Fee Schedule is the total sum of the Inspection Fee, the Fire Engineering firm’s plan check fee, and the FCFA’s Administrative Fee. All plan reviews will be conducted within 14 days of submittal. 

Documents

Fire Plan Application

*3/19/2020 - Please note that at this time all plans must be submitted digitally to bpearson@fivecitiesfire.org.

To schedule an inspection please call 805.473.5490 and leave a message.