Contractors: fire protection systems: fire safety: State Fire Marshal.

The Contractors' State License Law provides for the licensure and regulation of contractors by the Contractors' State License Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law provides that the installation of a fire protection system may be performed only by a contractor holding a fire protection contractor classification, or by an owner-builder of an owner-occupied, single-family dwelling, as specified. This bill would additionally authorize, until January 1, 2017, the installation of a residential fire protection system for a one- or 2-family dwelling by a contractor holding a fire protection contractor classification or a plumbing contractor classification, as defined in the regulations of the board. The bill would also state the intent of the Legislature with respect to these matters. Existing law requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to be administered by the State Fire Marshal. Existing law authorizes the State Fire Marshal to adopt regulations in specified circumstances and requires the State Fire Marshal to aid in the enforcement of building standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal and published in the State Building Standards Code relating to fires or to fire prevention and protection. This bill would authorize the State Fire Marshal to propose, adopt, and administer the regulations that he or she deems necessary in order to ensure fire safety in buildings and structures and would require regulations that are building standards to be submitted to the State Building Standards Commission for approval. The bill would authorize the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect reasonable fees to implement these provisions. The bill would make conforming changes.