Inspections

Why do we perform Annual Fire Inspections in our community?
The Annual Fire Inspection Program is to reduce the risk in the community by applying Fire Code Standards to non-residential structures, residential structures over three units on a parcel, and developments in the community. The goal is to prevent fires, and loss of life and protect the environment through education and enforcement.

What is the New Electronic Fire Inspection Program?
In January 2021 the Montebello Fire Department will be deploying an electronic fire inspection program. This program will increase our efficiency with filling out forms and emailing results in a matter of minutes. Allowing our customers to communicate with us through email and have the ability to pay online immediately after the inspection. It will also protect the environment by reducing the use of paper and reducing waste.

I just had a Fire Inspection, what happens next?
If your property requires a State-Mandated inspection that is not construction related, your inspection will be recorded through a digital software Streamline. When a fire inspection has been completed streamline will immediately send a copy of the inspection report to the email that is on record (Please provide the inspectors the most updated emails).

The Email sent will be on of two types of letter. 

1.A letter of congratulation with a pass for the annual inspections

2. A letter of an Order to Comply with a list of violations. Re-inspections for the corrections on violations will be required and will be scheduled an average of 30 days after the initial inspection at the discretion of the Fire Inspectors. 

If I Correct my Violations, do I still need to pay the inspection fee?
Yes, the $112.00 Inspection fee is a flat rate fee that is charged for the initial inspection. 

Initial Inspection/ Annual Inspection fee- $112.00
1st Re-inspection – No Charge
2nd And Subsequent Re-inspections $112.00 

Why are there fees associated with the fire inspection program?
This fee study was approved by City Council and recognized as resolution 18-50A. This fee resolution can be reviewed at the City Clerk’s Office, Montebello City Hall

How do I pay for my Fire Inspection?
Payment depends on the type of inspection that is conducted.

A construction related inspection will be charged along with the permitting fees in the plan review process, you may refer to the City Fee Schedule for a general overview of inspection costs.

A State Mandated Inspection will be billed through the Billing Company Fire Recovery which issues invoices that are emailed to the point of contact stated on the Business License after the completion of State-Mandated Fire Inspections. In the email the options provided for payment are as follows:

1. A link will be provided for credit card payment. (+Processing Fee)  

2. A check can be mailed to 

CITY OF MONTEBELLO
FIRE RECOVERY USA, LLC
P.O. BOX 548
ROSEVILLE, CA 95678-0548

Please do not issue any form of payment to the City of Montebello Finance Department at City Hall. Sending Checks to the fire department or City Hall will delay the payment process and may result in a loss of payment, late fee, or a call from collections due to a missing payment. 

Why am I being charged two times in one year?
The City of Montebello CRRD department conducts state mandated annual inspections, those inspections are conducted throughout the calendar year. If there are pending violations from the previous year, a re-inspection will be required to clear violations. The Annual inspection for the new calendar year will still need to be conducted for record of an annual inspection completed. Inspections will not overlap and payment for both will be charged.  

How can I view my inspection results?
Your Inspection results will be emailed to you immediately after the inspection is completed. It is critical to have a valid email address and provide this information to the Fire Inspector during the inspection or contact Montebello Fire Department, Community Risk Reduction Division (323) 887-4507.

Do I Need a Temporary Use Permit? (TUP)
Additionally, fire permits for certain activities, practices, or operations that have been determined by the Fire Code to warrant closer scrutiny to ensure safety and compliance with the Codes are issued by our Community Risk Reduction Division. Some examples of these activities are:

• Public displays at the mall
• Carnivals and Fairs
• Christmas Tree Lots
• Operation of a Public Assembly
• Open flames in Public areas
• Tents where the Public is invited

To obtain a TUP please contact the Planning Division at 323-887-1490.
For the Application Click Here: City of Montebello
These Types of Activities, Practices, and Operations require a Temporary Use Permit Application followed by a Fire Inspection.

Operational Permits
In the Future Operational Permits will be issued for pre-determined periods of time, upon which continuous inspection will be required.
105.6 Required Operational permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the fire operations set forth in section 105.6.1 through 105.6.50:

• Aerosol Products
• Amusement Buildings
• Aviation Facilities
• Carnivals and Fairs
• Cellulose Nitrate Film
• Combustible dust-producing operation
• Combustible fibers
• Compressed Gases (According to permit amounts by type)
• Covered and open Mall Buildings
• Cryogenic Fluids
• Cutting and Welding
• Pyroxylin plastics
• Refrigeration equipment
• Repair Garages and motor fuel dispensing facilities
• Spraying or dipping
• Storage of Scrap Tires and tire byproducts
• Tire Rebuilding Plants
• Waste Handling
• Wood Products
• Installation or removal of Underground Fuel Tanks and Above ground Fuel Tanks
• Use or Storage of Flammable Liquids

Additional Permits In addition to the permits required by section 105.6 the following permits shall be obtained from the Bureau of Fire Prevention prior to the engaging in the following activities, opportunities, practices or functions.
• Production Facilities
• Pyrotechnic and Special Effects

Required Permits
A.105.7 Required Construction Permits the Fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits in:

Automatic Fire extinguishing Systems
• Battery Systems
• Capacitor Energy Storage Systems
• Compressed Gases
Exceptions:
o 1.Routine Maintenance
o 2.Emergency Repair Work
• Cryogenic Fluids
• Emergency Responder radio coverage systems
• Fire Alarm and Detection systems and related equipment
• Fire pumps and Related Equipment
• Flammable and combustible liquids
• Fuel Cell Power Systems
• Gas Detection Systems
• Gates and Barricades along fire apparatus access roads
• Hazardous Materials
• High Piled Combustible Storage
• Industrial ovens
• LP Gas
• Motor Vehicle repair rooms and booths
• Plant extraction Systems
• Private Fire Hydrants
• Smoke control or smoke exhaust systems
• Solar Photovoltaic power systems
• Special Event Structure
• Spraying or Dipping
• Standpipe Systems
• Temporary Membrane Structures


Community Risk Reduction Division
[email protected]