Where do I submit my plans?
Plans need to be submitted in person for either the City of Stockton or the City of Brea. Plans for the Chino Valley Independent Fire District (CVIFD) are submitted directly to Code Consulting Group (CCG) at 9911 Paramount Blvd. Downey, CA 90240. A CVIFD Information Form can be completed online.

How many sets of plans do I submit?
Four sets of plans must be submitted for review. CCG will return three sets upon completion of the review. CCG retains one set of plans for our files as a reference set.

What is the typical plan review turnaround time?
Most plan reviews are performed and return to the applicant or City within 7 to 14 business days. In some cities there is also an option to submit a request for expedited plan review. This is a request - not a guarantee. The fulfillment of this request depends on many factors - including current workload, the current number of expedited requests, type of plan, plan reviewer's availability, etc. If the plan is expedited, additional fees will be due at time of plan pick-up.

Whom do I contact with questions about my project?
If you have received a correction letter for your plans, contact the plan reviewer who reviewed your plans; their phone number is on the correction letter. For basic submittal criteria questions, contact 866-240-0371. For general code/technical questions, contact 866-240-0371.

How do I reach my plan reviewer?
You may contact your plan reviewer by email by inserting your plan reviewer's name in this format: name@codeconsultinggroup.com. Anytime you contact a plan reviewer, please provide the permit number of your project. Plan reviewers are assigned various projects, are involved with inspections, take training courses, teach seminars, and are active in many facets of fire prevention that may make them unavailable at certain times. If you do not have the direct telephone number of your plan reviewer, please contact Planning and Development at 866-240-0371 x103.

What is involved in plan check for fire prevention?
Contractors submit building plans. We use fire protection codes and regulations to check the plans to ensure the safety of the people who will occupy the building or area. We look for things such as how people in the building can exit easily and safely without being locked in or confused. We also have certain protection systems built into the structure, such as fire sprinklers and suppression systems that will work properly when they are needed..

How can I get a copy of the fire code?
The fire code is a copyrighted document that may be purchased at some bookstores or on the internet, or it may be possible to review it at libraries that carry it. You may also review the fire code at the Fire Prevention front count within some cities.

What is a fuel modification zone?
A fuel modification zone is a strip of land where combustible vegetation has been removed and/or modified and partially or totally replaced with more adequately spaced, drought-tolerant, fire-resistant plants in order to provide a reasonable level of protection to structures from wildland and vegetation fires.

I lost my plans, what do I do?
Approved plans are important documents for you to retain. We do not keep copies of all plan types and only certain approved plans are kept on file for a short period. You may contact us to inquire if your plans are on file. If your approved plans are on file, the plans may be borrowed for a 24-hour period to make copies. You may return with the copies to be re-stamped for a fee. If the plans are not on file, a new submittal will need to be made.

How many smoke detectors should I have in my home?
Smoke alarms should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, alarms should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family rooms.

What kind of fire extinguisher should I have in my home?
Homeowners should buy an extinguisher that can handle class A-B-C fires. Extinguishers with such a designation are designed to extinguish fires that may occur in homes - including wood, paper, flammable liquids and electrical fires.

How do I find a fire sprinkler or fire alarm contractor or have my system inspected/ serviced?
Please refer to the fire protection service station of the phone book or Internet, or seek referrals. Code Consulting Group is not able to provide referrals to specific contractors or businesses.

What do I need to know about Knox?
A Knox box is a secure storage device that prevents unauthorized access to keys and allows emergency responders non-destructive access to property that is secured by a lock or gate. “Knox” is the name of the company that makes these devices. An order form with instructions to obtain a Knox box will be faxed to you to complete. You may also refer to the Knox website for current prices.

What do you look for on a fire inspection?
For life safety on new construction, we look to see if what was shown on the plans is actually what has been installed. On an annual inspection, we look for potential safety hazards that can be abated before they become a serious problem. Mutual cooperation is our main objective to obtain code compliance. The Department will point out a problem and try to show that it is in everyone's best interest to make the area as safe as possible.