California Code § 101171(a)(1): Fire Clearance Process
What Is California Code § 101171(a)(1): Fire Clearance Process?
California Code § 101171(a)(1)
The request for fire clearance shall be made through and maintained by the Department.
💬What Providers Tell Us
Based on community experience — not official guidance
This one trips up providers who try to handle fire clearance directly with their local fire department. The clearance must go through CCLD, not through your own request to the fire marshal. If you contact the fire department yourself and get an inspection, that doesn't count for licensing purposes. CCLD coordinates the request, receives the clearance, and maintains it in your file. Inspectors check whether your clearance is current in CCLD's system, not whether you have a piece of paper from the fire department. If your clearance is expiring, contact your licensing analyst to initiate the renewal process well in advance.
Source: California CCLD inspection records | Data as of Mar 19, 2026. Updated weekly.
2 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days.
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What Other Providers Do for Fire Clearance Process
Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.
✓ Common Practices
❌ Common Mistakes
- Requesting fire clearance directly from the local fire department instead of going through CCLD. Providers assume any fire inspection satisfies the requirement, but the regulation specifically states clearance must be 'made through and maintained by the Department.' A fire inspection you arranged yourself doesn't appear in CCLD's tracking system.
- Not tracking fire clearance expiration dates independently. Providers rely on CCLD to notify them when renewal is due, but delays in the state system can result in a lapsed clearance discovered during a licensing visit. Keep your own calendar reminder 90 days before expiration.
- Assuming fire clearance transfers when you renovate or change your facility layout. Major modifications, room repurposing, or capacity changes can require a new fire clearance. Providers complete renovations and don't realize their existing clearance may no longer cover the modified space.
- Losing track of clearance documentation during ownership or director changes. The clearance is maintained by CCLD, but during transitions, providers sometimes can't confirm its status. Inspectors verify clearance is current in the state system, and if there's any gap, it's cited immediately.
What's Being Cited in Each Region Over the Past 90 Days
Based on facility inspection reports filed with California's Community Care Licensing Division, here's how this citation appears across different regions in the past 90 days.
Data updated weekly from CCLD public records. Last update: 3/19/2026
A single Type A citation can cost $150–$500+ in civil penalties — not counting the follow-up inspection it triggers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.
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Related Violations
This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed childcare compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.