Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Bexar County, Texas

Quick Answer: Fire alarm permits in Bexar County depend on location. Unincorporated Bexar County requires an alarm permit from the Sheriff's Office ($40 residential/$100 commercial) plus Fire Marshal approval for system installations. San Antonio has its own permit process through the Fire Department with Fast-Track options available. All contractors must be licensed through the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office.

Understanding Bexar County Jurisdiction

Bexar County includes San Antonio and surrounding communities. Permit requirements vary significantly based on location:

• City of San Antonio – Permits through SAFD Fire Prevention Division
• Unincorporated Bexar County – Permits through Sheriff's Office and Fire Marshal
• Other municipalities – Contact local fire department

Always verify jurisdiction before starting work—properties near city boundaries may have different requirements.

Unincorporated Bexar County Requirements

Alarm Permits (Sheriff's Office)

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office requires alarm permits for all alarm systems in unincorporated areas. No person shall operate an alarm system unless a valid permit has been issued.

Permit Type	Fee	Valid Period
Residential	$40	12 months
Commercial	$100	12 months
Government agencies	Free	12 months

Note: Even non-monitored alarm systems require a permit.

Application Process

1. Complete the alarm permit application form
2. Submit separate application for each alarm system
3. Include check, cashier's check, or money order payable to Bexar County Sheriff's Office
4. Mail to: PO Box 842841, Dallas, TX 75284-2841

Contact: (855) 694-8282 or bexarcountytx@alarm-billing.com

False Alarm Fees

Permit holders are allowed five (5) false alarms per permit term before fees apply. After that, each false alarm incurs a $75 fee. This includes hold-up alarms, panic alarms, and burglar alarms activated for non-emergency reasons.

Fire Marshal's Office (System Installation)

For fire alarm system installations in unincorporated Bexar County, the Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office must review and approve plans.

Requirements for fire alarm installation depend on:

• Building classification type
• Maximum occupancy (number of people)
• Building size and square footage
• Use and hazard classification

Fire Marshal Application Process

All permit applications must be submitted in person by appointment only:

Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office
9810 Southton Road
San Antonio, TX 78223
Phone: (210) 335-0300, option 2

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed County holidays)

Submit the Building & System Permit Application with plan sets for review.

City of San Antonio Requirements

San Antonio has a comprehensive fire alarm permit process through the San Antonio Fire Department.

Who Must Be Licensed

• Fire alarm permits are issued to the Fire Alarm System Contractor performing work
• Contractor must be registered per Texas State Fire Marshal licensing regulations
• Plans must be certified by a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) licensed by TDI-SFMO

Standard Permit Process

1. Submit completed permit application to SAFD Fire Prevention Division
2. Include plan sets and two (2) copies of fire alarm system submittal books
3. Wait for plan review and approval
4. Permit released when associated building permit is released
5. Contractor notification required before permit release

Important: Plans must be completed "For Construction" documents. Preliminary plans will not be accepted.

Fast-Track Fire Alarm Permit

San Antonio offers an optional Fast-Track permit that allows contractors to begin work prior to plan review completion.

Requirements for Fast-Track:

• Submit Fast-Track Fire Alarm Permit Application
• Application must be signed by both fire alarm contractor AND general contractor
• Contractor assumes responsibility for code compliance

Alternative Plan Certification

As an alternative to city plan review, San Antonio accepts plans certified by a registered Fire Protection Engineer licensed by the State of Texas. This can expedite the approval process for complex projects.

Multiple Building Complexes

For apartment complexes, school portable buildings, or commercial complexes with separate fire alarm systems, a separate permit application is required for each building.

San Antonio Alarm Response Permits

Beyond the fire alarm installation permit, monitored systems require a separate alarm response permit from San Antonio Police Department.

Apply online, by mail, or by phone with credit card payment.

Texas State Fire Alarm Contractor Licensing

All fire alarm contractors must be licensed through the Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office.

Company Requirements

Companies must hold an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) with a licensed employee:

• Fire Alarm Technician (FAL)
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS)
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RFS)

Individual Certification

Technicians must hold NICET Level II or ESA Level II certification, or pass the State Fire Marshal qualifying exam.

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

When Fire Alarms Are Required

Per the Bexar County Fire Marshal, fire alarm requirements depend on:

• Assembly occupancies – Churches, theaters, restaurants over occupancy thresholds
• Educational facilities – Schools, daycare centers
• Healthcare facilities – Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics
• High-rise buildings – Buildings over 75 feet
• Large commercial – Based on square footage and use
• Residential care – Group homes, assisted living

Fire alarm systems are life safety systems designed to notify occupants through flashing lights and audible alarms when smoke is detected or manual pull stations are activated.

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Bexar County	San Antonio
Residential alarm permit	$40/year	Varies
Commercial alarm permit	$100/year	Varies
Fire alarm system permit	By appointment	With building permit
Plan review time	Varies	2-4 weeks (standard)
Fast-Track option	Not available	Available
False alarm allowance	5 per year	Contact SAPD
False alarm fee	$75 each	Varies

Residential vs. Commercial Fire Alarms

Residential Projects

Residential fire alarm systems in Bexar County typically include:

• Smoke detectors in bedrooms, hallways, and each level
• Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• Heat detectors in garages and kitchens
• Monitoring connection (optional but recommended)

Texas Building Code requires smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level.

Commercial Projects

Commercial fire alarm systems have stricter requirements:

• Addressable fire alarm control panels
• Duct smoke detectors for HVAC systems
• Manual pull stations at exits
• Horn/strobe notification per ADA requirements
• Fire department connection and annunciator
• Elevator recall integration
• Emergency voice/alarm communication (high-rise)

Pro Tips from the Field

Experienced fire alarm contractors in Bexar County recommend:

• Book Fire Marshal appointments early – In-person appointments fill up quickly
• Use San Antonio Fast-Track – Saves time on commercial projects when schedule is tight
• Verify jurisdiction first – San Antonio city limits vs. unincorporated areas have very different processes
• Keep SFMO license current – Permits will not be issued to unlicensed contractors
• Submit complete plans – "Preliminary" or incomplete drawings will be rejected
• Coordinate with GC – Fire alarm permit often tied to building permit release
• Register alarm monitoring – Don't forget the separate alarm response permit for monitored systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides

• San Antonio, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Houston, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Dallas, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Tarrant County, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Texas Low Voltage License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction before starting work.