Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Quick Answer: Yes, Colorado Springs requires permits for fire alarm system installations. All fire alarm work must be performed by licensed contractors (FAC-A or FAC-B license) through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Permits are obtained through Colorado Springs Fire Department Construction Services, and all systems must pass a witnessed acceptance test before occupancy.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

Colorado Springs requires fire alarm permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Additions to existing fire alarm systems
• Alterations to existing systems
• Fire alarm panel replacements or upgrades
• System reprogramming affecting life safety
• Voice evacuation system installations

Note: All systems must be pre-tested in accordance with NFPA 72 before inspection. Programming or programming changes are not permitted during inspections.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Colorado Springs has specific licensing requirements through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD):

Fire Alarm Contractor A (FAC-A) License

Authorizes contractor to:

• Design fire alarm systems
• Program fire alarm systems
• Install, add to, and alter fire alarm systems
• Service, repair, maintain, test, and inspect fire alarm systems
• Install dedicated function systems
• Install control, alarm, and detection components of releasing systems
• Obtain permits from the Fire Authority

Fire Alarm Contractor B (FAC-B) License

Authorizes contractor to:

• Install fire alarm systems
• Service and repair fire alarm systems
• Does NOT authorize design work

Fire Alarm Installer (FAI) License

A Colorado Springs Licensed Installer (FAI) must be on-site for all:

• Installations
• Additions
• Alterations
• Repairs
• Inspections

License Type	Scope of Work	Design Authority
FAC-A	Full scope including design	Yes
FAC-B	Installation, service, repair only	No
FAI	On-site installer (required)	No

License Application Requirements

To obtain a fire alarm contractor license in Colorado Springs:

Experience Requirements

• 5 years documented experience in all work areas relating to fire alarm systems
• Resume documenting experience required with application

Insurance Requirements

• Liability Insurance: Required for all contractors
• Workers' Compensation: Required if contractor has any employees
• Certificates must list "Pikes Peak Regional Building Department" as certificate holder

Application Fee

• $50 non-refundable application/processing fee
• Payable by cash, check, or credit card

Permit Application Process

1. Obtain Contractor License: Apply through PPRBD for FAC-A or FAC-B license
2. Prepare Submittal: Complete design documents per NFPA 72 and 2021 IFC
3. Submit Application: Contact Construction Services at (719) 385-5982
4. Plan Review: Fire Authority reviews plans for code compliance
5. Permit Issuance: Upon approval, permit is issued
6. Installation: FAI must be on-site during all installation work
7. Pre-Test: Contractor pre-tests system per NFPA 72
8. Acceptance Test: CSFD witnesses acceptance test
9. Approval: Building may be occupied after system is approved

Inspection Requirements

Critical: Buildings cannot be occupied or stocked with furniture until the alarm system has been inspected and approved by Colorado Springs Fire Department.

Inspection process:

• All systems must be pre-tested per NFPA 72 before inspection
• No programming or programming changes during inspection
• Acceptance test is witnessed by CSFD
• Schedule new construction inspections: (719) 385-7352
• Fire systems questions: (719) 385-7361

Code Requirements

Colorado Springs has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code with jurisdictional amendments. Fire alarm installations must comply with:

• 2021 IFC: International Fire Code (adopted by Colorado Springs)
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Pikes Peak Regional Building Code: Section 208 for contractor licensing
• NEC Article 760: Fire alarm circuit requirements

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Contractor License Application	$50	Non-refundable
Fire Alarm Permit	Varies	Based on project scope
Plan Review Fee	Varies	Included with permit
Re-inspection Fee	Varies	If corrections needed

Contact Construction Services at (719) 385-5982 for current fee schedules.

Fire Board of Appeals

The Fire Board of Appeals provides:

• Professional, unbiased rulings for variance requests
• Review and granting of fire alarm contractor licenses
• Review and granting of fire alarm installer licenses
• Interpretation of Fire Prevention Code

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Single-family homes typically require smoke detectors per building code
• Multi-family residential with common area fire alarm systems require permits
• Same licensing requirements apply for installation work

Commercial Fire Alarms

• All commercial fire alarm installations require permits
• Occupancy not permitted until system is inspected and approved
• Higher occupancy buildings may require voice evacuation systems
• Additional requirements for healthcare, assembly, and high-rise occupancies

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Pre-test thoroughly: No programming changes allowed during CSFD inspection—ensure system is 100% ready
• Get FAC-A if you design: The FAC-B license doesn't authorize design work, which can limit your project scope
• Maintain your FAI on-site: CSFD requires a licensed installer present for all work—plan accordingly
• Document experience carefully: The 5-year experience requirement is verified through your resume
• Know the 2021 IFC amendments: Colorado Springs has local amendments to the International Fire Code—review them before designing

Contact Information

Colorado Springs Fire Department - Construction Services
Fire Alarm/Suppression Permits
Phone: (719) 385-5982
Website: coloradosprings.gov/fire-permits

Division of the Fire Marshal
Phone: (719) 385-5978
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Website: coloradosprings.gov/fire-code-resources

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)
Contractor Licensing
Phone: (719) 327-2887
Website: pprbd.org

Inspection Scheduling
New Construction: (719) 385-7352
Fire Systems: (719) 385-7361

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