Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Bloomington, Minnesota

Installing or modifying a fire alarm system in Bloomington, Minnesota requires understanding both local permit requirements and state licensing regulations. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about fire alarm permits in this major Twin Cities suburb.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for most installations. Bloomington requires fire alarm permits for new system installations, modifications to existing systems, and additions in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential buildings. Single-family residential smoke detectors typically do not require permits when replacing battery-operated units, but hardwired system installations may require electrical permits through Minnesota DLI.

What Fire Alarm Work Requires a Permit in Bloomington?

Under Bloomington's adoption of the Minnesota State Fire Code and 2018 International Fire Code sections 105.6 and 105.7, the following work requires permits:

• New fire alarm system installations
• System modifications or expansions
• Panel replacements or upgrades
• Adding notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Installing initiating devices (smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations)
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Addressable system programming changes that affect device count

What Is Typically Exempt?

Minor work that may not require permits includes:

• Replacing battery-operated smoke alarms in single-family homes
• Like-for-like device replacements with no system modifications
• Annual testing and inspection activities
• Routine maintenance and cleaning

When in doubt, contact Bloomington Building and Inspections at 952-563-8930 before starting work.

Licensing Requirements

Fire Alarm Systems installation in Bloomington requires proper state licensing. Contractors must hold a valid Power Limited Technician (PLT) license from Minnesota DLI, and companies must be licensed as a Technology Systems Contractor (TSC). For complete Minnesota license requirements, exam information, and application steps, see our Minnesota Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Bloomington

Bloomington no longer accepts paper permit applications. All applications must be submitted through the city's online Permit Portal.

Application Steps

1. Create an account on Bloomington's Permit Portal if you don't have one
2. Submit project information including scope of work and system specifications
3. Upload required documents including plans, specifications, and contractor license information
4. Pay permit fees based on project valuation
5. Await plan review (if required for larger systems)
6. Schedule inspections once work is ready

Required Documentation

• Completed permit application
• Fire alarm system plans and riser diagrams
• Device layout drawings
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Contractor license information (TSC and PLT numbers)
• Battery and power supply calculations
• Sequence of operations

What Are the Fees for Fire Alarm Permits?

Bloomington calculates permit fees based on project valuation. Additionally, the State of Minnesota requires a surcharge on all fire alarm permits.

State Surcharge Schedule

Project Valuation	Surcharge Calculation
$1,000,000 or less	0.0005 × Valuation
$1,000,001 to $2,000,000	$500 + 0.0004 × (Value - $1,000,000)
$2,000,001 to $3,000,000	$900 + 0.0003 × (Value - $2,000,000)
$3,000,001 to $4,000,000	$1,200 + 0.0002 × (Value - $3,000,000)
$4,000,001 to $5,000,000	$1,400 + 0.0001 × (Value - $4,000,000)
Greater than $5,000,000	$1,500 + 0.00005 × (Value - $5,000,000)

For example, a $50,000 fire alarm project would have a state surcharge of $25 ($50,000 × 0.0005). Local permit fees are calculated separately based on the city's fee schedule.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Typical timelines for fire alarm permits in Bloomington:

Project Type	Estimated Timeline
Small commercial (under 25 devices)	3-5 business days
Medium commercial (25-100 devices)	5-10 business days
Large commercial or institutional	10-15 business days
Mall of America or major retail	15-30 business days (additional coordination)

Plan review times can extend if revisions are needed. Submit complete documentation to avoid delays.

What Inspections Are Required?

Fire alarm installations require inspections at key stages:

Rough-In Inspection

Before walls are closed, inspectors verify conduit routing, box placement, and compliance with code requirements for device locations and spacing.

Final Inspection

Upon completion, the system must pass a full functional test. The inspector will verify:

• All devices installed per approved plans
• Proper operation of all initiating devices
• Notification appliance coverage and audibility
• Panel programming matches sequence of operations
• Monitoring connections active and functional
• Required signage and documentation in place

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Single-Family Residential

In single-family homes, Bloomington requires approved and operational smoke alarms and CO alarms. CO alarms must be installed within 10 feet of each lawfully used sleeping room. Most battery-operated alarm replacements do not require permits, but new hardwired systems may require electrical permits through Minnesota DLI.

Multi-Family Residential

Apartment buildings, condominiums, and townhomes with common areas typically require permitted fire alarm systems. The annual life safety system inspection report requirement applies to these properties.

Commercial and Industrial

All commercial fire alarm work requires permits. Bloomington Fire Prevention conducts regular inspections of commercial, industrial, and multi-family structures for continued compliance with Minnesota fire and building codes.

Annual Inspection Requirements

Under Bloomington ordinance 6.05 and the Minnesota State Fire Code, fire alarm systems require annual inspection and testing in accordance with NFPA 72. Property owners must:

• Have systems inspected and tested by qualified technicians annually
• Maintain life safety system inspection reports
• Submit inspection reports to the Fire Marshal when required
• Make corrections identified in inspection reports promptly

Failure to comply with life safety inspection requirements can result in violations and potential penalties.

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Projects in Bloomington

Based on contractor experience in the Bloomington area:

• Coordinate with Fire Prevention early - For complex projects, schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss requirements and avoid plan review delays
• Know your Mall of America requirements - Projects at the Mall have additional coordination requirements with mall management and may require extended review times
• Verify AHJ requirements - Some buildings may have additional requirements from insurance carriers or corporate standards beyond code minimums
• Submit complete packages - Incomplete applications are the primary cause of delays; use Bloomington's checklists
• Schedule inspections strategically - Request rough-in inspection before drywall to avoid costly access issues
• Maintain documentation - Keep copies of all permits, approvals, and as-built drawings for future service calls

Contact Information

For fire alarm permit questions in Bloomington:

• Building and Inspections: 952-563-8930
• Fire Prevention Division: 952-563-8930
• Online Permit Portal: bloomingtonmn.gov/bldg/permit-information-and-fees

For state licensing questions:

• Minnesota DLI Licensing: 651-284-5034
• Email: dli.license@state.mn.us
• DLI Permits: 651-284-5579

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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