Guidelines & Regulations

Extension Cords

  • Shall not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
  • Use only with portable appliances.
  • Shall not be affixed to structures, extend through walls, ceiling, floors, under doors or floor coverings or subject to physical damage.
  • Shall be in good condition with damage, splices or deterioration.
  • Use power taps in lieu of extension cords. Must plug directly into an outlet.

Exits, Doors & Signage

Exits

  • Exit width of aisles, hallway, stairways, etc. must not be obstructed
  • Exit signs and emergency lighting must be operational
  • Exit doors must open with one action, no dead bolts, no special effort, knowledge or key.

Doors

  • Fire doors must be maintained closed, latched and with smoke gaskets

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers required per floor area and story, mounted between three and a half and five feet from the top of the extinguisher to the floor and shall be installed as follows:

  • Offices, schools, churches, apartment, and the like require one fire extinguisher classified 2A,10B:C per 3,000 square feet accessible within 75 feet of travel.
  • Restaurants, retail shops, storage, light manufacturing, laboratories, parking garages, workshops and warehouses typically require one fire extinguisher classified 2A,10B:C per 1,500 square feet accessible within 75 feet of travel.
  • Gasoline stations, commercial kitchens, and special hazards or operations require an extinguisher with higher classifications and shorter travel distances. Please check with the Fire Department for these requirements.
  • State law requires all extinguishers to be serviced annually by a licensed contractor. A service date must be present on the extinguisher.

Fire Systems

Fire systems shall be as follows:

  • Fire sprinkler/standpipe system shall be serviced and certified every five years.
  • Engineered fire extinguishing systems (hood & duct, CO2, dry chemical) shall be serviced every six months.
  • Fire alarm systems shall be serviced annually.
  • Installation or modifications to fire protection systems must be approved and permitted through the Fire Prevention Division.

Premise Identification

  • Address number must be visible from the street and on contrasting background.

Smoke Detectors

  • Check monthly, replace batteries twice per year. Install in bedrooms and hallways.

Storage

Storage shall not be:

  • Within 18 inches of the bottom or horizontally to the sprinkler deflector.
  • Within 24 inches of the ceiling where there are no sprinklers installed.
  • Combustible and kept within 18” of a heat source.
  • Combustible and kept within electrical or mechanical rooms.
  • Obstructing exit doors or paths to exits.

San Mateo County ERRCS Policy & Guideline Manual(PDF, 306KB)

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