Fire Prevention

The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for processing plan checks of new construction and remodel projects within the city and performing acceptance testing and inspections of fire sprinklers (commercial/residential) and special hazards systems for new and remodeled development.

Fire Prevention Division oversees business inspection and weed abatement programs and enforces hazardous materials storage/use and disposal laws. 

The Division consists of the Fire Marshal, a Fire Prevention Specialist, and an Administrative Assistant.

For questions regarding Fire Operational and Prevention Permits, please contact Fire Prevention at (858) 720-2410  or fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov .


Map of High Fire Severity Zones

Fire Department Construction Services

Fire Construction Services provides plan review and inspections for new construction and improvement projects. Services include reviewing architectural, engineering, landscape, fire protection, and life safety systems for compliance with applicable codes and standards.

Fire Inspection Plan Review/Submittal

Email the completed Fire Permit Application, plans and supporting documents to fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov to initiate the process. Each document needs to be in its own PDF file, clearly named with the property address and type of document. All files must be flatten with no security locks/restrictions. One review is complete and approved, you will be notified by email for payment and issuance.

Invoice for Plan Check Payment (Cash, Check made out to the City of Solana Beach, or Credit Card [2.9% fee will be added])

Fire Inspection Requests

Inspection Requests can be made by phone or by email at:

Phone: (858) 720-2415
Email: fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov

Allow a minimum of 48 hours notice when requesting a fire inspection. Inspection requests should be submitted in advance to allow adequate time for scheduling and coordination.

General Fire Prevention Inquiries

General inquiries about project status and information can be made by phone or email at:

Phone: (858) 720-2410
Email: fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov

Tent/Canopy Permit Information

An operational permit is required for air-supported temporary membrane structure or tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet per California Fire Code (CFC) 105.7.16.

An application must be submitted prior to erecting a tent or canopy. A structure or tent less than 400 square feet does not require a permit.  Approved permits are not transferable to another location.  

Documentation Required: 

  • Certificate of Flame Resistance - for tent or canopy. Issued by State Fire Marshal. 
  • Floor Plan - all tables, chairs and other items under tent(s) should be indicated on floor plan. Include location of exit signs, extinguisher placement, and occupant load. 
  • Site Plan - identify address, APN, zoning, property boundaries and location of adjacent road(s) including ingress/egress to the site, proposed location of sales inventory, existing and proposed locations of structures/improvements (such as tents, power, vehicular parking and drive isles, and restroom locations), dimensions of structures/improvements, and whether structures/improvements are temporary or permanent in nature. Restrooms and parking improvements must be ADA compliant.  

Please allow a minimum of 3 business days to process this permit. 

For a printable version of this information, click here: Tent/Canopy Permit Information 


Click here for an application: Tent/Canopy Permit Application 

Please allow a minimum of 3 business days to process this permit. 

The Importance of Smoke Alarms

A Safer Home Starts With A Working Alarm

Working smoke alarms save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the death rate in reported home fires is approximately 60% lower when working smoke alarms are present.

The Solana Beach Fire Departments' Smoke Alarm Program provides smoke alarm installation, testing, and home safety assessments to help educate and protect residents and their families. Through our partnership with the American Red Cross, smoke alarms are provided at no cost to residents. Our goal is simple: every home should have properly installed, working smoke alarms, and every resident should have the information they need to help keep themselves and their families safe.

To request a smoke alarm installation, contact us at fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov or 858-720-2415, or fill out this online form: Smoke Alarm Installation Request – Fill out form.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

  1. Test alarms monthly to make sure they work 
  2. Change batteries regularly, even if alarm isn’t chirping 
  3. Never disable or remove the battery because of cooking smoke or nuisance alarms 

Proper Placement Matters

  1. Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
  2. Place alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
  3. Mount alarms per the manufacturer's instructions. 
  4. Keep alarms at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms 
Fire Flow Analysis Request

A Fire Flow Analysis is required in accordance with the California Fire Code to verify that adequate water supply is available to meet the fire protecting needs of the proposed project.

To request a Fire Flow Analysis, please complete and submit the required form and email it to fireprevention@cityofsolanabeach.ca.gov. The following project information must be provided:

  • Project name and address
  • Permit number
  • Applicant/contact name and contact information
  • Project square footage
  • Type of construction

Incomplete information may delay the review. Solana Beach Fire Department will use the submitted project information to evaluate the required fire flow and applicable fire protection requirements.

Contact Santa Fe Irrigation District for questions regarding your fire flow analysis:

Contact: Jason Simmons
Phone: 858-227-5770
Email: jsimmons@sfidwater.org

Additional Links

Recreational Fire Policy
Defensible Space Preparation and Precautions
Knox Boxes and Accessories
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Prepare for Wildfire