The Fire Prevention Division provides inspection services to help prevent fires and assure fire and life safety for people who live, work and visit in the Cities of Burlingame, Millbrae and the Town of Hillsborough.

Scheduling Appointments

If you would like to schedule an inspection, call 650-558-7600 at least 48-72 hours in advance. Please be sure to specify to the person you are scheduling an inspection with or what type of inspection you would like (i.e. rough/hydro, fire and life safety, fire alarm test, knox/gate, tent, etc.). Inspections are first come, first served. If you require multiple re-inspections, you will be charged additional inspection fees. Effective January 1, 2017, after-hours inspections are inspections that occur before 7 am or after 5 pm Monday thru Thursday. Associated costs for after-hours inspections will apply.

Business License Inspections

All new commercial businesses, existing businesses that relocate within city limits and/or change in ownership are required to apply for a business license through City Hall. Central County Fire Department will conduct a fire and life safety inspection shortly after you receive your license.

Click here for a list of fire and life safety requirements:

Attention Business Owners – Outdoor Dining and Services Requirements:

The Central County Fire Department is working in tandem with City officials to provide resources and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please click on the link below for guidelines that promote fire safety and wellness for your staff, patrons, and the community.

General Resources

Temporary Fire Permits

Fire Code permits are required, but not limited to the following: Tent Structures, Underground Tank removal, Open Flame/Burning, Exhibits and Trade Shows, High Piled Combustible Storage, and Special Assemblies.

Every submittal shall include a fire code application, fee, and other applicable documentation. Applications can be obtained from the Fire Administration Office at 1399 Rollins Road, Burlingame or can be downloaded.

Tents/Pipe & Drape/Special Events

Any tents over 400 square feet in size; events that include exhibit booths with or without pipe and drape, and other special events that include over 50 persons are subject to California Fire and Building Codes and local permit process prior to the event.

Underground Tank Removals

Removal of underground tanks shall comply with California Fire Code §3404.2.14. A fire code permit application shall be completed and submitted prior to the removal. Supporting documentation shall include details of the tanks, locations, fuel supply, etc. You must contact San Mateo County Environmental Health Department prior to submittal.

Construction Fire Permits / Sprinkler Requirements

Fire Code permits are required for all installations, modifications or repairs, but not limited to the following: Fire Sprinkler system, Fire Alarm system, Fixed-Extinguishing system and Spray booths.

Every submittal shall include a fire code application, fee, and other applicable documentation. For the Town of Hillsborough and the City of Burlingame, application can be downloaded or obtained from the Fire Administration Office at 1399 Rollins Road, Burlingame. For the City of Millbrae, application can be obtained from the Community Development Department at 621 Magnolia Avenue, Millbrae. See below for fire sprinkler system submittal requirements.

Open Flame / Recreational Fire Permits

Open flame or open burning shall be in accordance with the California Fire Code and local requirements. A permit may be granted for certain situations.

The manufacture, storage, sale, possession, handle or use of all fireworks is prohibited. Professional pyrotechnic fireworks presentations may be approved by the City Council upon the recommendation of the Fire Chief.

Self-inspection Program

Certain commercial occupancies have the option of conducting their own fire and life safety inspection. This is in lieu of Fire Department personnel conducting and charging fees for the inspection. A letter and form will be mailed to participating businesses. Contact the Prevention Division for more information.

Vegetation Management

If you live next to a vegetated hillside (covered with vegetation or plant life) or your neighborhood is within a wildland-urban interface area, you should be aware of vegetation management practices to help reduce the possibility of a hillside fire from reaching your home. For a list of requirements and guidelines, please see San Mateo County’s Fire Safe website, www.firesafesanmateo.org, the California State Fire Marshal’s Office website at www.fire.ca.gov and our Vegetation Management page.

Do you have a fire hazard concern in your neighborhood? To report a potential fire safety issue, please select a form below:

Please provide a detailed description of the concern you are reporting, including the exact location (floor, unit, indoor/outdoor), the type of condition and as much information as possible to assist the Fire Prevention Specialist to easily locate the condition you are reporting. Reports will be investigated within two (2) working days of notification.

Reports are confidential, anonymous complaints will not be accepted.

Engine Company Inspection Program

Central County Fire Department is dedicated to ensuring our community is safe at all times. In addition to our city program to inspect all commercial businesses on a frequent basis, we are mandated by the State of California to inspect the following types of occupancies every year: Multi-family dwellings, assemblies (not including businesses), schools, hospitals, and jails. Fees are assessed after the 2nd re-inspection and any subsequent inspections.

High-Piled Combustible Storage

Storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet requires a high-piled storage permit.

CCFD Master Fee Schedule

For a complete list of services and fees, please view our Fee Schedule below: