Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Allen County, Indiana

Fire alarm contractors working in Allen County (Fort Wayne) must navigate both state and local requirements. This comprehensive guide covers everything from plan review to contractor licensing and the unique alarm company registration requirements for fire alarm system installations.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Fire alarm system installations in Allen County require permits and state-level plan review. Additionally, Fort Wayne requires alarm companies to register with the city and maintain annual licensing.

What Fire Alarm Work Requires Permits?

Allen County and Fort Wayne require permits and registration for most fire alarm work:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Major modifications to existing systems
• System additions and expansions
• Fire alarm systems in new construction
• Service, inspection, and maintenance (registration required)

What Is the Plan Review Process?

Allen County uses a coordinated review process:

1. State plan review: Submit to Indiana DHS for construction design release
2. Allen County submission: Provide design release number with permit application
3. FWFD review: Fort Wayne Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau reviews online
4. Approval status: "Approved with No Hold" or "Approved with Hold for Final Inspection"
5. Final inspection: FWFD witnesses fire alarm activation

Note: Allen County does not perform local plan review—all reviews are done at the state level.

What Contractor Licensing Is Required?

Fort Wayne Alarm Company License

Required for any company installing or maintaining alarm systems in Fort Wayne:

• Initial registration fee: $250
• Annual renewal fee: $100
• Renewal date: July 1 each year (regardless of initial registration date)
• Notification: Controller's Office sends renewal letters by June 1

Registration Requirements

All persons, companies, or corporations who service, inspect, repair, maintain, alter, install, or replace fire alarms, smoke detection, and monitoring systems must register annually with:

• Fort Wayne Fire Code Enforcement Division
• Fort Wayne Fire Prevention Bureau

Allen County Contractor License

All contractors must also be licensed in Allen County through reciprocity or examination.

For complete Indiana licensing information, see our Indiana Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Permits?

1. Obtain state design release: Submit to Indiana DHS for plan review
2. Register as alarm company: $250 initial fee with Fort Wayne
3. Access online portal: Use Allen County Citizen Access Portal
4. Provide design release number: Required at permit submission
5. Await FWFD review: Fire Prevention Bureau reviews plans
6. Schedule final inspection: Contact FWFD prior to final stages

Contact Information

Department	Contact
Fort Wayne Fire Department Admin	(260) 427-1478
FWFD Fire Prevention Bureau	Code Enforcement Division
Allen County Building Dept	(260) 449-7131
Indiana State Fire Marshal	in.gov/dhs

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Alarm Company License (initial)	$250	Valid one year
Alarm Company Renewal	$100	Due July 1 annually
State Plan Review	Varies	Based on project scope
County Permit	Varies	Per Allen County schedule

What Reporting Requirements Apply?

After completing inspections, maintenance, repairs, or replacements:

• Itemized report required: Forward to FWFD Code Enforcement Division
• Pass/fail status: Must be included in report
• Deficiencies listed: All issues found must be documented
• Recipients: Fire Marshal or designee

What Codes Apply?

• Indiana Fire Prevention Code (75-IAC-22 IFC): Based on 2012 International Fire Code with Indiana Amendments
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Fort Wayne Fire Codes: Local amendments and requirements

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

Operating without proper licensing:

• Minimum fine: $200 per offense
• Maximum fine: Up to maximum allowed by law
• Each installation: Considered separate offense

What Are Residential vs Commercial Differences?

Residential Fire Alarms

• Smoke detectors per Indiana Residential Code
• Multi-family may require full fire alarm system
• Licensed contractor required for monitored systems

Commercial Fire Alarms

• State-level plan review mandatory
• FWFD review of life safety, sprinkler, and alarm plans
• Certificate of Compliance required from FWFD
• Final inspection includes alarm activation witness

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Register early: $250 alarm company license required before any work
• Know the renewal date: July 1 annually regardless of registration date
• Submit complete plans: FWFD will comment on missing life safety info
• Contact FWFD early: Reach out before final stages for Certificate of Compliance
• Document everything: Itemized reports required after all service work
• Get state design release first: Allen County won't accept permits without it

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Allen County before they reach bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides for Allen County

• Security Camera Permits in Allen County, Indiana

Additional Allen County permit guides for access control and structured cabling coming soon.