Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)

RCFEs provide care, supervision, and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming. They may also provide incidental medical services under special care plans. The facilities provide services to persons 60 years of age and over and persons under 60 with compatible needs. RCFEs may also be known as assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and board and care homes. The facilities can range in size from 6 beds or less to over 100 beds. The residents in these facilities require varying levels of personal care and protective supervision. Because of the wide range of services offered by RCFEs, consumers should look closely at the programs of each facility to see if the services will meet their needs.

Policies & Procedures

View the City of Poway Fire Department Policies and Procedures for Residential Care Facilities 2010 (CBC / CFC) (PDF).

RCFE Pre-Inspection

To obtain a RCFE pre-inspection, complete the Residential Care Facility Pre-Inspection Form (PDF) and return it with a check in the amount of $133 payable to the City of Poway. This fee is for the 1st hour of pre-inspection services. Additional fees may be charged if more time is required. The form and payment can be submitted using the following options:

  • Email to: Senior Fire Safety Inspector
  • Mail to: City of Poway Fire Department
    P. O. Box 789
    Poway, CA 92074-0789
  • Deliver to: City of Poway Fire Department
    13325 Civic Center Drive
    2nd floor
    Poway, CA 92064

Please note the Fire Department office hours:

  • Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed every other Friday)