CITYOF COSTA MESA
Fire Prevention Bureau
Telephone: 714.327.7400
GENERAL OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
PERMITS. A permit shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to engaging in certain
activities, operations, practices or functions (UFC 105.8).
FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS
Addresses. Approved numbers or addresses shall be placed on all new and existing buildings in such a
position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property (UFC 901.4.4).
Signs. When required by the chief, approved signs or other approved notices shall be provided and
maintained for fire apparatus roads to identify such roads and prohibit the obstruction thereof. (UFC
901.4.2)
Obstructions. The required width of fire apparatus access roads shall not be obstructed in any manner,
including parking of vehicles. Minimum required widths and clearances shall be maintained at all
times. (UFC 902.2.4.1)
Exterior doors and openings required by this code shall be maintained readily accessible for
emergency access by the fire department. (UFC 902.3.1)
Key box. When access to or within a structure is unduly difficult because of secured openings or where
immediate access is necessary for life-saving or firefighting purposes, a key box may be required. (UFC
902.4)
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Number and type. At least one 2A (2A10BC recommended) for each 3000 square feet and within 75
feet travel distance from anywhere in the building. Rating may be increased or spacing decreased for
higher hazards (UFC 1002).
Service. Extinguishers shall be serviced annually (T-19 sec. 575.1).
Maintenance. Extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and shall be
conspicuously located and readily accessible, preferably along exit routes (UFC 1001.5).
Cooking equipment. A Class K or 40BC dry chemical extinguisher shall be installed within 30 feet of
commercial cooking equipment. (UFC 1006.2.7)
EXIT REQUIREMENT