Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, Austin requires permits for fire alarm system installations. Contractors must hold a valid Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) State Fire Marshal's Office license and obtain an alarm permit for each alarmed location. Austin has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments, and all plan submittals require fire department review.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required?

Austin requires alarm permits for virtually all fire alarm installations:

Permit Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications or upgrades to existing systems
• Monitored fire alarm systems
• Local (audible-only) alarm systems
• Combined fire/burglar alarm systems

Important: An application must be received prior to the date the alarm system is enabled. Operating without a permit can result in fines and response fee surcharges.

Jurisdiction Check

Before applying, verify your project is within Austin Full Purpose jurisdiction using the Jurisdiction Web Map. Projects outside Austin city limits should contact the local law enforcement department for their requirements.

Recent Changes (Effective October 2024)

As of October 1, 2024, a singular principal permit replaced master permits and associated permits for non-residential areas of apartment complexes. This simplifies permit management for multi-unit properties.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm work in Austin requires state licensing through the Texas Department of Insurance:

State License (Required)

The Texas Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) regulates fire alarm contractors. You must hold one of these licenses:

• Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) – Install, service, and maintain systems
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) – Design and certify system plans
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) – Residential systems only

Company Registration

To obtain an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) for your company, your designated employee must hold a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license. The Residential Fire Alarm Technician license alone is not sufficient for an ACR.

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Plan Certification Requirements

Construction documents must be prepared by:

• A registered design professional (PE), OR
• A licensed Fire Alarm Planner (APL), OR
• A licensed Fire Sprinkler Responsible Managing Employee (RME)

License Distribution Changes (Effective January 2026)

All SFMO licenses and registrations are now sent by email only. Paper licenses and pocket cards are no longer provided. Additionally, if your license has expired and you don't have another active license on file, you must submit new fingerprint information before renewal.

Application Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Check the Jurisdiction Web Map to confirm your project is within Austin Full Purpose jurisdiction.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather the following for fire alarm plan review:

• Construction documents and supporting data
• Shop drawings (if applicable)
• Proof of state SFMO license/ACR
• System calculations and specifications
• Equipment cut sheets

Step 3: Submit Plans for Review

The Austin Fire Prevention Division reviews fire protection system plans. Construction documents associated with site plan or building permits are submitted through the standard permitting process. Shop drawings submitted after building permit review go directly to the Fire Department.

Step 4: Apply for Alarm Permit

Two options for alarm permit application:

1. Alarm Administration Portal (recommended for faster processing)
2. Alarm Permit Registration Web Form (alternative option)

Access both through Austin Alarm Administration.

Step 5: Schedule Inspections

Once plans are approved and installation is complete, coordinate inspections with the Fire Marshal's Office.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Alarm Administration	(512) 974-5730 / apdalarm@austintexas.gov	Alarm permits
Fire Plan Review	(512) 974-0160	Plan review, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Austin 3-1-1	3-1-1 or (512) 974-2000	General inquiries, 24/7
Fire Marshal's Office	austintexas.gov/fire	Code enforcement
TDI State Fire Marshal	(512) 676-6800 (press 1)	State licensing

Fees and Timeline

Alarm Permit Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Annual Alarm Permit	Varies	Renewed yearly
Late Renewal	Additional fees apply	Renew before expiration
False Alarm Response	Escalating fees	After grace period

Plan Review Timelines

Austin Fire Prevention Division reviews site plans, building plans, and fire protection system plans. Review times vary based on project complexity. Features reviewed include:

• Fire access roads
• Fire hydrant placement
• Fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinklers
• Smoke control and ventilation
• Egress systems
• Special extinguishing systems

Adopted Codes

Austin enforces the following codes for fire alarm installations:

2021 International Fire Code (with Local Amendments)

Effective September 1, 2021, Austin adopted the 2021 IFC with local amendments. The Fire Protection Criteria Manual provides additional guidance.

Additional Requirements

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Texas Administrative Code Section 34.600 – Fire Alarm Rules
• Manufacturer Installation Requirements – Product-specific guidelines

KNOX Box Requirements

KNOX boxes are required at every structure where:

• Access is made difficult, OR
• The property has a monitored fire alarm system, OR
• The property has a sprinkler system

This is per City of Austin/IFC Code (LCD CH.25-12, Article 7).

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Alarm permit required for monitored systems
• Can be installed by contractors with Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license
• Simpler plan review for single-family homes
• Annual permit renewal required

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full fire alarm contractor license (FAT or APS) required
• More extensive plan documentation needed
• Must comply with 2021 IFC commercial requirements
• Coordination with sprinkler and building permits typically required
• KNOX box installation usually required

Multi-Family/Apartment Complexes

• Principal permit system (effective October 2024)
• Single permit covers non-residential common areas
• Individual unit permits may still be required

State Licensing Process

How to Apply for SFMO License

1. Create account on Sircon
2. Select "new insurance license"
3. Submit Applicant's Employer Information form
4. Submit fingerprint receipt (required for new applicants)
5. Pay fees and submit required paperwork

Mail applications to: Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office, P.O. Box 12107, Austin, Texas 78711-2107

Testing

State Fire Marshal tests are administered through PSI. Schedule your test online at psiexams.com.

Pro Tips from the Field

Check Jurisdiction First: Austin's Full Purpose jurisdiction doesn't cover all areas within the metro. Use the Jurisdiction Web Map before quoting jobs to ensure you understand which entity handles permits.

Use the Online Portal: The Alarm Administration Portal processes applications faster than the web form. Set up your contractor account once and streamline future permit applications.

Budget for KNOX Boxes: Most commercial fire alarm projects in Austin will require KNOX box installation. Include this in your proposals to avoid change orders.

Keep Licenses Updated: With the new email-only license distribution, ensure your email address is current with SFMO. Don't let licenses expire—the fingerprint re-submission requirement adds time and cost to reinstatement.

Coordinate with Other Trades: Austin's fire plan review covers multiple systems. Communicate with sprinkler contractors and electrical contractors early to avoid conflicts during the review process.

Know the 3-1-1 System: As of March 2024, Austin 3-1-1 handles initial alarm permit calls. Use the 3-1-1 app or phone line for faster service on permit questions.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Austin before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the City of Austin Fire Marshal's Office and Texas Department of Insurance before beginning work.