WHEN IS A FIRE ALARM PERMIT REQUIRED?

A Fire Alarm Permit is required for all work involving installations, alterations or modifications of a fire alarm system.

Purpose

The purpose of a Fire Alarm Permit is to ensure the system’s compliance with life safety and building codes.

WHAT IS THE FIRE ALARM PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

Requirements:
The applicant must complete a Fire Protection System permit application, which includes the name of a contact person. Two through five sets of folded plans (depending on the number of plans the applicant wants returned) and a $100 filing fee must be submitted with the application.

Process:
Plans are submitted to a permit technician between the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. The applicant may request a free screening on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The screening assesses whether the submittal is complete and in conformance with the fire codes (see Preliminary Screening for Fire Protection System Submittals).

Inspection:
Inspections may be arranged by calling (240) 777-2457 between 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

APPEAL INFORMATION

If the permit is denied, the applicant may appeal to the Montgomery County Board of Appeals. Applicants may call the Board of Appeals at (240)777-6600 for further information on the appeal process.

WHAT WILL THIS PERMIT COST?

The fee for the Fire Alarm Permit will vary. A 10% Automation Enhancement Fee will be added to the cost of the permit fee.

WHEN WILL THE PERMIT BE ISSUED?

The Fire Alarm Permit turnaround time varies with workload, goal is two weeks of processing time for regular system plans. If plans are submitted under the Fast-Track system, they can be processed within five working days. To meet the Fast-Track guidelines, plans must be less than 20,000 square feet without requiring a main control panel.

PERMIT DURATION:

The permit is valid for one year from the issue date.