Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Arlington, Texas

Installing fire alarm systems in Arlington, Texas requires permits from the Arlington Fire Prevention Division and state licensing through the Texas State Fire Marshal Office. Fire alarm work is heavily regulated due to life safety implications. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about fire alarm installations in this major DFW metroplex city.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for Fire Alarms?

Yes - both state license and local permit required. Fire alarm system installation, modification, or expansion requires a permit from the Arlington Fire Marshal Office. Additionally, all contractors must hold a valid Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) from the Texas State Fire Marshal Office, and technicians must hold individual fire alarm licenses. There are virtually no exemptions for commercial fire alarm work.

When Are Permits Required vs. Exempt?

Permits Always Required

New fire alarm system installations
Additions or modifications to existing systems
System expansions exceeding 30% of original system
Panel replacements or upgrades
Smoke detector additions in commercial buildings
Integration with sprinkler monitoring
Fire alarm annunciator installations

State Licensing Always Required

Any fire alarm work performed for compensation
Planning, certifying, selling, or installing fire alarm devices
Servicing, monitoring, or maintaining fire alarm systems
All technicians working on fire alarm systems

Work Triggering Full Code Compliance

System or building remodel exceeding 30% - requires code update
Cumulative remodel exceeding 50% - full compliance within 18 months
Change of occupancy classification
Buildings over 75 feet requiring enhanced systems

Texas State Fire Marshal Licensing Requirements

The Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal Office regulates all fire alarm contractors and technicians in the state.

Company Registration (ACR)

Companies must obtain an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) to perform fire alarm work:

Must have at least one licensed employee on staff
Licensed employee must hold Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license
Background check and fingerprinting required
Proof of insurance required

Fire Alarm Technician License

Must pass NICET Level II Fire Alarm Systems test, OR
Hold current ESA Level II Fire Alarm Technician certification, OR
Pass State Fire Marshal technical qualifying test
Fingerprinting required
8 hours continuing education every 2 years

Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent License

Must pass NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems test, OR
Hold ESA Level III certification, OR
Be a licensed Texas Professional Engineer
Required for system design and certification

Arlington Fire Marshal Office Requirements

The Arlington Fire Prevention Division has specific requirements for fire alarm systems that go beyond minimum state standards.

System Design Requirements

All fire alarm equipment must be listed for its intended purpose
Combination fire and burglar alarm panels are PROHIBITED
Systems must be analog intelligent addressable fire detection
Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACPs) must be located at fire sprinkler risers or main entrance only
Remote annunciator required at main entrance if FACP located elsewhere

Special Requirements

Buildings over 75 feet require automatic smoke detection and Fire Department communication system
Manual pull stations prohibited in apartment buildings less than 4 stories
Hotels and motels require carbon monoxide detectors near gas-fired equipment
Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and local amendments

Alarm Permit Requirements

Building owners must obtain an alarm permit ($50 annually) from Arlington Police Department:

Three false alarms included in permit fee
4th-5th false alarms: $50 per call
6th-7th false alarms: $75 per call
8+ false alarms: $100 per call

Application Process

For Building Permits

Submit permit application through Arlington Fire Marshal Office
Include complete fire alarm plans showing all device locations
Provide panel specifications and system riser diagrams
Show integration with sprinkler system if applicable
Include battery calculations and voltage drop calculations
Pay applicable permit fees
Schedule inspections - rough-in and final required

For State Licensing

Register for PSI exam through Texas State Fire Marshal website
Pass required NICET or ESA certification
Submit license application with fingerprint receipt
Obtain ACR for company registration
Maintain continuing education credits

Fees and Timeline

Permit/License Type	Typical Fee	Processing Time
Fire Alarm Technician License (SFMO)	$75-$150	2-4 weeks
Planning Superintendent License (SFMO)	$100-$200	2-4 weeks
Company ACR Registration (SFMO)	$200-$400	4-6 weeks
Arlington Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by scope	5-15 business days
Arlington Alarm User Permit	$50/year	Immediate online
NICET Level II Exam	$200-$300	Schedule-dependent

Fees current as of 2026. Contact Arlington Fire Prevention Division at 817-459-5542 or State Fire Marshal at 512-676-6800 to verify.

Contractor Requirements Summary

To perform fire alarm work in Arlington, Texas, contractors need:

Texas State Fire Marshal Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR)
At least one licensed Fire Alarm Technician or Planning Superintendent on staff
Individual technician licenses for all installers
NICET or ESA certifications
General liability insurance
Workers compensation coverage

Pro Tips

No combo panels: Arlington explicitly prohibits combination fire/burglar panels - spec separate systems
FACP location matters: Plan panel placement early - it must be at the sprinkler riser or main entrance
Keep NICET current: Expired certifications halt license renewals
30% rule: Track cumulative system changes to avoid triggering full code compliance
Coordinate early: Fire alarm inspections must be scheduled with the Fire Marshal Office
New fingerprint rule: Effective January 2026, expired licenses require new fingerprints

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Related Guides

Last updated: January 2026. Information verified against official sources. Fire alarm requirements are strictly enforced—always confirm with the Arlington Fire Marshal and Texas SFMO before starting work.