Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Chatham County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Chatham County require permits from Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services and must comply with NFPA 72 standards. All installers must hold a valid Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVA or LVU), and many jurisdictions require NICET certification. Alarm systems must also be registered with Chatham County per local ordinance §10-306.

When Are Permits Required?

Chatham County requires permits for fire alarm work in accordance with Georgia state building codes and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code):

Permits Required

• New fire alarm system installations: All new commercial and residential fire alarm systems
• System additions: Adding devices, zones, or expanding existing systems
• System replacements: Replacing fire alarm control panels or major components
• Modifications: Changes affecting system coverage or functionality
• Integration projects: Connecting fire alarms to building automation or access control systems

Permits May Not Be Required

• Routine testing and inspection per NFPA 72 requirements
• Battery replacements and minor maintenance
• Standalone residential smoke detectors (battery-operated)
• Like-for-like device replacements that do not alter system design

Georgia Contractor Licensing Requirements

All fire alarm installation work in Chatham County requires a valid Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license issued by the Georgia Secretary of State.

Applicable License Types

License Class	Designation	Fire Alarm Coverage
Unrestricted	LVU	All fire alarm system work
Alarm	LVA	Fire alarm systems and security systems

NICET Certification Requirements

Georgia requires fire protection professionals to hold NICET certification to work on fire alarm systems. Key requirements include:

• Company requirement: At least one person at the fire protection company must hold a NICET Level IV certification
• Job site requirement: Many jurisdictions require at least one NICET-certified individual on each job site
• Plan submittals: Fire alarm plans must be submitted by NICET-certified personnel
• Inspection and testing: Must be performed by NICET-certified technicians

Equivalent Certifications: ESA National Training School Certified Fire Alarm Technician (CFAT) Level II may be accepted as equivalent to NICET certification in some jurisdictions.

For complete state licensing requirements, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Chatham County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Plan Preparation

Fire alarm plans must include:

• Floor plans showing all device locations
• Riser diagrams and wiring schematics
• Device schedules with specifications
• Battery calculation worksheets
• Voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations

Step 2: Submit to Building Safety

Submit applications with all documentation to:

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
1117 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406

Applications accepted Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Applications cannot be submitted by fax or email.

Step 3: State Fire Marshal Review

Complex fire alarm projects may require review by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. The OCI Professional Services portal allows online plan submission and inspection requests.

Step 4: Inspections

Fire alarm inspections verify:

• NFPA 72 compliance for installation
• Proper device spacing and coverage
• Emergency power backup (1.5-hour minimum per Georgia code)
• Central station monitoring connections
• System acceptance testing documentation

Contact Information

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
1117 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Website: buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov

Chatham Emergency Services
Website: chathames.org/fire/codes-and-requirements

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Fire Alarm Permit	$75-$200	5-10 business days
Plan Review	Based on project scope	Included in review
Re-inspection Fee	$30.00	Next available day
State Fire Marshal Review	Varies	Additional 10-15 days

Chatham County Alarm Registration

Chatham County Ordinance §10-306 requires alarm system registration. Key requirements:

• Registration required: All monitored fire alarm systems must be registered with Chatham County
• False alarm fees: Excessive false alarms may result in fines
• Emergency response: Failure to register could delay or affect emergency personnel dispatch
• Contractor responsibility: Ensure clients understand registration requirements

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

Georgia enforces NFPA 72 for all fire alarm installations. Key requirements include:

Installation Standards

• Smoke detectors: Listed devices installed per NFPA 72 spacing requirements
• Emergency power: 1.5-hour backup power required for systems permitted after April 1, 1992
• Notification appliances: Proper coverage for audible and visual signals
• Wiring methods: Compliance with NEC Article 760 for fire alarm circuits

Testing and Inspection Schedule

NFPA 72 Chapter 14 requires ongoing inspection and testing:

• Monthly/Quarterly: Visual inspections of certain components
• Semi-annually: Functional testing of initiating devices
• Annually: Complete system testing and documentation

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

Georgia Code §25-2-40 requires smoke detectors in new dwellings. Residential requirements include:

• Smoke detectors on each level and in sleeping areas
• Battery-operated detectors permitted in existing homes
• Hardwired interconnected detectors in new construction
• Permits generally required for monitored systems

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial fire alarm systems have stricter requirements:

• Occupancy-based design: System requirements vary by building type and occupancy
• Central station monitoring: Required for most commercial occupancies
• AHJ approval: Authority Having Jurisdiction must approve design and installation
• Acceptance testing: Formal test with fire marshal or building official

City of Savannah vs. Unincorporated Areas

Permit requirements may differ by location:

• Unincorporated Chatham County: Contact Chatham County Building Safety
• City of Savannah: Contact Savannah Building Department for city-specific requirements
• Chatham Emergency Services: Provides fire prevention services for multiple jurisdictions

Pro Tips from Contractors

• NICET documentation: Keep proof of certification on your person during all job site work
• Emergency power calculations: Georgia requires 1.5-hour backup—document battery calculations thoroughly
• Plan submission: Ensure plans are submitted by NICET-certified personnel to avoid rejection
• Alarm registration: Assist clients with Chatham County alarm registration to ensure proper emergency response
• Continuing education: Maintain NICET certification with required CPD points every three years
• Coordinate early: For large projects, schedule pre-application meetings with the fire marshal

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia