Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Installing fire alarm systems in Anne Arundel County requires compliance with specific permit requirements, code standards, and inspection processes. This guide covers what contractors and building owners need to know about fire alarm permits in Anne Arundel County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Permits are required for the installation or alteration of fire alarm systems in Anne Arundel County. Importantly, fire alarm installations require TWO separate permits: a devices permit for low voltage wiring (inspected by the electrical inspector) and a system permit (inspected by the Fire Marshal). No work may begin prior to permit issuance.

What Types of Fire Alarm Work Require Permits?

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits, permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Replacement of fire alarm control panels
• Installation of detection devices (smoke, heat, duct detectors)
• Installation of notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Magnetic lock (mag lock) installations on egress doors
• Bi-directional amplifier systems

What Are the Two Required Permits?

Fire alarm installations in Anne Arundel County require two separate permits:

1. Devices Permit

• Covers low voltage wiring and device installation
• Inspected by the electrical inspector
• Applied for through Inspections and Permits

2. System Permit

• Covers the fire alarm system as a whole
• Inspected by the Fire Marshal
• Applied for through Fire Protection System Permits

Apply for permits as early in the construction process as possible.

What Code Standards Apply?

Fire alarm systems must comply with multiple codes as outlined in the Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Code:

Adopted NFPA Standards

• NFPA 72 (2016 Edition): National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 1 (2018 Edition): Fire Code
• NFPA 101 (2018 Edition): Life Safety Code

Code Compliance Requirements

• Installation must follow approved plans
• Must comply with Maryland State Fire Prevention Code modifications
• Must comply with Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Code amendments
• Must follow manufacturer's installation instructions

What Are the Plan Submission Requirements?

According to the Fire Alarm System Plan Requirements, submitted plans must include:

• Floor plans showing device locations
• Riser diagrams
• Equipment specifications
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations

What Contractor Qualifications Are Required?

Fire alarm contractors must meet specific qualifications:

• Service personnel must be qualified and experienced in testing, inspection, and maintenance of fire alarm systems
• Work may be performed by qualified contractors under written contract
• Contractors must hold appropriate Maryland state licenses
• Must be licensed in Anne Arundel County for electrical work

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

What Are the Maintenance Requirements?

The owner or owner's representative is responsible for ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance:

Required Testing Frequencies

• Monthly testing for some components
• Quarterly testing as applicable
• Semi-annual testing requirements
• Annual testing and inspection

Frequency depends on equipment type and local ambient conditions. All maintenance must comply with NFPA 72 requirements.

What Are the Residential Requirements?

Residential properties in Anne Arundel County must have:

• At least one electric smoke detector with battery backup on each level (including basement, excluding attic)
• Detectors inside all bedrooms
• Detectors outside but near sleeping areas
• All detectors must be interconnected

Free Smoke Alarm Program

The Fire Department Smoke Alarm Outreach program, in partnership with the Anne Arundel Fire Safety Foundation, provides free smoke alarms and installation assistance to residents who need help.

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Cost	Notes
Devices Permit (Electrical)	$43+ application fee	Based on scope
System Permit (Fire)	Contact county	Based on project
Plan Review	Based on project value	Required for commercial
Electrical Inspection	Included	Devices permit
Fire Marshal Inspection	Included	System permit

What Are the Penalties for Violations?

Fire protection systems that result in frequent and unnecessary Fire Department responses due to false alarms or system malfunctions are deemed not operative and in violation of the Anne Arundel County Fire Prevention Code (Article 15, Title 3-103). Violations are subject to penalties.

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Fire Alarms

• Must meet interconnected smoke detector requirements
• Battery backup required on all detectors
• May qualify for free installation assistance
• Homeowner may perform some DIY work after passing exam

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Two permits required (devices + system)
• Licensed contractor required
• Plan review and approval needed
• Fire Marshal inspection required
• Ongoing maintenance per NFPA 72
• Written maintenance contracts recommended

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Apply early: Fire alarm permits should be applied for as early in construction as possible
• Remember both permits: Don't forget you need BOTH devices and system permits
• Know the codes: Anne Arundel uses NFPA 72 (2016) and NFPA 1/101 (2018)
• Document maintenance: Keep records of all testing and maintenance per NFPA 72
• Use qualified personnel: Code requires qualified and experienced service personnel
• Prevent false alarms: Systems with frequent false alarms face code violations

Key Contacts

Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits
Address: 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401
Permit Status: 410-222-7730
Schedule Inspection: 410-222-4432
Website: Fire Protection System Permits

Fire Marshal - Codes and Regulations
Website: Codes & Regulations

Fire Alarm Plan Requirements
Website: Fire Alarm System Plan Requirements

Smoke Alarm Outreach Program
Website: Smoke Alarm Outreach

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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