Backflow Testing in San Mateo, CA

Enforced by San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau

Frequencyannual
Rules1
Severityhigh
Providers1

San Mateo enforces NFPA 10 with local amendments that go beyond the CA state code. These jurisdiction-specific changes to No SMCFD-specific amendments to NFPA 10 substantive requirements. The primary local addition is §901.6.3.2: all ITM reports must be submitted electronically to the fire department via a designated third-party platform; paper reports are explicitly prohibited in all three SMCFD jurisdictions (San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont). directly affect backflow testing requirements for building owners and property managers in San Mateo.

Compliance Requirements

Annual Backflow Testing

annualrolling

Enforced by Cal Water/SMCEH. Water service shutoff by Cal Water for failure to test per SMCEH requirements. San Mateo County Ordinance §4.72 authorizes enforcement actions. Tester must be certified by SMCEH (pass SMCEH-administered exam, CA-NV AWWA or equivalent cert, annual Cal Water tester meeting attendance). Test reports submitted to SMCEH; numbered backflow tag affixed to assembly after passing test. Cal Water CPUC Rule No. 16 authorizes disconnection after repeated non-compliance.

CCCPH §3.3.3; CA H&S Code §116800; San Mateo County Ordinance Chapter 4.72 (Backflow Prevention); California Water Service CPUC Rule No. 16; CCCPH (effective July 1, 2024); California Health & Safety Code §116800

View provenance
USC FCCCHR Manual
CCCPH §3.3.3
San Mateo County Ordinance Chapter 4.72 (Backflow Prevention)
research-derivedSource: https://www.smchealth.org/crossconnection

Code Adoptions

NFPA 102022 EditionVerified Apr 3, 2026

Local Amendments: No SMCFD-specific amendments to NFPA 10 substantive requirements. The primary local addition is §901.6.3.2: all ITM reports must be submitted electronically to the fire department via a designated third-party platform; paper reports are explicitly prohibited in all three SMCFD jurisdictions (San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont).

NFPA 252020 EditionVerified Apr 3, 2026

Local Amendments: SMCFD ORD-2025-003 §903.6: automatic sprinkler systems required in existing buildings when additions or alterations exceed 50% of gross floor area over a rolling three-year period. §903.4.3: one approved audible and visual device connected to every automatic sprinkler system; waterflow must actuate building fire alarm where installed. §508.2: fire control room (min 35 sq ft; 200 sq ft for fire pump and high-rise buildings) required in all new sprinklered buildings, accessible from exterior. §901.6.3.2: electronic-only ITM report delivery; paper reports prohibited. Universal automatic sprinkler mandate for all new buildings (§903.2 subsections deleted in favor of blanket rule). No differences between San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

NFPA 722022 EditionVerified Apr 3, 2026

Local Amendments: SMCFD adds: (1) §907.1.6 — new fire alarm systems must be UL-Certified (UUFX classification from Underwriters Laboratories). (2) §907.1.6.1 — UL certificate posted in durable transparent cover within 3 feet of FACP within 45 days of final acceptance test. (3) §510.4.2.10 — new ERCES systems must be UL-Certified. (4) §510.5.3 — designer must hold FCC general radio operator's license and NICET certification; installation by C-7, C-10, or C-16 licensed contractor; testing by NICET or IEEE certified personnel. (5) §901.6.3.2 — all NFPA 72 ITM reports submitted electronically; paper prohibited. No differences between San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

NFPA 962021 EditionVerified Apr 3, 2026

Local Amendments: No SMCFD-specific amendments to NFPA 96 substantive requirements. The universal §901.6.3.2 electronic ITM reporting requirement applies to kitchen hood suppression system reports. §324 in ORD-2025-003 (mobile food preparation vehicles) requires San Mateo County Health Department sticker — an SMCFD local addition. SMCFD AHJ has authority to require more frequent hood cleaning than NFPA 96 Table 11.4 minimums based on observed grease accumulation. No differences between San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

NFPA 1012021 (referenced, not independently adopted; life safety enforced via CBC and CFC) EditionVerified Apr 3, 2026

Local Amendments: SMCFD ORD-2025-003 §1009.3.1 (Convenience Stair, ADDED): in buildings four or more stories in height, convenience stairs not required as exits shall be limited to connecting only two floors. No other CFC Chapter 10 amendments identified. Exit sign, emergency lighting (NFPA 101 §§7.9-7.10.9), and fire door inspection requirements enforced via CFC Chapter 10, NFPA 80, and CFC §703. No differences between San Mateo, Foster City, and Belmont.

Authority Having Jurisdiction

San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau

city

Phone(650) 522-7940

Emailfire@smcfire.org

Licensed Providers

1 provider serve San Mateo

Fitzgerald Tomas Construction

(650) 910-3984

Fitzgerald Tomas Construction has served San Mateo and the broader Bay Area since 2012, holding General Engineering (A), Fire Protection (C16), and Plumbing (C36) contractor classifications. The company provides fire sprinkler installation and inspection, fire extinguisher service, backflow testing, and kitchen hood cleaning across communities including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Palo Alto, and Redwood City. With a 5-star Google rating based on 31 reviews, Fitzgerald Tomas Construction delivers fire protection services backed by multi-discipline licensing and over a decade of regional experience. CSLB license 979673 remains active and in good standing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often is backflow testing required in San Mateo?

San Mateo requires backflow testing once per year per CCCPH §3.3.3; CA H&S Code §116800; San Mateo County Ordinance Chapter 4.72 (Backflow Prevention); California Water Service CPUC Rule No. 16; CCCPH (effective July 1, 2024); California Health & Safety Code §116800. The deadline type is rolling, with a deadline of 12 months from last passing test.

Who is the AHJ for backflow testing in San Mateo?

The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for backflow testing in San Mateo is the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau. The AHJ reviews inspection reports, issues violations, and has final authority over code interpretation. Contact the fire marshal, Carisa Workman, for questions.

What happens if I miss a backflow testing deadline in San Mateo?

Missing a backflow testing deadline in San Mateo can result in Enforced by Cal Water/SMCEH. Water service shutoff by Cal Water for failure to test per SMCEH requirements. San Mateo County Ordinance §4.72 authorizes enforcement actions. Tester must be certified by SMCEH (pass SMCEH-administered exam, CA-NV AWWA or equivalent cert, annual Cal Water tester meeting attendance). Test reports submitted to SMCEH; numbered backflow tag affixed to assembly after passing test. Cal Water CPUC Rule No. 16 authorizes disconnection after repeated non-compliance. The penalty severity is classified as high.

What edition of NFPA 10 does San Mateo enforce?

San Mateo enforces the 2022 edition of NFPA 10. This matches the current published edition. Adopted through 2025 California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9, based on 2024 IFC with California amendments). CFC Chapter 9 and Chapter 80 adopt NFPA 10-2022 by reference. Title 19 CCR Chapter 3 (§§565-617) governs California-specific licensing and service requirements..

Data current as of April 2026