Fire Sprinkler Requirements

Sprinkler systems provide increased protection for lives and property. The City of Foster City therefore requires installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems in all new construction and under many circumstances during re-modeling of existing structures. These requirements apply to every type of building in the City -- residential, commercial and industrial.

Automatic fire sprinkler systems are required for all new residential construction. Additionally, fire sprinklers are required for existing residences when repairs exceed fifty percent of the original square footage or when proposed additions within a 24-month period exceed fifty percent of the original square footage.

For more specific information on when an automatic fire sprinkler system is required in a residence, or for information on sprinkler systems in commercial or industrial buildings, please contact the Foster City Building Department (Building@fostercity.org or 286-3200) or the Foster City Fire Prevention Bureau (Fire@fostercity.org or 286-3350).