Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Aurora, Colorado

Quick Answer: Yes, Aurora requires Fire Marshal approval for fire alarm installations in all buildings except single-family detached homes. Additionally, all fire alarm systems must be registered with the Aurora Fire Prevention Bureau. Fire alarm contractors must be licensed through the Aurora Building Division, and systems must comply with the 2021 International Fire Code.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

Aurora has specific requirements for fire alarm work:

• Fire Marshal Approval Required: It is not lawful to modify, upgrade, or install fire alarm components or systems in any building other than a single-family detached home without approval from the Fire Marshal
• Fire Marshal approval is separate from building permit requirements
• Both permits may be required for construction projects involving fire alarm work

Exemptions:

• Single-family detached homes are exempt from Fire Marshal approval requirements
• However, fire alarm systems in single-family homes must still comply with applicable codes

Fire Alarm System Registration

Aurora requires all fire alarm systems to be registered with the Fire Prevention Bureau:

• It is unlawful for any building owner or operator to control premises with a fire alarm system without registering it
• Registration applies to both building owners and lessees
• A Fire Alarm User Registration Form must be completed and returned to the Fire Prevention Bureau

Registration Documentation Requirements

The following must be provided with the registration form:

• Most recent fire alarm system testing results
• Inspection results performed by a qualified fire alarm contractor
• System must be UL listed
• Monitoring stations must be FM approved
• System must comply with the International Fire Code

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Aurora requires specific contractor licensing for fire alarm work:

Fire Alarm Systems Contractor License

This license authorizes contractors "To install, add to, alter or repair fire alarm systems of all types."

License Type	Scope of Work	Issuing Agency
Fire Alarm Systems Contractor	Install, add, alter, repair fire alarm systems	Aurora Building Division
Fire Extinguishing Systems Contractor	Fire suppression, hood systems, clean agent	Aurora Building Division
Underground Fire Service Line Contractor	Underground fire service lines	Aurora Building Division
Emergency Responder Radio Systems	ERRS/BDA systems	Aurora Building Division

Note: Aurora does not issue a separate electrical contractor license—certain trades require a current State of Colorado master's and contractor's license on file with the Building Division.

Permit Application Process

1. Obtain Contractor License: Become licensed with Aurora Building Division
2. Prepare Plans: Develop fire alarm plans per 2021 IFC and NFPA 72
3. Submit to Fire Marshal: Obtain Fire Marshal approval for the installation
4. Obtain Building Permit: If construction work is involved, separate building permit required
5. Perform Installation: Complete work per approved plans
6. Third-Party Inspection: Have system tested by qualified contractor
7. Register System: Complete Fire Alarm User Registration Form
8. Final Inspection: Request life safety inspection from Building Department

Inspection Requirements

Aurora has specific inspection requirements:

• All construction inspections and final life safety inspections are conducted by the City of Aurora Building Department's Life Safety Division
• Fire Code Officials do NOT perform fire alarm system tests
• The owner or owner's agent is responsible for ensuring all systems have current third-party inspections
• Inspection results must be available for Fire Code Officials upon request

Systems Requiring Third-Party Inspection

• Fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Commercial hood systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Fire stopping
• Other building life safety systems

Code Requirements

Aurora has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code with amendments (effective January 2022). Fire alarm installations must comply with:

• 2021 IFC: International Fire Code (Aurora adopted)
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Aurora City Code Chapter 66: Fire Prevention and Protection
• NEC Article 760: Fire alarm circuit requirements

System Requirements

Commercial fire alarm systems in Aurora must meet these standards:

• UL Listed: System components must be UL listed
• FM Approved Monitoring: Receiving stations must be FM approved
• IFC Compliant: Full compliance with International Fire Code
• Third-Party Tested: Regular testing by qualified contractors required

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Single-family detached homes exempt from Fire Marshal approval
• Multi-family residential requires Fire Marshal approval
• Smoke detectors required per building code
• Registration may still be required for monitored systems

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Fire Marshal approval required for all installations
• System must be UL listed with FM approved monitoring
• Third-party inspections required
• Registration with Fire Prevention Bureau mandatory
• Annual inspection documentation must be maintained

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Understand dual approval process: Fire Marshal approval is separate from building permits—plan for both
• Register systems properly: Unregistered systems can result in violations for building owners
• Maintain inspection records: Fire Code Officials will request third-party inspection documentation
• Use FM approved monitoring: Commercial systems require FM approved central stations
• Coordinate with Life Safety Division: They handle final construction inspections, not Fire Code Officials

Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Fire Alarm Contractor License	Contact Building Division	See fee schedule
Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by scope	Based on project
System Registration	Contact Fire Prevention	Required annually

Contact the Building Division at (303) 739-7420 for current fee schedules.

Contact Information

Aurora Building Division - Life Safety
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Ste 2400
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-7420
Website: auroragov.org/contractor-licensing

Aurora Fire Prevention Bureau
Phone: (303) 326-8999
Website: auroragov.org/fire-prevention

Aurora Fire Rescue
15151 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-7000

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