Welcome to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fire Prevention Home Page! Here you'll find helpful information to assist you in complying with local, state, federal, and fire safety codes and regulations.

The Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Engineering Unit is staffed with one full-time Fire Inspector / Fire Cause Investigator, three full-time Fire Protection Engineers, one Senior Office Assistant and one Cadet, all under the supervision of the Fire Marshal.

Fire Prevention is tasked with fire and life-safety inspections of a variety of occupancies within Sunnyvale.  These occupancies include facilities that possess fire operations permits such as public assemblies, high piled storage, repair garages, and many more.  Fire Prevention staff also inspect all high rise buildings, schools, healthcare facilities, hazardous materials occupancies, and complex buildings.  Smaller businesses and most apartment buildings receive annual inspections by fire operations personnel (engine and truck companies).

In addition, Fire Prevention personnel are cross-trained as arson, and fire cause and origin investigators. 

Fire Protection Engineering staff review building and fire plans for new construction and tenant improvements, and also conduct the field inspections for projects of this type. 

Engineering staff are available at the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  No appointments are accepted and meetings are on a first‑come, first-served basis.

New State-wide Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm requirements*:

Approved CO devices are required in every new home, effective January 1, 2011.
Approved CO devices are required in every existing single family home, effective July 1, 2011.
Approved CO devices are required in every existing multiple family home, effective January 1, 2013.

Click here for a printable flyer with a complete summary. Click here to get answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ handout).

Only CO devices that are approved by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office (CSFMO) and listed by Underwriters Laboratory for “residential use” meet the State requirement for single- and multi-family homes. Click here to see a list of approved CO detectors and alarms.  Click here for help with installation.

Don't wait. Get your CO device today!
* CA 2010 Residential Code, Section 315