Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Chandler, Arizona

Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installation in Chandler, Arizona requires both a building/fire permit from the City of Chandler Development Services Division and an alarm user permit ($10/year) from the False Alarm Reduction Program. Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license (C-16 Fire Protection or C-67 Low Voltage) and be on Chandler Fire Department's approved contractor list. All installations must comply with NFPA 72 and the 2021 International Fire Code.

Permit Requirements Overview

Fire alarm installations in Chandler involve multiple permit and licensing requirements. Here's what you need to know:

Required Permits

Permit Type	Issuing Authority	Required For
Fire Alarm System Permit	Development Services Division	New installations, modifications, repairs
Alarm User Permit	False Alarm Reduction Program	All monitored alarm systems
Fire Protection Contractor Permit	Chandler Fire Department (Form 707)	Contractors performing work in Chandler

When Permits Are Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing systems
• Adding or relocating detection devices
• Panel replacements or upgrades
• Tenant improvement projects affecting fire alarm
• Any work triggering plan review

Exempt Work

• Routine testing and inspection (by licensed contractors)
• Battery replacements
• Minor device maintenance

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Arizona requires fire alarm contractors to hold licenses from two separate agencies:

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona Registrar of Contractors issues trade-specific licenses. For fire alarm work, relevant classifications include:

• C-16 Fire Protection Systems (Commercial) – Install and repair fire prevention and fire protection systems including all mechanical apparatus, devices, piping, and equipment common to the fire protection industry
• CR-16 Fire Protection Systems (Residential) – Residential fire protection work
• C-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems – Install, service, and repair alarm systems, including fire alarm signaling devices not exceeding 91 volts

To obtain an ROC license:

• Pass the Statutes and Rules Examination (SRE)
• Pass the trade-specific exam
• Submit background checks for all persons on the application
• Obtain a license bond

Arizona Board of Technical Registration (BTR)

The Arizona Board of Technical Registration requires separate licensing for alarm agents and alarm businesses:

Alarm Agent Certification

Anyone who sells, installs, or services alarm systems must hold BTR alarm agent certification. Requirements include:

• Submit application to the BTR
• Pay the required fee
• Provide valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Receive photo ID card with registration number

Alarm Business Certification

Companies must register as an alarm business with the BTR. Each controlling person must:

• Submit application with fingerprint clearance card
• Renew every 3 years
• Maintain current registration for all alarm agents

For complete Arizona licensing information, see our Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Chandler Fire Department Contractor Permit

Beyond state licensing, contractors must be on the Chandler Fire Department's approved contractor list. According to Chandler Fire:

Any work (Inspection, Testing or Maintaining) conducted on fire protection systems shall be done by a contractor licensed to perform such work by the State of Arizona, and currently permitted by the Chandler Fire Department (see FD Form No. 707 – Fire Protection Contractor Permit).

Contractors not on the Fire Protection Contractors List are prohibited from doing business in the City of Chandler.

Application Process

Step 1: Plan Submission

Submit fire alarm plans to the Development Services Division for review. Plans must include:

• Complete system layout and device locations
• Panel specifications and programming details
• Power supply calculations
• Zone maps showing coverage areas
• Compliance documentation with NFPA 72 and adopted codes

Step 2: Plan Review

Plans are reviewed for compliance with:

• 2021 International Fire Code (currently adopted)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• City of Chandler local amendments

Step 3: Permit Issuance

Once plans are approved, permits are issued through the Development Services Division.

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

Schedule inspections through the online scheduling tool. All new construction and tenant improvement inspections are conducted by the Building Safety Department.

Step 5: Alarm User Permit

Register your monitored alarm system with the City of Chandler False Alarm Reduction Program.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Fire Prevention Division	(480) 782-2120	Fire alarm permits and plan review
Development Services	(480) 782-3000	Building permits and inspections
Online Permit Portal	developmentpermits.chandleraz.gov	Schedule inspections
False Alarm Program	(855) 302-4533	Alarm user registration
Fire Department Address	151 E. Boston St., Chandler, AZ 85225	In-person inquiries

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Cost	Notes
Alarm User Permit	$10.00/year	Required for monitored systems
Senior Waiver (65+)	$0.00	Upon verification
Fire Alarm System Permit	Varies by scope	Based on project valuation
Plan Review	Included in permit fee	Standard review timeline
Re-inspection Fee	Varies	If initial inspection fails

Timeline Expectations

• Plan Review: 5-10 business days (varies by complexity)
• Permit Issuance: Same day after approval
• Inspection Scheduling: Typically within 48 hours
• Alarm User Registration: Immediate (online)

Code Requirements and Standards

Adopted Codes

Chandler currently operates under the 2021 International Fire Code with local amendments. Fire alarm systems must comply with:

• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code
• City of Chandler Fire Code (Chapter 28)

System Operational Requirements

Per Chandler Fire Department requirements:

The Chandler Fire Code requires that fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems are operational at all times. If the alarm or sprinkler system is not operational, the facility may not be occupied.

Fire Watch Requirements

When fire alarm systems are inoperable, a fire watch may be required. See the City of Chandler Fire Watch Requirements document for details.

Signage and Documentation

• Fire Alarm Rooms must be signed per FD106 requirements
• Zone maps must be posted at each fire alarm control panel location
• As-built drawings required upon completion

Inspection and Testing Requirements

NFPA 72 establishes minimum inspection and testing frequencies:

Testing Schedule

Component	Frequency	Notes
Visual Inspection (Smoke Detectors)	Semi-annually	Annual if addressable system performs weekly auto-inspection
Functional Testing	Annually	By qualified technician
Detector Sensitivity	Year 1, then every 2 years	Must be within listed range
Battery Load Testing	Annually	Replace if capacity below 80%

Record Keeping

Fire alarm inspection records must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years per NFPA guidelines.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Single-family homes: Smoke alarms required per building code (typically not monitored fire alarm systems)
• Multi-family dwellings: May require full fire alarm systems depending on size and occupancy type
• Permit typically required for any hardwired system installation
• Licensed contractor required for system installation

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Plan review required for all new installations
• System must be monitored by approved central station
• Annual inspection and testing by licensed contractor mandatory
• Fire watch required if system becomes inoperable
• Contractor must be on Chandler's approved list

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

Based on real-world experience with Chandler fire alarm projects:

• Get on the approved contractor list first – Apply for your FD Form 707 permit before bidding Chandler projects
• Plan review can take time – Submit plans early; complex projects may require multiple review cycles
• Zone maps are critical – Chandler inspectors specifically check for posted zone maps at panel locations
• Coordinate with other trades – Fire alarm rough-in inspections must align with electrical and sprinkler schedules
• Document everything – Keep detailed records of all inspections, testing, and maintenance for minimum 3 years
• Register monitored systems immediately – False alarm fines apply even for new installations
• Verify BTR registration – All technicians must carry valid BTR alarm agent cards on the job site

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Related Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Phoenix, Arizona Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Mesa, Arizona Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Tucson, Arizona Fire Alarm Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements and adopted codes change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the City of Chandler Fire Prevention Division before beginning your project.