Plan. Prevent. Protect.

Compliance Without Compromise.

Clear, cost-conscious guidance that balances safety with project goals.

From Code to Confidence.

Navigating regulations so you can focus on your property or special event.

Fire and building codes are constantly evolving, updated every few years to reflect new hazards, technologies, and address lessons learned from emergencies.

What was code compliant just three years ago may no longer meet today’s requirements. Local amendments, administrative bulletins, and new City ordinances only add to the complexity and confusion, creating a maze of regulations that owners and event producers struggle to keep up with.

That’s where Code 403 comes in. With over 20 years of experience navigating regulatory changes, we advocate for you — keeping your project, event, or violation abatement ahead of the curve—avoiding fines, delays, or costly surprises. More importantly, Code 403 delivers peace of mind: compliance you can defend, safety you can trust, and confidence amid ever-evolving regulations.

At Code 403, we believe safety doesn’t need to be complicated. Fire codes are dense, technical, and ever-changing—but we translate them into clear, actionable steps that owners, managers, and event producers can actually use. Instead of overwhelming you with jargon, we provide straightforward guidance that aligns with your project goals, timelines, and budget.

Safety Made Simple.

Straightforward solutions that transform complex codes into peace of mind.

From previewing your plans to coordinating with fire and building inspectors, we take the guesswork out of compliance so you can focus on running your business or event. Our hands-on approach ensures you not only meet the requirements but also understand the reasoning behind them. The result is less stress, fewer surprises, and complete confidence that life safety is built into every decision. At Code 403, safety truly is made simple.

Smart Strategies. Safer Outcomes.

A proven process that reduces risk, delays, and costly rework.

With Code 403’s smart strategies, you get code compliant, cost-controlled outcomes. We front-load project analysis and align early with the Authority Having Jurisdiction’s (AHJ’s) requirements so you can understand the project’s needs, obtain like-for-like bids, lock in the scope, and avoid costly unknowns.


Code 403 translates fire and building codes into clear, buildable steps to guide you through the permitting, plan review, and inspection process — keeping your project on schedule and on budget.


Result: faster approvals, fewer change orders, and a well-documented code compliance record that protects people, property, and your bottom line — delivering safer outcomes.

Trusted Expertise. Proven Results.

Decades of fire code experience turned into practical solutions.

Ken Cofflin

From the firehouse to fire prevention, I spent 27 years at the San Francisco Fire Department—firefighter, inspector, captain, and ultimately the Fire Marshal in the Bureau of Fire Prevention & Investigation.

Over two decades in fire prevention, I authored San Francisco Fire Code amendments across three triennial cycles, so I understand the how, why, and intent behind what Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) enforce.

That inside-out expertise helps you anticipate objections early, right-size scope, and secure faster approvals for mandated work like the sleeping-area fire-alarm sounder upgrade and residential high-rise sprinklers, including exemptions or phased compliance where allowed.

Result: required life-safety solutions in place sooner, fewer change orders, and the highest safe, code-compliant occupant loads—on schedule and within budget.

Ret. SFFD Fire Marshal

Our Services

  • General Consulting

    • Code interpretations, occupancy questions, permit guidance

  • Site Evaluations & Field Visits

    • Includes summary letter addressing concerns witnessed during visit

  • High-Level Strategy

    • Code upgrade exemptions, AHJ interpretations, appeals support

  • Report Writing

    • Exemption letters, compliance plans, alternate means request

  • Expert Testimony/Legal Support

Fixed-Fee Services

  • SF Residential High-Rise Sprinkler Exemption Evaluation

  • Fire Marshal Letter Rebuttal or Appeal Preparation

  • Life Safety Deficiency Walkthrough & Action Plan

  • Pre-Permit Compliance review & Guidance Letter

  • Historic Building Compliance Consultation

Contact Us

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