C-16 Fire Protection Contractor license in California

Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list

• 2,266licenses hold C-16
• 97.3%Clear (CA addresses)
• 33.1%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 99.9%contractor's bond on file
• 18 yrsmedian time licensed
• 70.2%businesses, not sole owners

C-16 contractors lay out, fabricate and install fire protection systems and the equipment that goes with them. That mostly means fire sprinklers, in homes and in commercial buildings. Old D-13 Fire Extinguisher Systems work now sits under this class as well.

The license matters in a project with several trades. California law bars a B General Building contractor from contracting for C-16 work unless it holds the C-16 or subcontracts to someone who does. Electrical fire alarm systems are excluded from C-16.

Typical work under C-16

• Residential fire sprinkler systems
• Commercial sprinkler systems
• Standpipes and fire protection piping
• Fire extinguisher systems
• Sprinkler head relocation during a remodel

Work that needs a different license

• Fire alarm panels and wiring: C-10 Electrical
• A new water line from the meter: C-36 Plumbing
• Garden irrigation sprinklers: C-27 Landscaping or C-61/D-12 Synthetic Products

Tips before hiring

• If your general contractor's bid includes sprinklers, ask for the C-16 subcontractor's license number and look it up.
• For an ADU or addition, ask early whether sprinklers are required; it affects the budget.
• Ask whether the crew will need to open ceilings, and who patches them afterward.

Where C-16 contractors are

The cities with the most C-16 license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. Fire Protection Contractors in San Francisco: 99
2. Fire Protection Contractors in Los Angeles: 62
3. Fire Protection Contractors in Glendale: 50
4. Fire Protection Contractors in San Jose: 40
5. Fire Protection Contractors in Bakersfield: 31
6. Fire Protection Contractors in Sacramento: 27
7. Fire Protection Contractors in Anaheim: 25
8. Fire Protection Contractors in Burbank: 24
9. Fire Protection Contractors in San Diego: 24
10. Fire Protection Contractors in Oakland: 22

All fire protection contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-16 license holders, largest first:

• San Francisco (99)
• Los Angeles (62)
• Glendale (50)
• San Jose (40)
• Bakersfield (31)
• Sacramento (27)
• Anaheim (25)
• Burbank (24)
• San Diego (24)
• Oakland (22)
• Santa Rosa (22)
• Fresno (20)

How to verify a C-16 license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm C-16 is listed on the profile.
2. Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
3. Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

• B General Building Contractor
• C-36 Plumbing Contractor
• C-10 Electrical Contractor
• B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.

More license types: ← C-15 Flooring and Floor Covering Contractors · C-17 Glazing Contractor →