Residential Apartment Inspections (R1R2) are requirements set forth by the State Fire Marshal to ensure all properties that fall within the program’s criteria are compliant with the general fire/life safety provisions. All multifamily residential apartment buildings in the state of California consisting of three or more units and up to 15 shall be inspected by the local fire authority. The routine annual inspection will be conducted on your property with a primary goal of public education.
For additional information, please feel free to contact the LAFD Fire Prevention Bureau at LAFD.R1R2@lacity.org or (213) 978-3583. Please note that due to high volume of callers there is no more room available in the voicemail. Email is strongly recommended.
UPDATE AS OF JULY 2024:
Due to high volume of calls, there is no room available in the mailbox. Please email photos with your APN/Address in the subject line to LAFDR1R2@lacity.org in order to clear your violations. Also, if Item 52 (Provide a clear space not less than 30 inches in width, 36 inches in depth and 78 inches in height in front of all electrical service equipment (Sec.604)) is one of your violations, please email us before you do any work on your property.
Reference Material
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (R1R2) INSPECTION PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)
Q. Why have I received this notice, “Notice of Violation” (NOV) from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Fire Prevention Bureau (FPB)?
• During a recent fire/life safety inspection of your property, our Inspector found a fire code violation(s) needing your immediate attention. You can anticipate a follow-up inspection in 31-days from the date of inspection. The focus of the follow-up inspection will be on clearing the items on your NOV. For further information please feel free to contact the FPB through the highlighted website information at the bottom of your notice.
Q. Why is my apartment building being inspected by the fire department?
• In 2008, the California State Fire Marshal determined that all multi-family residential apartment buildings in the State of California consisting of three or more units (R1/R2 properties) shall be inspected annually by the local Fire Departments throughout the state. It was determined through data received from the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department that your property falls within this category. In an attempt to meet the requirements set forth by the State Fire Marshal, the FPB has developed, evaluated, and implemented a uniform and equitable plan to inspect all properties in its jurisdiction that fall within these criteria.
Q. What will be the areas of focus during the Fire Department inspection?
• A routine annual inspection will be conducted on your property with a primary goal of public education. As noted in the inspection record, the inspector will focus on the building perimeter and common areas (i.e., bonus rooms, laundry areas, etc.). Historically, each property/building class has a unique set of inherent dangers; the FPB has developed an inspection record to be utilized by the Inspectors during such inspection. As a property owner, operator, and/or manager, you are encouraged to immediately conduct a walk-through of your specific property(s) and utilize this form as a guide.
Q. Is there a cost associated with the Fire Department inspection being conducted?
• No, currently the inspection being conducted on your property has no direct cost associated unless your property is found to be in violation and you fail to make the corrections in the time allotted. The FPB is however, working through City procedures to establish a reasonable and fair cost recovery plan which should be applicable starting January 01, 2019.
Q. What am I required to do prior to the inspection?
• If you have been maintaining your property in compliance with general fire/life safety requirements, as the property owner/manager you have no pre-inspection responsibilities. You are strongly encouraged to immediately conduct a thorough walk-through of your property with focus on the areas identified on the “R1/R2 Inspection record.”
Q. How will I know when my building will be inspected?
• Inspections are being conducted on a systematic basis with consideration of the R1/R2 density and potential for fire, life, and panic emergencies. The R1/R2 compliance plan has a minimum performance goal of completing all associated R1/R2 routine annual inspections and follow-up compliance inspections each calendar year. You can anticipate that your property will be inspected sometime between March 12, 2018 and March 12, 2019 and annually thereafter. If your property is found to be in violation of any of the associated codes during your annual inspection, you will receive additional compliance inspections until your property is found to be compliant with all associated fire codes. The additional compliance inspections will come with a cost to the property owner at the established city rate and is subject to legal action by the City Attorney.
Q. How will I know the results of the inspection on my property?
• During the routine inspection, the Inspector will make a reasonable effort to obtain the owner’s and/or manager’s contact information (email, hard copy or phone). This data will allow the Inspector or clerical staff to establish direct contact with the responsible party of the property and electronically forward inspection results and all related documents. The FPB is committed to reducing its carbon footprint at every possible opportunity.
Q. How can I find additional information about this inspection program?
• For additional information, please feel free to contact the LAFD FPB at LAFD.R1R2@lacity.org or (213) 978-3583.