SERVICE
Get a fire sprinkler permit
Apply online to install or replace a fire sprinkler or other suppression system.
Fire DepartmentWhat to know
Application requirements
You must be a C-16 licensed contractor with an SF business license to apply for a fire sprinkler permit.
If you are expanding or installing a sprinkler system, you must use water flow information from the past 12 months to design your system. Approved architectural plans may be required before submitting a sprinkler permit application.
Apply for a plumbing or mechanical permit separately
You will need to have a valid plumbing or mechanical permit before we will issue the sprinkler permit. You can upload the associated permit after you submit the fire sprinkler permit application.
What to know
Application requirements
You must be a C-16 licensed contractor with an SF business license to apply for a fire sprinkler permit.
If you are expanding or installing a sprinkler system, you must use water flow information from the past 12 months to design your system. Approved architectural plans may be required before submitting a sprinkler permit application.
Apply for a plumbing or mechanical permit separately
You will need to have a valid plumbing or mechanical permit before we will issue the sprinkler permit. You can upload the associated permit after you submit the fire sprinkler permit application.
What to do
1. Gather information about your suppression system
We will ask you for:
- Information about the building, including type of construction and occupancy classification
- The suppression system plans, as an upload
- Associated building permit numbers
- A PUC fixture count form from the last 2 months, if you're using a combination water meter underground
If your permit is to install or expand a sprinkler system, we will also ask for information about:
- Data from the water flow report, including hydraulic calculations
- Coverage of your sprinkler system, in square feet
- Number of sprinkler heads
- Standpipes
- Fire pumps
- Underground water supply
- Street mains the system will be using
- Monitoring company information
- Fire alarm permit number, if applicable
2. Apply for a fire sprinkler permit online
Licensed contractors can use PermitSF to apply online. The application will ask you about your planned fire sprinkler or suppression system 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 a plumbing or mechanical permit online
You must have a valid plumbing or mechanical permit before we will issue your sprinkler permit.
Special cases
Using a fire alarm panel for monitoring
You will need a fire alarm permit when you use a fire alarm panel to monitor fire sprinkler or suppression systems.