LA County Building Code Title 26 adopts CRC R313, requiring automatic fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes. LACoFD reviews plans countywide for unincorporated and contract cities served by the district.
Title 26 of the LA County Code, the LACo Building Code based on the 2022 California Residential and Building Codes, requires NFPA 13D fire sprinkler systems in all new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes built after January 1, 2011, when CRC R313 took statewide effect. Substantial additions exceeding 50% of the existing floor area also trigger sprinklers in unincorporated areas. The LA County Fire Department's Prevention Services Bureau handles plan check, hydraulic calculations, and acceptance testing for unincorporated communities and the roughly 60 contract cities served by LACoFD. Title 32 (Fire Code) supplies water-supply rules.
Stop-work orders, building-permit revocation, and refusal of the certificate of occupancy. Failure to maintain sprinklers in serviceable condition is a misdemeanor under Title 32 with fines up to $1,000 per day until corrected.
See how Santa Monica's fire sprinkler requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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