Who’s the AHJ for your building?
- City of Los Angeles: the Los Angeles Fire Department publishes Fire Prevention Requirement #105 for emergency responder radio coverage.1,3
- Unincorporated areas and contract cities: the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County enforces ERRCS under the Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32).2
- Cities with their own fire departments — Burbank, Culver City, Monterey Park, and others — publish their own specifications.3
LA County Fire: third-party review and inspection
In 2024 LA County Fire contracted an outside firm to review ERRCS benchmark test data and design plans, inspect head-ends and test grids, and perform annual inspections of existing systems. The initial 20-grid test area covers up to 25,000 sq ft, with larger buildings inspected in additional 20-grid areas.2 Plan for that review in your schedule.
Burbank: one of the strictest local standards
| Applies to | 2+ levels above grade, any below-grade level, or 12,000+ sq ft |
|---|---|
| Signal / quality | −95 dBm uplink and downlink; DAQ 3.4; BER ≤ 2% |
| Coverage | 95% general areas, 99% critical areas |
| Secondary power | 24-hour dedicated battery, or generator plus 12-hour battery |
| Survivability | Matches building rating, 2-hour minimum |
| Credentials | FCC GROL and NICET IB-PSC; C-7 or C-10 contractor license |
| Operation | Annual Permit to Operate from the frequency licensee |
Source: Burbank ERRCS Regulations.4
How we help in Los Angeles
We design to the specific AHJ’s standard, prepare the submittal, and coordinate licensee approval. In Southern California we also offer design-to-install through licensed installation partners.
Frequently asked questions
Does Los Angeles require an ERRCS in new buildings?
California’s fire code requires an ERCES in new buildings unless an exception applies, and LA-area fire departments enforce it through their own standards. The responsible department depends on your building’s location.
Who reviews ERRCS plans for LA County Fire?
LA County Fire uses a contracted third-party firm for ERRCS plan review, benchmark test review, and inspections.
References
- Los Angeles Fire Department — Requirement #105. issuu.com
- Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors letter: ERRCS testing, review and inspection services contract (July 23, 2024). file.lacounty.gov
- LACCD A/E Bulletin 2021-001R1 — Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (lists LA-area AHJ requirements). www.build-laccd.org
- City of Burbank Fire Department — ERRCS Regulations (effective Sept. 1, 2025). www.burbankca.gov
- 2025 California Fire Code, Section 510. gocodebook.com
General information, not a substitute for your AHJ’s current requirements or a project-specific design. Local standards change; confirm with the fire code official.