Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Cobb County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Cobb County requires fire alarm permits for all system installations and modifications. Plans must be submitted to the Fire Marshal before work begins. NICET certification is mandatory for all fire alarm work, plan submittals, and inspections in Cobb County. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and Georgia fire codes.

When Are Permits Required for Fire Alarms in Cobb County?

Per Cobb County Code Section 54-101, all work performed on fire alarm systems requires plans submitted to and approved by the Fire Marshal before any work begins.

Projects Requiring Permits

• New fire alarm systems: All commercial and multi-family installations
• System modifications: Adding or relocating devices
• System replacements: Control panel or major component replacement
• Tenant improvements: Fire alarm work for new buildouts
• Change of occupancy: When fire alarm requirements change

NICET Certification Requirements

Cobb County has strict NICET requirements that exceed many other Georgia jurisdictions.

Effective July 1, 2015 - On-Site Requirements

Each licensed alarm contractor must have at least one NICET-certified individual on each job site. Proof of certification must be kept on the person of the certified individual.

Effective July 1, 2016 - Documentation Requirements

All documentation submitted to the Fire Marshal must be completed and signed by NICET-certified persons, including:

• Permit applications
• Plan submittals
• Record of completion forms
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance forms

Proof of current certification must accompany all submitted documentation.

Accepted Certifications

Certification	Organization	Status
NICET Fire Alarm Systems	NICET	Accepted
CFAT Level II	ESA/NTS	Accepted as equivalent
Georgia AFAA approved	Various	Accepted

The ESA/NTS CFAT Level II was approved by Cobb County Board of Commissioners as equivalent to NICET.

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

In addition to NICET certification, contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage license:

License	Code	Fire Alarm Work
Unrestricted	LVU	All fire alarm work permitted
Alarm	LVA	Fire alarm systems permitted

For licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Applicable Codes and Standards

Per the Cobb County Fire Marshal:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
• International Fire Code
• Georgia State Minimum Fire Safety Standards

In case of conflict between codes, the most stringent standard applies.

Cobb County Fire Alarm Permit Process

Step 1: Prepare Plans

Plans must be prepared and signed by a NICET-certified designer and include:

• Floor plans with device locations
• Riser diagrams
• Equipment specifications
• Battery and voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations
• NICET certification proof

Step 2: Submit for Review

Submit plans to the Cobb County Fire Marshal Office through the MobileEyes contractor permit portal.

Step 3: Obtain Permit

After plan approval, obtain fire alarm permit before beginning installation.

Step 4: Installation

At least one NICET-certified technician must be on-site during all fire alarm work.

Step 5: Inspections

Schedule inspections through the Fire Marshal Inspections portal.

Monitoring Requirements

Per Cobb County Code:

• Fire alarm systems must automatically call 911 upon activation when required by fire safety standards
• All monitoring stations must comply with NFPA 72
• Exceptions may apply for premises with fire alarm action plans

Contact Information

Cobb County Fire Marshal Office
Website: cobbcounty.gov/fire/fire-marshal

Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Phone: (404) 424-9966

Pro Tips from Georgia Fire Alarm Contractors

• Verify NICET status: Ensure all technicians have current certifications
• Keep proof on-site: NICET cards must be on the person during work
• Submit complete packages: Include all certifications with plan submittals
• Use MobileEyes: Submit permits through the contractor portal
• Apply most stringent: When codes conflict, use the strictest requirement
• Document everything: All forms require NICET-certified signatures

Cities Within Cobb County

City	Notes
Marietta	Contact city fire marshal
Smyrna	Contact city fire marshal
Kennesaw	Contact city fire marshal
Acworth	Contact city fire marshal

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Gwinnett County, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia