Fire Code & Supporting Information

Fire Sprinklers Save Lives!

Annually, fires kill more people in the U.S. than all natural disasters. More than 4,500 individuals perish in fires each year, with 80% of all deaths occurring in homes.

Residential fire sprinklers save lives and limit damage by activating immediately to control a fire. Only the sprinkler closest to the fire activates, stopping fire and smoke from spreading and allowing residents more time to escape. 

New Homes

Fires in new homes are deadlier than in years past. Newer, lightweight building materials and flooring burn faster and fail quicker. Our belongings and furniture pose an additional hazard; plastic and synthetic materials burn quickly and create deadly smoke as they burn. Today, a home fire can become deadly in two minutes or less. 

If you are considering building a new home or renovating an existing home, ask your builder or contractor about the benefits of adding a fire sprinkler system.

This Home Can Save Your Life Consumer Brochure(PDF, 2MB)

Fire Code

While the City of Mesa Fire Code does not currently require fire sprinklers to be installed in new one and two-family dwellings, it does require that homebuilders offer fire sprinklers as an option to home buyers (see code Section 903.2.2). This means all new home buyers in Mesa should receive fire sprinkler information from the sales office in order to make a more informed decision about the value of fire sprinklers in their new home. Based on national data, the cost of fire sprinklers is approximately $1.35 per square foot – a small price to pay for the protection they provide. 

Fire sprinklers may also be an alternative or requirement where fire department access is limited or adequate flows are not available from hydrants (such as rural properties or private hydrants not maintained by the City - see code Section 503.1.1)

City of Mesa Code of Ordinances/Fire

Advocating for Safety

Mesa Fire and Medical works closely with builders and contractors to educate and support the use of fire sprinkler systems in residential construction. We advocate for these systems as an important part of new construction or renovations because of their proven ability to protect lives and property.  

Download our Residential Sprinkler Information Packet(PDF, 728KB)

Please contact us for more information or educational materials. 

Email: Fireprevention@mesaaz.gov
Office Phone: 480-644-2622

Learn More

• National Fire Sprinkler Association, http://www.nfsa.org/
• Sprinkler Net, http://www.firesprinkler.org/
• Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, http://www.homefiresprinkler.org

Burn Permits

Open Burning and Recreational Fires brochure(PDF, 502KB)

Burning of trash, weeds, leaves, tree branches, and any other rubbish or household trash is prohibited in the City of Mesa.

A digital/electronic AutoCAD .DWG, .DXF file (AutoCAD version 2023 or older) of permit drawings is required to be uploaded to the Development Services DIMES online application system on behalf of Public Safety Fire and Police Departments.

Drawing Requirements for New Construction - Ordinance 4552(PDF, 206KB)

Mobile Food Vendor Permits are issued through the City of Mesa's Tax and Licensing Office.  A fire inspection is required as part of the permitting process.    

• Mobile Food Preparation Vehicle Inspection Brochure(PDF, 553KB)  (City of Mesa)
• Food Truck Inspection Form(PDF, 106KB)  (Arizona State Fire Marshal)
• Food Truck Fact Sheet(PDF, 336KB)  (NFPA)
• LP Gas Alarm for Food Trucks and Trailers English(PDF, 144KB) /Spanish(PDF, 119KB)

Under Arizona law, permissible fireworks are permitted during specified days/holidays. Learn more about fireworks legal sale/use and important safety information. 

Fireworks 

• Propane in its natural state is a colorless, odorless gas. An odorant is added to help detect leaks.  
• Propane is sold in tanks as a liquid which will expand 270 times in volume as a gas.  This gas is heavier than air and will seek the lowest level available.
• Read all label warnings and equipment instructions.  Most newer barbecues and appliances come with an instruction plate securely attached in an obvious place.  
• Make a visual check for leaks, dents, damage, and corrosion - especially around the nozzle.  In addition, apply soap and water to these areas and look for bubbles, the presence of which will indicate a leak (in rare instances, propane gas will experience "odor-fade" so don't depend solely on sniffing to detect leaks).  
• After prolonged storage, check valves and openings for spider webs and other obstructions. Often the appliance gas jet orifices become clogged with grease and soot.  This will be indicated by a gold or orange flame.  Have the jet's orifices cleaned so that a blue flame is seen.  Also, check the connector at the end of the hose and regulator assembly.  
• Most connectors have an O-ring near the nose to assist in forming a seal against leaks.  If the O-ring appears worn or damaged, replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. 
• On barbecues, always open the lid before lighting. If ignition does not take place, turn the control valve off, wait for five minutes, and repeat the lighting procedure.  When you are finished, close the valve on the cylinder first, to allow the propane in the hose to be used up.  After the burner is extinguished, turn the control to the "off" position. 

Lock/Knox boxes provide first responders access to your home in the event of an emergency and you cannot open the door.

You can purchase a lock box for your home by contacting the Knox Company.  You are responsible for the cost and installation. See Lock Box Procedures(PDF, 1MB) for instructions on where to place the box and contact Fire Prevention (fireprevention@mesaaz.gov) once it is installed to request your keys to be locked into the box.

• Occupancy Risk Classification(PDF, 183KB)
• Fire Watch Form(PDF, 125KB)

Outdoor assembly events (special events) shall comply with the current City of Mesa Fire Code requirements for minimum safety.

• Outdoor Special Events Guidance(PDF, 532KB)

Tents and Canopies

The use of cold spark technology in pyrotechnic devices (cold spark machines) has become a popular entertainment effect used in many public events and gatherings, including weddings. The following safety bulletin provides information for consideration before using this effect or type of equipment at any event. 

Special-Effects-Bulletin.pdf(PDF, 628KB)

Learn what action you can take to make your community wildfire resilient.

Firewise