SERVICE
Get a fire alarm permit
Apply online to install or replace a fire alarm system.
Fire DepartmentWhat to know
Application requirements
You must be a C-10 contractor with an SF business license to apply for a fire alarm permit.
Approved Architectural plans may be required to move or install devices.
Apply for an electrical permit separately
You will need to have a valid electrical permit before you can request a fire alarm inspection. You can upload the associated electrical permit after you submit the fire alarm permit application.
What to know
Application requirements
You must be a C-10 contractor with an SF business license to apply for a fire alarm permit.
Approved Architectural plans may be required to move or install devices.
Apply for an electrical permit separately
You will need to have a valid electrical permit before you can request a fire alarm inspection. You can upload the associated electrical permit after you submit the fire alarm permit application.
What to do
1. Gather information about your fire alarm system
We will ask you for:
- Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy classification
- Number of devices used (initiating, notification, and control units or power supplies)
- Fire alarm plans, as an upload
- Associated building permit numbers
If your work is for a new install, we will also ask for information about:
- Coverage of the alarm system, in square feet
- Fire Alarm Control Units (FACU)
- Remote annunciator panels
- Number of fixtures (detectors, strobes, speakers, etc)
- Reference architectural plans (optional)
Refer to SF Fire Administrative Bulletin 2.01 for more details about fire alarm and signaling system submittals.
2. Apply for a fire alarm permit online
Licensed contractors can use PermitSF to apply online. The application will ask you about your planned fire alarm work. We will review your application and send you the fee amount.
Work considered over-the-counter in the previous process will be approved in about two business days. Work considered in-house in the previous process will be reviewed in 30 days.
3. Apply for an electrical permit online
You can apply for an electrical permit at the same time as your fire alarm permit, or later.
You must upload a copy of your electrical permit to the fire alarm permit before you can schedule an inspection. We will do a combined fire alarm and electrical inspection.
Special cases
Fire sprinkler monitoring
You will need a fire alarm permit when you use a fire alarm panel to monitor fire sprinkler or suppression systems. We will ask for your sprinkler plans in the fire alarm permit.