Santa Clara County Code Title B adopts the California Residential Code R313, requiring NFPA 13D fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes in unincorporated areas, with County Fire reviewing plans.
Title B of the Santa Clara County Ordinance Code adopts the 2022 California Residential Code, including CRC R313, which requires automatic fire sprinkler systems in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes built under permits issued after January 1, 2011. Substantial additions and reconstruction may also trigger sprinkler requirements depending on scope. The Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) provides plan check, hydraulic calculation review, and acceptance testing for unincorporated areas plus contract cities like Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, and Saratoga. The County Department of Planning and Development issues building permits.
Stop-work orders, building-permit revocation, and refusal of certificate of occupancy. Failure to maintain serviceable sprinklers under California Fire Code is a misdemeanor with daily administrative fines up to $500 until corrected.
See how Santa Clara's fire sprinkler requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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