2025 Wildfire Rebuild Hydrants and Access FAQ
Q: I have received a Hydrants and Access and/or “distance to fire station”, how can I get this reviewed and cleared?
All requests for plan check/clearance are required to be submitted through the FIMS Customer Portal at inspect.lafd.org. If multiple permits issued require LAFD clearance, only (1) application needs to be submitted with all of the permits requiring clearance listed within that application. While there is only space dedicated to provide one permit number, all remaining permit (PCIS) numbers need to be listed in one of the available comment boxes within the application. Please refer to our 2025 Wildfire FIMS Application Instructions for guidance.
Q: The address of my project is “not found” in the FIMS Portal when completing my application, how can I proceed?
Some addresses are not recognized in the system and unfortunately, there is currently no option to manually enter an address. Should this occur, please select an address in the system that is close to the property address and in one of the comment boxes within the application, please note the correct property address. During the application screening process, LAFD staff has the ability to manually enter the correct address.
Q: My application was returned to me with “missing information”, how can I address this issue?
If you received this notice, this means that LAFD staff has reviewed the application and noted an item or items that need to be corrected in order accept the application. Applications returned “missing information” and always provided with comments from LAFD staff. The comments regarding the “missing information” can be viewed within the FIMS Customer Portal under the project information and will be included in the automatically generated email when the application is returned. Please carefully review the comments provided and once the application is returned, you can then edit the application and resubmit the corrected application back to LAFD staff for review.
Q: Are over the counter plan checks performed in person?
At this time, we are not providing over the counter plan checks. All projects are electronically submitted through the FIMS portal and 2025 wildfire rebuild projects are prioritized and promptly assigned to an Inspector with an anticipated response within 510 business days.
Q: How can I track the current status of my project?
The current status of any project can be viewed within the FIMS Customer Portal. An automated email will be sent to the applicant’s email each time the status is changed. Once it has been assigned, the email of the assigned Inspector will be shown in the project information on the FIMS Customer Portal.
Q: I received an email that a payment is due, but fees are meant to be waived and the balance due shows $0.
The system is designed to generate automated emails at each status change and unfortunately cannot recognize the difference in wildfire rebuild projects. All eligible wildfire rebuild projects will have the fees waived and no balance is due. Although that email is received, the status within the FIMS Customer Portal for the project should show “pending assignment”.
Q: The status of my project shows “corrections issued”, but I cannot locate the corrections in the portal. How can I locate the corrections?
Unfortunately, the corrections issued cannot be viewed within the portal. If corrections are issued, the Inspector will email the applicant noted in the FIMS application directly.
Q: What happens once my project is approved?
A stamped set of plans will be emailed to the applicant listed in the FIMS application and the clearances will be electronically cleared in the system by the approving inspector.
Q: I received a supplemental permit or a new clearance issued on the original permit that requires Hydrants and Access review and approval, how can I get this cleared?
Any supplemental permits issued that require Hydrants and Access review or if a new Hydrants and Access clearance is issued by LADBS on the original permit, a new application will need to be submitted though the FIMS Portal for review. The fees will still be waived for all eligible projects and the project will still be promptly assigned.
Q: I need a re-stamp on my final set of plans for RTI, how do I obtain a re-stamp?
Requests for re-stamps can be emailed to the approving Inspector directly. To help facilitate the request, it is best to provide the original approved set along with the new set to be stamped.
Q: Does the Fire Department have any special requirements being implemented for rebuild projects?
At this time, the Fire Department is not imposing any special requirements for 2025 Wildfire Rebuild projects. Projects are being reviewed in accordance with the Chapter 5 of the Los Angeles City Fire Code.
Q: Who can assist with brush clearance requirements or questions?
LAFD Hydrants and Access does not oversee brush clearance requirements. All questions and/or concerns relating to brush clearance can be directed to the LAFD Brush Clearance Unit at lafdbrush@lacity.org or in person at their office at 6262 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 451. You can also access additional information via their webpage at https://lafd.org/fire-prevention/brush
Q: How can I contact Hydrants and Access personnel with additional questions?
LAFD Hydrants and Access Inspectors are available Monday through Friday at the Inspections and Permitting Support Center located at 16925 Marquez Ave. (NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED). You may also use the link below to schedule either an inperson or virtual counter appointment with our Metro or Van Nuys offices through the BuildLA appointment system. https://appointments.lacity.org/apptsys/Public/Account You may also send an email our general email at lafdhydrants@lacity.org and your inquiry will be assigned to an Inspector for follow-up.