Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Allentown requires permits for fire alarm system installations and modifications. The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews applications to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code and NFPA 72. Electrical contractors must hold a city-issued license, and NICET certification is commonly required for fire alarm work. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide fire alarm contractor license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Allentown requires fire department permits for projects involving the installation or modification of fire protection systems.

Permit Required For

• Installation of new fire alarm systems
• Modification of existing fire alarm systems
• Fire suppression system supervisory connections
• Automatic detection systems (smoke and heat)
• Emergency voice/alarm communication systems
• Manual fire alarm systems
• Connections to Emergency Communication Center trunk lines

Additional Permit Requirements

After Allentown's alarm ordinance took effect, no one except an alarm equipment supplier holding a valid permit from the City shall install any automatic protection device connected to an Emergency Communication Center trunk line.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide fire alarm contractor license. However, Allentown has specific local requirements.

Allentown Requirements

Requirement	Details
Electrical License	Required for electrical contractors in Allentown
Business License	Required for all contracting companies
NICET Certification	Commonly required for fire alarm work
Alarm Supplier Permit	Required for ECN trunk line connections

Allentown Electrical License Process

1. Complete Electrical License Application and pay fee
2. Obtain Electricians' Examining Board approval
3. Register for ICC-standard exam
4. Pass exam, pay license fee, receive license
5. Annual renewal required

NICET Certification

While not mandated statewide, NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) certification in Fire Alarm Systems is widely required:

• Level I: Entry-level technician
• Level II: Journey-level technician (commonly required for permit approval)
• Level III: Senior technician/designer
• Level IV: Expert-level/engineer

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

Code Requirements

Allentown follows the International Fire Code and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) for fire alarm systems.

Pennsylvania State Requirements (34 Pa. Code § 50.53)

• Fire alarm system approval must be obtained at the same time as building approval
• Three sets of plans required showing all device locations
• Plans must show manual stations, automatic detection units, control panels, and signaling devices

NFPA 72 Compliance

Requirement	Frequency
Complete system testing	Annual
Smoke detector sensitivity test	Every 2 years
Visual inspections (some components)	Semi-annual
Functional tests (monthly by staff)	Monthly

Residential Fire Alarm Requirements

Allentown has specific requirements for residential properties:

Single-Family Homes

• Smoke detectors required in each sleeping room
• Smoke detectors required in immediate area outside sleeping rooms
• Smoke detectors required on every story including basement
• Battery-operated detectors permitted

Multi-Family Buildings (2-12 Units)

• Interconnected smoke detectors required in common areas
• Coverage required in halls, corridors, stairways, lobbies, basements
• May require hardwired systems with battery backup

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Three sets of plans showing all device locations
• Manual station locations
• Automatic detection unit locations
• Control panel locations
• Signaling device locations
• NICET certification documentation
• Electrical license (if applicable)

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit fire alarm permit applications to:

Fire Prevention Office
City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA
Phone: (610) 437-7758
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Step 3: Plan Review

The Allentown Fire Department reviews applications to ensure compliance with:

• International Fire Code
• NFPA 72 standards
• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code
• Local ordinances

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

• Complete installation per approved plans
• Schedule inspection with Fire Prevention Bureau
• Provide Record of Completion documentation
• Arrange for central station monitoring (commercial systems)

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Fire alarm permit	Contact Fire Prevention	5-10 business days
Electrical license application	Contact Building Standards	Varies (exam required)
Business license	Contact city	3-5 business days
Plan review (complex systems)	Varies by scope	10-15 business days

Contact Fire Prevention Office at (610) 437-7758 for current fees.

False Alarm Regulations

Allentown has strict false alarm policies to ensure system reliability:

• Threshold: More than two false alarms within 30 days triggers fees
• Penalty: User charged a service fee for excessive false alarms
• Prevention: Proper installation, testing, and maintenance reduces false alarms

Ensure systems are properly tested and maintained to avoid penalty fees.

Commercial vs. Residential Considerations

Residential Installations

• Smoke detector requirements per city code
• Battery-operated detectors may be acceptable for single-family
• Multi-family may require interconnected systems
• Simpler permit process for basic residential systems

Commercial Installations

• Full plan review required
• NICET certification typically required for designer/installer
• Central station monitoring required for most commercial systems
• Annual testing and certification required
• Documentation must be maintained on-site

Pro Tips from the Field

Get NICET Certified: While not mandated by state law, NICET Level II or higher certification is practically essential for fire alarm permit approval in Allentown and throughout Pennsylvania.

Coordinate with Building Permits: Pennsylvania code requires fire alarm approval at the same time as building approval. Submit fire alarm plans with your building permit application to avoid delays.

Maintain Testing Documentation: Keep all inspection, testing, and maintenance records on-site. Allentown Fire Prevention expects this documentation during inspections.

False Alarm Prevention: Two false alarms in 30 days triggers fees. Ensure proper system design, installation, and client training to avoid penalties.

Central Station Coordination: Verify central station monitoring is arranged before final inspection. Commercial systems must be monitored by an approved station.

Contact Information

Allentown Fire Prevention Office
City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Allentown, PA
Phone: (610) 437-7758
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Building Standards and Safety
City Hall, 435 Hamilton Street, 4th Floor
Phone: (610) 437-7592

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Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Allentown Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Allentown Fire Prevention and Building Standards before beginning work.