Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia

Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installations in Atlanta require plan review approval from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department's Office of the Fire Marshal before work begins. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License and at least one person on site must have NICET certification in fire alarm systems. The city also requires alarm registration for all monitored fire alarm systems.

Understanding Atlanta's Fire Alarm Requirements

Atlanta has comprehensive fire alarm requirements overseen by the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department's Office of the Fire Marshal. All commercial fire alarm work requires plan review, permits, and inspections to ensure compliance with Georgia State Minimum Fire Safety Standards and NFPA 72.

When Permits Are Required

According to Atlanta Fire Rescue, it is unlawful to construct, erect, or alter any commercial building without approved construction documents. Permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations in commercial, industrial, or multi-family buildings
• System modifications including adding devices, circuits, or control panels
• Extension or repair of existing fire alarm systems
• Removal of fire suppression or alarm systems
• Change of occupancy triggering updated fire code compliance

When Permits May Not Be Required

Permit exemptions may apply for:

• Battery-operated smoke detectors in single-family homes
• Like-for-like device replacements (same model, same location)
• Minor maintenance and cleaning
• Annual testing and inspections

Always verify with the Fire Marshal's Office before starting any fire alarm work.

Plan Review Requirements

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Plan Review process requires:

Document Requirements

• 3 sets of plans drawn to scale and stamped by a licensed architect
• Construction documents prepared by registered design professional
• Documents of sufficient clarity to indicate location, nature, and extent of work
• Low voltage electrical contractor's license number, name, and signature
• Fire protection requirements and complete shop drawings

Submission Process

• Contact Fire Protection Engineer at (404) 546-7000
• Submit construction documents for review
• Documents must comply with applicable codes and standards
• Payment by check or money order only (no cash)

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Georgia requires multiple credentials for fire alarm contractors:

Georgia Low Voltage License

One person at the company must hold a Georgia Low Voltage License (LV-A or LV-U) to work on fire alarm systems.

NICET Certification

Georgia requires NICET certification for fire alarm work:

Role	Minimum NICET Level
Entry-level technician	NICET Level 1
Fire alarm inspector	NICET Level 3
Company requirement (at least one person)	NICET Level 4
On-site requirement (each job)	NICET certified person present

For complete licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage License Guide.

NFPA 72 Compliance

Georgia has adopted NFPA 72 (2019 edition) as the basis for the Georgia Fire Alarm Code. All installations must comply with:

Design and Installation

• Smoke detector spacing per NFPA 72
• Notification appliance coverage for audibility and visibility
• Secondary power supply (batteries) properly sized
• Pathway survivability for high-rise buildings

Testing and Inspection Schedule

Component	Testing Frequency
Complete system test	Annually per NFPA 72
Visual inspections	Monthly/Semiannually
Detector sensitivity	Within 1 year, then every 2 years
Battery testing	Semiannually

Fire Marshal Inspection Process

The Atlanta Fire Rescue Inspections Section ensures compliance through:

Acceptance Testing

• Systems inspected by Fire Marshal's Office or approved third-party inspection services
• Testing on both primary and secondary power sources
• Certificate of commissioning completed by approved contractor
• Signed by building owner's representative
• Operations and maintenance manual provided to building owner

Ongoing Requirements

• Annual testing per IFC 510.6
• System test and inspection report maintained on site
• Failed systems reported to FMO within 48 hours of testing

Inspection Contact

Requests for commercial fire inspections: FMOInspections@atlantaga.gov

Alarm Registration

The City of Atlanta requires alarm registration for monitored fire alarm systems:

• Alarm permit required to operate an alarm system within Atlanta
• Failure to register may delay emergency dispatch or result in fines
• Registration must be maintained current

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Cost	Timeline
Plan review fee	Varies by project size	2-4 weeks
Fire alarm permit	$100-$500	After plan approval
Alarm registration	Varies	Required before monitoring
Fire Marshal inspection	Included with permit	Schedule after completion
GA LV license	$150 exam + $150 application	2-4 weeks processing

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Buildings

• Battery-operated smoke detectors typically don't require permits
• Hardwired interconnected systems may require electrical permit
• Multi-family buildings (3+ units) require permitted fire alarm systems
• New construction must comply with Georgia Residential Code

Commercial Buildings

• Full fire alarm permits and plan review required
• Must use Georgia-licensed low voltage contractor with NICET
• Central station monitoring typically required
• Annual inspections and testing documentation required
• Alarm registration mandatory

Application Process

Step 1: Design and Documentation

• Engage licensed contractor with NICET certification
• Complete system design per NFPA 72 and Georgia Fire Alarm Code
• Prepare 3 sets of stamped plans

Step 2: Plan Review

• Submit to Atlanta Fire Rescue Fire Protection Engineer
• Include contractor license information
• Pay review fees (check or money order)
• Allow 2-4 weeks for review

Step 3: Installation

• Install per approved plans
• Maintain NICET-certified person on each job site
• Document all work for inspection

Step 4: Acceptance Testing

• Complete commissioning certificate
• Test on primary and secondary power
• Schedule Fire Marshal inspection
• Provide operations manual to owner
• Register alarm system with city

Pro Tips from Atlanta Contractors

• Get NICET certified - Required for fire alarm work in Georgia; start early as it takes time
• Submit complete plans - Incomplete submittals delay approval; include all required information
• Plan for review time - Allow 2-4 weeks for plan review in your project schedule
• Document everything - Keep detailed records for annual inspections
• Register alarms promptly - Unregistered systems can result in dispatch delays and fines
• Report failures immediately - 48-hour notification required for failed annual tests

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage License Requirements
• More Georgia Permit Guides

Last updated: January 2025. Fire codes change frequently. Always verify current regulations with Atlanta Fire Rescue and the Georgia State Fire Marshal before starting work.