The Chula Vista Fire Department has instituted a report submittal process for service providers who inspect, test, and maintain fire protection systems within our jurisdiction, and in accordance with the requirements of Title 19, Public Safety, Division 1, State Fire Marshal regulations.  As of January 1, 2020, all compliant & non-compliant (deficient) fire protection system inspection,  testing, and maintenance (ITM) report submittals are required to be made via The Compliance Engine’s (TCE) online submittal system at www.thecomplianceengine.com.

The Chula Vista Fire Department is dedicated to delivering 100% compliance with our adopted Fire Code. This partnership with TCE’s web-based service attempts to aggregate, track, and streamline the collection of compliance data of fire protection systems within our jurisdiction. Property owners will receive timely proactive notifications of their inspections and testing requirements, and the Chula Vista Fire Department will gain the ability to better mitigate the risk in our community by improving public safety to our citizens.

All contractors performing work within Chula Vista city limits must possess a valid Chula Vista  business license as well as any required California contractor licenses (i.e., C-16).

All reports are required to be submitted on the forms required by the code or standard they are governed by. SEE TABLE BELOW. Reports are required to be uploaded to TCE in PDF digital format. To obtain copies of the required forms please contact the California Office of the State Fire Marshal or the National Fire Protection Association. 

Contractors shall submit all reports within 14 days of initial inspection in accordance with the following CVFD intervals and guidelines:

GENERAL REPORT PREPARATION GUIDELINES:

1. ITM reports that do not reflect inspection and testing results for all applicable components and devices, are considered incomplete and shall be categorized as "Deficient", on the ITM form and on TCE's digital intake form.

2. Do not submit multiple PDF files for the same ITM report. All pages for the same report, including the cover sheet (i.e., AES 1) shall be provided within the same PDF file. 

3 Multiple fire sprinkler, alarm systems, or hood systems within the same premises/address shall each have their own and separate ITM report that assigns a system number to each individual system (e.g., sprinkler riser # 1 or Kitchen Hood # 1) except when using AES forms 2.1, 2.2, 3 & 3.1.

4. Systems within a complex or campus, sharing the same general street address shall be issued their own ITM report, and identified by the number of the building (premise) it serves (444 Broadway; Building # 1)

5. All forms shall be completed thoroughly and signed by all required parties.

6. All data fields in forms shall be completed. No data fields should be left blank.

7. Any data fields that are not applicable to the system being tested / inspected shall be filled with “Not applicable” or “N/A” after being verified.

8. Contractors shall gather and provide all applicable premise contact information on the corresponding TCE contact data entry fields, to ensure proper notifications are generated and delivered to responsible parties.

9. ITM reports may be submitted as "Compliant" only when they do not contain any deficiencies.

10. All deficiencies on ITM forms shall also be entered into TCE deficiencies data fields. Both the initial ITM report and the AES 10 form shall be uploaded as one PDF file. The AES 10 form reflecting the deficiency repairs shall be attached as the last page of the uploaded PDF file.

11. ITM reports listing deficiencies may only be submitted as "Compliant" if/when accompanied by the corresponding "Corrective Action and Repairs Performed" form (AES 10), reflecting all deficiencies as corrected (repaired).

12. Job numbers on all initial AES inspection and testing forms shall match the job number on the corresponding AES 10 form, and vice versa.

13. All ITM reports that have been rejected by AHJ shall be revised and re-submitted within 14 days of the rejection date.

14. All system impairments shall be reported to the Chula Vista Fire Department at compliance@chulavistaca.gov  immediately and associated report uploaded via TCE when impairments are found during scheduled periodic inspection and testing.

For questions related to the submission of fire system ITM reports to the Chula Vista Fire Department, please call the Compliance Engine Support line at (630) 413-9511. Additionally, much of the information needed to accomplish this can be found in the contractors “HELP” section of the TCE website. TCE provides free weekly webinar style trainings. For questions regarding the guidelines listed above, please send to the following email address: compliance@chulavistaca.gov

The Chula Vista Fire Department performs fire and life safety inspection services—in part—through the Fire Company Inspection Program (FCIP). The purpose of the program is to increase the current level of service and accomplish inspections of all commercial occupancies annually. Fire crews will also take this opportunity to become familiar with your business’s physical layout (pre-plan)—a great benefit if a real emergency were to occur.

