An Operational Permit (also known as an Annual Hazardous Materials Permit or Annual Fire Permit) constitutes permission to maintain, store, use, or handle materials, or to conduct processes which produce conditions hazardous to life or property, or to install equipment used in connection with such activities. You can request an operational permit by emailing SJFD.billing@sanjoseca.gov or by calling 408-795-1869.

An Operational Permit will be issued only after permit fees have been paid. The owner/occupant will need to sign the permit, keep it on the designated premises, and ensure it’s always available for inspection by a fire code official. If you have any questions regarding billing or issuance, please use the contact email or phone number listed above.

Note: Permits shall be in accordance with Section 105 of the 2022 California Fire Code and Chapter 17.12 of the San José Municipal Code. Permits are for a prescribed period or until renewed or revoked.

Although this is a list of common violations, there may be other violations that apply to your business.

1. All fire extinguishers must be serviced annually or after every use.
2. Provide minimum 2A:10BC extinguisher within every 75 feet of travel.
3. Provide minimum 2A:10BC extinguisher for all portable welding carts.
4. Spray booths and spray rooms shall be protected by an approved automatic fire extinguishing system.
5. Provide cover plates for all electrical boxes and outlets.
6. No exposed electrical wiring.
7. Permanent use of extension cords and multi-plug adapters without circuit breakers are prohibited.
8. Sprinkler system must have a five-year service test.
9. Exits and exit passageways must be clear and unobstructed.
10. All compressed cylinders must be secured with a noncombustible strap.
11. Provide a compatible secondary containment for all regulated hazardous materials and hazardous waste, including used batteries.
12. All regulated hazardous materials storage must be labeled. Examples:
    • Waste oil
    • Waste antifreeze
    • Solvents
13. Provide minimum 2A:40-BC extinguisher within 30 feet of all Liquid propane tanks.
14. All oily rags shall be securely stored in metal or metal lined receptacles equipped with a tight-fitting lid.
15. Over 10 gallons of a Class I or Class II flammable combustible liquid must be stored in a flammable liquid storage cabinet.
16. Storage prohibited under exit stairways.
17. Exit illumination must be maintained when building or structure is occupied.
18. All storage must be 2 feet from ceiling and 18 inches from sprinkler head.
19. Building address must be visible from the street.
20. All exit doors must be identified.
21. Maintain 3 feet of clearance in front of electrical panel.
22. Mechanical or electrical rooms shall be kept clear of all combustible storage.
23. All facilities that store hazardous materials or hazardous waste must have a current Hazardous Materials Management Plan on file.

The fire inspector will provide their contact information on a “Notice of Violation.” As soon as violations are corrected, please contact your fire inspector to request a reinspection. Minor violations may not require a reinspection based on fire inspector’s approval; however, compliance documentation is still required as evidence of repair.

If you've completed an annual inspection and no violations were noted or all violations have been repaired, the annual inspection will close.

A “Notice of Completed Inspection” is not automatically provided. If the owner/occupant would like to request a “Notice of Completed Inspection,” they can contact their fire inspector. If you have other questions, please call us at 408-535-7750.

• Blocked fire access lanes and exits
• Unsafe accumulation of combustible materials
• Expired fire extinguishers
• Illegal dumping of hazardous materials 

• Storage of household furniture outside 
  
• Trash/litter/debris/blight 
  
• Overgrown vegetation 
  
• Hazardous residential conditions
  
• Open/unsecure vacant properties
  
• Illegal occupancies 
  
• Graffiti on private property
  
• Construction without permits 
  
• Improper storage of garbage containers 
  
• Vehicles parked on unpaved surfaces
  
• Inoperable vehicles on private property 

• Illegal food sales
• Illegal disposal of hazardous waste 

• Unlicensed care facilities (child or adult care)