Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Augusta, Georgia

Quick Answer: Augusta, Georgia requires fire alarm permits for all new system installations and modifications. Submit three sets of plans to the Augusta Fire Department for review. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 as adopted by Georgia. Contractors must hold a valid Georgia Low Voltage Alarm (LVA) or Unrestricted (LVU) license. A Certificate of Occupancy fee of $150 applies after final inspection.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required?

The Augusta Fire Prevention Bureau requires permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing systems
• System expansions adding devices or zones
• Panel replacements or upgrades
• Changes affecting system operation

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Plan Submittal

Per Augusta's fire alarm plan requirements, submit three sets of plans to the Fire Department including:

• Scaled floor plans showing device locations
• Complete riser diagrams
• Device schedules and specifications
• Battery calculations
• Sequence of operations
• Georgia low voltage contractor license

Step 2: Plan Review

The Fire Prevention Bureau reviews submitted plans for NFPA 72 compliance and Georgia state amendments. Review times vary based on project complexity.

Step 3: Permit Issuance

Once plans are approved, a construction permit is issued allowing installation to proceed.

Step 4: Inspections

Augusta requires two inspections during the installation process:

• 80% Inspection: Scheduled when system is substantially complete but before final connections
• 100% Inspection: Final system testing and acceptance

The Fire Department witnesses testing for alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire pumps, hood suppression systems, and underground piping.

Step 5: Certificate of Occupancy

After the 100% inspection passes, a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for a fee of $150. This certificate is valid for the life of the building as long as the occupancy type does not change.

Georgia Contractor Licensing

Fire alarm work in Augusta requires a valid license from the Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors.

Applicable License Types

License	Code	Fire Alarm Scope
Low Voltage Alarm	LVA	Fire alarm, burglar alarm, detection systems
Low Voltage Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work including fire alarms

NICET Certification

Georgia and NFPA 72 recommend or require NICET certification for fire alarm work:

• NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level I minimum for installation technicians
• NICET Level II (Associate Engineering Technician) for inspection and testing
• NICET Level III for system designers and inspectors
• Factory training on specific equipment being installed

License Requirements

• Minimum one year of alarm installation experience
• Pass state licensing examination
• Background check
• Three notarized references (at least one from licensed contractor)
• Submit through GOALS online portal

Code Standards

Fire alarm systems in Augusta must comply with:

• NFPA 72 (2019) - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code as adopted by Georgia
• Georgia Rules 120-3-3 - State Minimum Fire Safety Standards
• Georgia Building Code Chapter 9 - Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
• NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code

Augusta Local Requirements

Bonding and Insurance

Contractors working in Augusta-Richmond County must meet local requirements:

Requirement	Amount
Specialty Contractor Bond	$5,000
Public Liability Insurance	$50,000 per person
Property Damage Insurance	$100,000 per occurrence

Business License

Obtain an Augusta-Richmond County business license before performing work. File insurance and bond certificates with the License and Inspection Department.

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee
Fire alarm permit	Varies by project
Plan review	Included in permit
80% Inspection	Included
100% Inspection	Included
Certificate of Occupancy	$150

Timeline: Plan review typically takes 5-10 business days. Complex commercial projects may require additional review time. Schedule inspections in advance to avoid project delays.

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Single-family homes typically require smoke detectors per Georgia Code
• Monitored systems may require alarm registration
• New construction must meet current code requirements
• Permits generally required for monitored systems

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Full permit process required for all installations
• NFPA 72 compliant design mandatory
• Occupancy type determines detection and notification requirements
• Integration with sprinkler systems per NFPA requirements
• Central station monitoring often required
• Annual inspection documentation required

Fire Prevention Bureau Services

The Augusta Fire Prevention Bureau provides:

• Pre-construction site plan review
• Construction final inspections
• Fire Code enforcement
• Violation notices and re-inspections
• Citizen complaint handling
• Fire investigations
• Fire safety education

Pro Tips for Augusta Fire Alarm Projects

Plan Submittal: Submit complete plans with all required documents to avoid review delays. Incomplete submittals are returned for correction.

Inspection Scheduling: Schedule your 80% inspection before making final connections. This allows corrections before the system is fully operational.

Documentation: Maintain complete records including the Record of Completion form required by NFPA 72. This documentation is required before final approval.

Notification: Notify the monitoring company and building occupants before scheduled testing to avoid false alarm responses.

Coordination: Coordinate with other trades early, especially for projects involving sprinkler integration or HVAC duct detection.

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Related Guides

• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Augusta, Georgia
• Browse All Permit Guides

Contact Information

Augusta Fire Department - Fire Prevention Bureau
3117 Deans Bridge Road
Augusta, GA 30906
Phone: (706) 821-2929
Fire Prevention Bureau

Augusta-Richmond County Permit Requirements
augustaga.gov/permits

Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (404) 424-9966
sos.ga.gov