This program is limited to “light hazard” commercial businesses classified in the California Fire Code as “B” (Business) and “M” (Mercantile) occupancies. An annual fee, in accordance with the table below, will be charged for the FCIP service and will be invoiced with your business license renewal. Business and Mercantile occupancy inspections will be performed once every three years, with the inspection report being valid for the duration of that time.

Please contact the Fire Prevention Division at (619) 691-5029 if you have any questions.

•  Business Owner Pre-Inspection Checklist

SECTION 4.04 – Firework/Pyrotechnic/Special Effect/Laser Permit 
All activities associated with the use of pyrotechnics and open flames must be reviewed and approved by the Chula Vista Fire Department in compliance with the California Fire Code as amended by the State of California and City of Chula Vista. Examples of activities in this category include outdoor fireworks, lasers, model rocket launches, open flame activities such as fire walking and special effects using pyrotechnical devices. 

As part of the permit requirements, onsite stand-by and inspection services may be required due to the size, complexity and/or unique safety issues regarding the activities associated with the proposed event. 

FP-26 Fireworks Permit Application

FP-25 Temporary Operational Permit Application

Facilities licensed by the Department of Health, Department of Social Services and Community Care Licensing, are required to have a fire clearance inspection in order to be licensed. A request for an inspection is routed to the Fire Prevention Bureau from various agencies. This includes community care facilities, residential care facilities for the elderly or child day-care facilities.

Pre-inspection fee shall be charged when requested by licensee.

It is recommended that facilities licensed by Community Care Licensing request a pre-inspection prior to requesting a fire clearance. The pre-inspection provides information about building and fire code requirements which must be met to become a licensed facility. Privately owned, single family residences are eligible for this service. Commercial properties, clinics, drug treatment facilities, etc. may hire a consultant, architect, or other qualified resource.

A large family day-care is a facility licensed by Community Care Licensing in which care is provided for nine to fourteen children in a home.

To request a pre-inspection, complete form FP-25 Temporary Operational Permit and email to fireprevention@chulavistaca.gov. 

Beginning 2020, the City of Chula Vista Fire Department will be conducting annual fire and life safety inspections for all apartment buildings containing three or more dwelling units. Once the apartment inspection program is established, the Fire Department will move forward with fire and life safety inspections for all condominium buildings containing three or more dwelling units.

• Notice of New Multi-family/Residential Fire Inspection Program

• Multi-family Fire Safety Pre-inspection Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. How will this program benefit me?
Fire and life safety inspections are completed to educate and protect property owners and residents from the devastating effects of fire. By promoting a safe living environment in these types of occupancies, the chance for fire, injury, and death decreases.  Fire can kill, disable, destroy property, and disrupt lives. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), 387,000 (78%) of all structure fires reported in 2018 occurred in residential properties; 86,500 of the 387,000 fires occurred in apartments. Three out of every four fire deaths, or 2,720 civilian deaths, resulted from residential structure fires.

Q. Are these inspections required?
Yes. Inspections must be conducted annually for all properties containing three or more dwelling units, and includes hotels, motels, lodging houses, and congregate residences. The California Health and Safety Code, Sections § 13146.2 / 17921 mandate that the inspections be completed annually and further provides the City legal authority to charge property owners to recover costs for providing these inspections.

Q. When will these inspections happen?
Inspections will be conducted by Fire Inspectors Monday through Friday during normal business hours from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Each property is inspected at approximately the same time of year. Larger complexes may be contacted to arrange inspection dates and times to ensure access to fire protection system components and facility personnel responsible for their maintenance. 

