Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Installing fire alarm systems in Bowling Green requires permits from the Building Division and compliance with Kentucky State Fire Marshal certification requirements. The city requires both building and electrical permits for fire detection work, plus contractor licensing through the Bowling Green/Warren County Contractor's Licensing Board. Here's what contractors need to know.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Bowling Green requires permits for fire alarm system installations. The Building Division issues permits for all construction work including fire detection systems, and electrical permits are required for any work involving electrical wiring or circuits. Additionally, monitored systems need alarm permits, and contractors must be licensed through the Contractor's Licensing Board.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required in Bowling Green?

The Bowling Green Building Division requires permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire detection systems
• Panel replacements and upgrades
• Adding devices to existing systems
• Fire alarm work as part of new construction
• Change of occupancy requiring upgraded fire protection
• Electrical work associated with fire alarm installations

What Contractor Licensing Does Bowling Green Require?

Local Level: Contractor's Licensing Board

The Bowling Green/Warren County Contractor's Licensing Board requires:

License Type	Fee	When Required
Specialty Contractor	$100	Fire alarm subcontract work
General Contractor	$250	Two+ subcontractors per job

State Level: Kentucky State Fire Marshal Certification

The Kentucky State Fire Marshal certifies fire alarm inspectors:

• Qualification: NICET Level II, III, or IV in Fire Alarm Systems
• Alternative: Pass approved examination
• Experience: 18 months in installation, repair, or testing
• Application: Form FPS 33-01

For comprehensive state licensing requirements, see our Kentucky Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Fire Alarm Permits?

Submit applications through the Bowling Green Building Division:

1. Prepare plans: System design, device locations, specifications
2. Submit for plan review: Building Division reviews for code compliance
3. Obtain permits: Building permit and electrical permit as required
4. Install system: Per approved plans
5. Schedule inspection: Call for inspection before system activation
6. Register alarm: Obtain alarm permit for monitored systems

Contact Information:

• Building Division: (270) 393-3615
• General NCS: (270) 393-3000
• Address: 707 E. Main Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42102
• Mailing: PO Box 430, Bowling Green, KY 42102

Plan Review Process

The Building Division reviews plans for compliance with Kentucky Building Codes:

• Plans submitted by contractors, architects, engineers, or owners
• Design compliance verification
• Code enforcement review
• Contact Division to schedule plan review

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Service	Fee	Timeline
Building Permit	Based on valuation	7-14 business days
Electrical Permit	Based on scope	3-7 business days
Plan Review	Included in permit	5-10 business days
Specialty Contractor License	$100	7-14 business days
Alarm Permit	Contact city	Upon application

What's the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

Single-family homes in Bowling Green require:

• Smoke alarms per Kentucky Building Code
• Permits for interconnected hardwired systems
• Alarm permit if professionally monitored
• Battery-operated detectors generally exempt from permits

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial installations require:

• Building and electrical permits
• Plan review by Building Division
• Licensed contractor (state and local)
• NFPA 72 compliance
• Annual inspection and testing
• Records maintained on premises for 3+ years

Healthcare and Group I-1/R Occupancies

Special requirements apply:

• Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms required
• Compliance with specific occupancy codes
• Enhanced fire detection per state requirements

Inspection and Testing Requirements

Kentucky requires ongoing compliance:

• Annual testing: Fire detection systems must be inspected and tested annually
• Certified inspectors: NICET Level II+ for fire alarm systems
• Record keeping: Maintain records on premises for minimum 3 years
• Documentation: Installation contractor name, component types, manufacturer, locations
• Fire code official access: Records must be copied upon request

Pro Tips for Bowling Green Fire Alarm Contractors

• Get licensed first: $100 specialty contractor license required before pulling permits
• Insurance is mandatory: $100,000 GL minimum with Contractor's Licensing Board as certificate holder
• Plan review matters: Quality submittals speed up approval—include all code-required details
• Joint city-county board: One license covers Bowling Green AND Warren County
• State certification for inspectors: NICET Level II+ required for annual testing
• Record keeping is required: Keep installation records for 3+ years on premises

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides for Bowling Green

• Security Camera Permits in Bowling Green
• Access Control Permits in Bowling Green
• Structured Cabling Permits in Bowling Green

Last updated: January 2025. Verify current requirements with the Bowling Green Building Division before bidding projects.