§511.0403 Emergency Preparedness Requirements
(a) Local Amendment. Section 403.2, Group A Occupancies, is amended to read as follows:
An approved fire safety and evacuation plan in accordance with Section 404 of the 2025 California Fire Code shall be prepared and maintained for Group A occupancies with an occupant load exceeding 500 and for buildings containing both a Group A occupancy and an atrium. Group A occupancies shall comply with Sections 403.2.1 through 403.2.4 of the 2025 California Fire Code, with the exception of Group A occupancies used exclusively for religious worship with an occupant load less than 2,000.
(b) Local Amendment. Section 403.11.1, Fire Watch Personnel, is amended to read as follows:
Where in the opinion of the Fire Code Official, it is essential for public safety in a place of assembly or any other place where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, or in any occupancy where conditions inside the building increase the potential for a significant hazard, the owner, agent or lessee shall provide one or more fire watch personnel, as required and approved by the Fire Code Official. Such individuals shall be subject to the Fire Code Official’s orders at all times when so employed. Fire watch personnel shall comply with sections 403.11.1.1, 403.11.1.2, and 403.11.1.3.
(c) Local Amendment. Section 403.11.1.1, Duty Times, is amended to read as follows:
Fire watch personnel shall remain on duty while places requiring a fire watch are open to the public, when an activity requiring a fire watch is being conducted, or as directed by the Fire Code Official.
(d) Local Amendment. Section 403.11.1.2, Duties, is amended to read as follows:
On-duty fire watch personnel shall have the following responsibilities:
(1) Inspect the required fire appliances provided to see that they are in proper place and in good working order;
(2) Keep diligent watch for fires, obstructions to means of egress and other hazards;
(3) Take prompt measures for remediation of hazards and extinguishment of fires that occur; and
(4) Take prompt measures to assist in the evacuation of the public from the structures.
(e) Local Addition. Section 403.11.1.3, Qualifications, is added as follows:
Fire watch personnel shall have the following qualifications:
(1) Fire safety training to recognize fire hazards, implement prevention techniques, and competently use a fire extinguisher or other firefighting equipment;
(2) Immediate and direct access to 911 or other emergency services, as well as the means to promptly notify all building occupants; and
(3) Must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English to facilitate critical communication with building occupants and San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel during an emergency.
(f) Local Addition. Section 403.11.1.4, Fire Safety Officer, is added as follows:
Where fire watch personnel are required under section 403.11.1 of the 2025 California Fire Code, the Fire Code Official is authorized to require the presence of one or more Fire Safety Officers if it is determined that their presence is necessary to ensure public safety.
The City shall charge the permittee the cost of such services under section 511.0108 of the San Diego Fire Code. Timecards of the assigned personnel shall constitute the official record of the expended work hours.
(Amended 1-29-2026 by O-22043 N.S.; effective 2-28-2026.)