Q. What will be the areas of focus during the Fire Department inspection?
A routine annual inspection will be conducted on your property with a primary goal of public education. A typical fire and life safety inspection of R – 2 occupancies include, but aren’t limited to, checking for fire hazards specific to access, exiting and exit system components, fire protection equipment, fire extinguishers, storage, housekeeping, utilities, and hazardous materials.

Q. Will the Inspector enter individual units?
Generally, Fire Inspectors will not examine the interior of units. However, if a tenant is home, they may request the Inspector check their smoke alarm and perform an interior assessment. Inspectors may check smoke alarm in vacant units if the owner or manager is present and provides consent.  

Q. How will I know the results of the inspection on my property?
During the routine inspection, the Inspector will make a reasonable effort to obtain the owner’s and/or manager’s contact information (email, hard copy or phone). This data will allow the Inspector or support staff to establish direct contact with the responsible party of the property and forward inspection results and all related documents. 

Q. How can I prepare for my inspection?
Your property should always be maintained in good condition.  For example, common areas and exit hallways should be clear of stored items. Laundry rooms maintained, address and unit numbers clearly visible, exit signs well-maintained, fire hydrants - fire sprinkler systems and utility valves shall be clearly identifiable and kept clear of vegetation and or obstructions. Fire extinguishers must be serviced and tagged annually by a certified contractor. Smoke alarms and batteries should be checked regularly.  Fire sprinkler systems and fire alarm systems must be serviced annually. Please see the Multi-family/Residential Occupancy Pre-inspection Checklist under the resources heading.

Q. How much does this cost?
The fees vary according to the time required to complete the inspection; the inspection time includes inspection and re-inspection time, training, supplies, and office support. The following fees have been provided for your information but are subject to change based on updates to the City’s Master Fee Schedule. 
 

Q. Where can I get more information?
Additional information is available at the Fire Prevention Division office located at 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, Ca 91910.  Our phone number is 619-691-5029 and our email is fireprevention@chulavistaca.gov.

As of July 1, 2021, California Civil Code Section 1102.19 requires a seller of real property located in a high or very high fire severity zone within the State Responsibility Area (SRA) or a very high fire severity zone within the Local Responsibility Area (LRA), to provide the buyer with documentation stating the property is in compliance with the requirements of local vegetation management ordinances. These zones are based off of the most recent (03/24/2025) assessment conducted by the State of California Department of Forestry

If your home falls within the high and very high fire severity zones located in orange in the  map below, please complete the Temporary Operation Permit Application below and email to: fireprevention@chulavistaca.gov

FP-25 Temporary Operational Permit Application

• Other Fire Code Inspection services [1.5 hour minimum]

• FP-13 Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents Application
  • Tent / Membrane Structure: Exterior Site and Floor Plans
  • Tent / Membrane Structure Requirements and Structural Stability Affidavit
• FP-25 Temporary Operational Permit Application - To use for:
  • Special Events
  • Explosives or Blasting Agents
  • Fireworks Inspection
  • Occupancy Verification
  • Residential Licensed Care Pre Inspections
  • Large Family Day Care Pre Inspections
  • Fire Clearance Inspections
  • General Use Certificate
  • Conventions Exhibitions and Trade Shows:
    
    • Exemplar Plan Submittal
    • Plans and Permits Flow Chart
    • Fire Safety for Conventions Exhibitions and Trade Shows

The following are issues routinely investigated by Fire Prevention:

• Weed Abatement
• Blocked Fire Lanes
• Blocked Exits in Businesses

Not enforced:

• Property disputes
• Neighbor disputes
• Property boundary disputes
• Smoke/Odors

The form below serves as a simple tool to use to contact the City of Chula Vista Fire Department regarding a property that is not theirs, generally within 14 working days. Once completed, email the form to fireprevention@chulavistaca.gov to begin the investigation process. 

• Weed Abatement and Life Safety Hazard Form PDF
• Submit Online

Please note that email correspondence with the City of Chula Vista along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt. 

So you received a Notice of Violation & Order to Abate. Where do you begin in remedying this violation to avoid fines and penalties?

Here are some actions to take in order to ensure your Notice of Violation & Order to Abate are cleared up in a timely manner.