Inspections of new construction, tenant improvements, additions, and other building modifications, as well as various fire protection systems, are required by the California Fire Code and the California Building Code. San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel conduct inspections to ensure the fire and life safety requirements of the project are in accordance with these codes and local Fire Prevention Standards.
Types of Construction Inspections:
| Non Residential (Commercial, Industrial) Construction, new or tenant improvements/additions | Final Inspection |
| Residential (Single Family, Multi-Family) Construction – new or modifications/additions | Final Inspection |
| Underground (private onsite) Fire Protection Water systems – new or modifications | Rough (or “Pre-thrustblock”) Inspection, Hydro Inspection, Flush, and Final Inspection |
| Non Residential (commercial/industrial, NFPA13) Fire Sprinkler Systems- new or modifications | Weld Inspection, Rough Inspection, Hydro Inspection, and Final Inspection. |
| Residential (single/multifamily, NFPA13D/13R) Fire Sprinkler Systems- new or modifications | Rough Inspection, Hydro Inspection, and Final Inspection. |
| Fire Alarm Systems- new or modifications | Rough (or “Prewire”) Inspection, and Final Inspection. |
| Pre-Engineered Systems/AST – all | Final Inspection |
| High Pile Storage and In-rack Sprinklers – all | HPS Final Inspection, In-rack Weld, In-rack Rough Overhead, In-rack Hydro, and In-Rack Final. |
| Fire Pump-all | Final Inspection |
Inspection Readiness
- Scheduling InspectionsScheduling Inspections
- WalkthroughWalkthrough
- Inspection Sign OffInspection Sign Off
- Final InspectionFinal Inspection
Scheduling Inspections
All construction inspections must be scheduled during regular business hours Monday-Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. A printed copy of the approved plans and job card must be available onsite. The permit holder (licensed contractor) must be present at all times during the inspection.
Walkthrough
The San Bernardino County Fire Department inspector will conduct a walkthrough with the contractor to verify that the scope of work is completed as indicated on approved plans and in accordance with the Fire Code and Fire Prevention Standards.
Inspection Sign Off
The San Bernardino County Fire Department inspector will sign off on the job card and note in the electronic database for each inspection Pass, Pass with Corrections or Fail. A report of the inspection and any corrections will be provided to the licensed contractor during the inspection via email. If these corrections require revisions to the approved plans, these must be submitted and additional fees may apply.
Final Inspection
Final inspection and approval for fire protection systems or for building Certificate of Occupancy will be granted after the San Bernardino County Fire Department inspector verifies that all requirements and conditions are met. The inspector will sign off on all job cards in the field and electronically.
