Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Bellevue, Washington

Installing or modifying fire alarm systems in Bellevue, Washington requires permits from Development Services and compliance with Washington State NICET certification requirements. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about fire alarm permits, licensing, and inspections in Bellevue.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, always for fire alarm work. Any addition, replacement, relocation, or modification to a fire alarm system in Bellevue requires a fire alarm permit.

This includes:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Remodeling involving fire prevention, detection, or alarm systems
• Addition of devices or notification appliances
• Redesign or relocation of existing systems
• Alteration or removal of systems

Permit Application Process

Where to Apply

Fire alarm permits are obtained through Bellevue Development Services. Construction and tenant improvement permits that include fire alarm work go through this department.

How to Apply

1. Submit Application: Apply through Development Services
2. Include Documentation: Plans, specifications, and NICET credentials
3. Pay Fees: Submit applicable permit fees
4. Plan Review: Await approval from fire prevention staff
5. Receive Permit: Begin installation after approval
6. Schedule Inspection: Request inspection upon completion

Contact Information

• Development Services: 425-452-6800
• Email: servicefirst@bellevuewa.gov
• Fire Prevention Information: Bellevue Fire Department

NICET Certification Requirements

Washington State mandates NICET certification for fire alarm work. These requirements took effect July 1, 2017, with no grace period.

State Requirements

The Washington State Building Code Council requires that all new and existing fire alarm systems are certified and/or inspected by NICET II and/or NICET III personnel.

Bellevue Accepts

Bellevue accepts documents issued by:

• National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
• Seattle Fire Department certifications

Important Note

Having a low voltage electrical license does NOT exempt technicians from NICET certification. The EL06 license is only valid for "Electrical construction trade" work, not fire alarm system work.

NICET Levels

Level	Experience Required	Scope
Level I	6 months minimum	Entry-level, under direct supervision
Level II	12 months minimum	Installation, testing, troubleshooting
Level III	Additional experience	Design review, plan preparation
Level IV	Extensive experience	Complex systems, supervision

Apprentice Exception

Individuals enrolled in a fire sprinkler apprenticeship program approved by the Washington State Fire Marshal may work on systems provided the work is conducted in the presence and under direct supervision of a certificate holder.

Positive Alarm Sequence (PAS) Requirements

Bellevue has specific requirements for Positive Alarm Sequence accounts per NFPA 72:

Eligibility Requirements (All Must Be Met)

1. Building protected throughout with automatic sprinklers
2. Fire alarm panel at constantly attended location (24/7)
3. Staff demonstrate competency in system operation
4. Approved on case-by-case basis by Bellevue Fire Department

Typical Applications

Large assembly occupancies where alarm activation may cause:

• Potential injury from large-scale evacuation
• Significant disruption to events
• Financial impact

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Fire Alarm Permit	$150-$500+
Plan Review	Additional fees
Inspection Fee	Often included
PAS Account Permit	Contact department

Process Step	Typical Timeline
Permit Application Review	1-2 weeks
Complex System Review	2-4 weeks
Inspection Scheduling	1-3 business days

Permit Extensions

The Fire Marshal may grant an extension of the permit time period upon presentation of a satisfactory reason for failure to complete work within the required time.

Fire Code Provisions

Bellevue City Code Chapter 23.11 includes specific fire alarm provisions:

• Section 901.12: Silencing and resetting fire alarms
• Section 1026: Fire alarm and sprinkler zones
• Manual Fire Alarm Boxes: May be replaced with emergency alarm reporting devices where approved by Fire Marshal

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Beyond NICET certification, contractors need proper Washington State licensing:

Required Credentials

• Washington State Contractor License: Via L&I
• NICET Certification: Level II minimum for most work
• Insurance & Bonding: As required by state law

For general low voltage licensing information, see our Washington Low Voltage License Requirements guide.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• NICET is non-negotiable: Low voltage license alone won't qualify you for fire alarm work in Bellevue
• Plan review takes time: Submit applications early, especially for complex systems
• PAS requires approval: Don't assume you can use Positive Alarm Sequence—it's case-by-case
• Use information sheets: Bellevue Fire Department provides helpful handouts for code interpretation
• Coordinate with Development Services: Fire alarm work during TI projects goes through their permit process
• Maintain certification: NICET requires 90 CPD points every three years for recertification

Verify Credentials

Before hiring a fire alarm contractor in Bellevue, verify:

• Washington L&I License: L&I Contractor Verification
• NICET Certification: NICET Certification Lookup

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Guides

• Washington Low Voltage License Requirements
• Security Camera Permits in Bellevue, WA
• Fire Alarm Permits in Seattle, WA
• Fire Alarm Permits in Tacoma, WA