Downey reviews its own sprinkler plans
Downey has had its own fire department since September 1957, when the city took over fire protection from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. That changes where your drawings go.
Plan check for fire sprinkler systems is handled by the Downey Fire Department's Fire Prevention Division, which is led by an Assistant Fire Chief who also serves the city as Fire Marshal. Its Plan Check Section works with the city's Building and Safety Division. Design and submittal come first.
The code your system is built to
In January 2026 the city adopted the 2025 California Fire Code with local amendments. Downey's Fire Marshal has described those amendments as mainly organizational, with no substantive policy changes proposed. Older city pages may still cite 2016. Confirm the current edition with Fire Prevention before the design is final.
How a new installation goes
Most jobs follow five steps.
- Site walk: we look at how the building is used, what's stored in it and how high, since those answers set the design.
- Water supply: a sprinkler design depends on the pressure and flow available at your connection, so we get that data before sizing any pipe.
- Plan check: the layout and hydraulic calculations go to the Fire Prevention Division for review.
- Installation: crews run the riser, mains, branch lines and heads to the approved plans.
- Testing: the piping is pressure tested, then the system goes through the inspections your permit calls for.
Adding on to an existing system
Tenant improvements and additions often extend a system that's already in the building. Will the old design still cover the space? It may not, if the hazard or storage changes. Have it evaluated first.
For repairs and upkeep on a system that already works, see our Downey fire sprinkler service page, and restaurant owners can go straight to restaurant sprinkler inspections in Downey.
To start a Downey sprinkler project, call (213) 568-0188 or email socal@1profire.com with the address. Send a rough floor plan too, if you have one. Tell us what's stored inside.
Our services include
Who does the work
California work for 1 Pro Fire is performed by Hedrick Fire Protection, a C-16 fire protection and C-10 electrical contractor that is also licensed by the State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems. It covers install and upkeep.
Downey sprinkler installation questions
Once it's installed, how often does the system need service?
NFPA 25 calls for quarterly and annual inspections, plus a 5-year internal pipe assessment and gauge replacement or testing, and California's Title 19 adds a 5-year service and certification. That work must be done by a State Fire Marshal licensed contractor.
Who supplies the water for a sprinkler system in Downey?
The City of Downey runs its own water utility through Public Works. We confirm the supply at your connection during design.
Do you handle fire alarms too?
Yes. See our Downey fire alarm page.
Can I get an installation price over the phone?
Not for a full installation. Cost depends on the building's size, its hazard and the water supply at the connection, so we quote once we've seen the site and any plans you have.