I’ve heard fire districts use the term “turnaround time.” What does that mean, how is it determined, and what is the turnaround time of plans submitted to the Fire Prevention Division for review?
Plans submitted for review are examined by fire safety engineers on a first-in, first-out basis. The term “turnaround time” refers to the time it takes for a fire safety engineer to complete a review (i.e. approve, disapprove or issue comments) on a set of plans submitted to the Fire Prevention Division.

Turnaround time is not “fixed” and depends on several factors, the most critical of those factors being the amount of construction taking place in the jurisdiction at the time plans are submitted. Because turnaround time can be a significant time period, it is important that plans submitted for review are of the highest quality and are as accurate and as detailed as possible.

Plans that are disapproved and have to be resubmitted to the Fire Prevention Division have to start at the end of the queue. Such delays can be costly and can cause serious problems with construction time lines.

Show All Answers

1. I’ve heard fire districts use the terms “fire alarm system” and “sprinkler monitoring alarm system.” What is the difference?
2. I’ve heard fire districts use the term “common-use” area. What is the definition of a common-use area?
3. I’ve heard fire districts use the term “fire flow” when referring to fire hydrant requirements associated with a new project? What does the term “fire flow” really mean?
4. I’ve heard fire districts use the term “turnaround time.” What does that mean, how is it determined, and what is the turnaround time of plans submitted to the Fire Prevention Division for review?
5. I’ve heard building departments and fire districts use the term “variance request.” What exactly is a “variance request”?