Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Corpus Christi, Texas

Installing fire alarm systems in Corpus Christi, Texas requires both state licensing through the Texas State Fire Marshal Office and local permits through the Corpus Christi Fire Department. Fire alarm work is heavily regulated for life safety. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about fire alarm installations in the Sparkling City by the Sea.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for Fire Alarms?

Yes - both state license and local permit required. Fire alarm system installation requires a permit from the Corpus Christi Fire Department and state licensing through the Texas State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO). Contractors must hold a valid Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR), and technicians must hold individual fire alarm licenses (FAL). Annual testing is required for all fire alarm systems.

When Are Permits Required vs. Exempt?

Permits Always Required

New fire alarm system installations
Additions or modifications to existing systems
Panel replacements or upgrades
Smoke detector additions in commercial buildings
Integration with sprinkler monitoring
Fire alarm annunciator installations
System expansions

State Licensing Always Required

Any fire alarm work performed for compensation
Planning, certifying, selling, or installing fire alarm devices
Servicing, monitoring, or maintaining fire alarm systems
All technicians working on fire alarm systems

Annual Requirements

Fire alarms must be tested once per year in Corpus Christi
Testing must be performed by licensed technicians
Records maintained for inspection

Texas State Fire Marshal Licensing Requirements

The Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal Office regulates all fire alarm contractors and technicians.

Company Registration (ACR)

Companies must obtain an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR):

Must have at least one licensed employee on staff
Licensed employee must hold FAL, FAPS, or RFAS license
Background check on all principals
Proof of insurance required
Licenses now sent by email only (no paper licenses)

Fire Alarm Technician License (FAL)

Permits selling, installing, certifying, servicing, and monitoring all fire alarm systems
Does NOT permit planning or design work
Must pass Fire Alarm Statutes and Rules test
Technical exam waived with NICET Level II or ESA Level II certification
Fingerprint background check required

Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (FAPS)

Required for system design and certification
Must pass NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems test, OR
Be a licensed Texas Professional Engineer
Can perform all FAL activities plus planning

Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RFAS)

For residential-only fire alarm work
Must pass NICET or ESA certification for fire alarm systems
Or pass SFMO technical qualifying test

Testing Requirements

SFMO tests administered through PSI testing centers
NICET exams taken at Pearson Vue testing centers
Minimum 70% score required to pass
Study material: Texas Insurance Code Chapter 6002 and TAC 34.600

Corpus Christi Fire Department Process

Where to Apply

Corpus Christi Fire Department - Fire Prevention Division
Online permits and payment available
Phone: (361) 826-3930 for Fire Inspector
Forms at corpuschristitx.gov/fire-forms

Plan Submittal Requirements

Fire Alarm Plan Submittal form
Complete fire alarm system drawings
Panel and device specifications
Battery and voltage drop calculations
Fire Protection Plan Review application

Online Services

Pay for permits, testing, and inspections online
Credit, debit, or ACH accepted
Must create online account first

Fees and Timeline

Permit/License Type	Typical Fee	Processing Time
Fire Alarm Technician License (SFMO)	$75-$150	2-4 weeks
Fire Alarm Planning Supt. (SFMO)	$100-$200	2-4 weeks
Company ACR Registration (SFMO)	$200-$400	4-6 weeks
Corpus Christi Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by scope	5-15 business days
NICET Level II Exam	$200-$300	Schedule dependent
NICET Level III Exam	$250-$350	Schedule dependent

Fees current as of 2026. Contact Texas SFMO at 512-676-6800 or Corpus Christi Fire at 361-826-3930 to verify.

Port and Industrial Considerations

Corpus Christi has significant industrial fire alarm needs:

Port facilities require compliance with maritime fire codes
Petrochemical plants have specialized fire detection requirements
Refineries may require hazardous location certifications
TWIC card needed for port area work
Industrial sites may require additional safety training

Contractor Requirements Summary

To perform fire alarm work in Corpus Christi, Texas:

Texas SFMO Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR)
At least one FAL or FAPS licensed employee
Individual technician licenses for all installers
NICET or ESA certifications
General liability insurance
Workers compensation coverage

Pro Tips

2026 fingerprint rule: Expired licenses now require new fingerprints for reinstatement
No paper licenses: SFMO only sends licenses via email now
Annual testing: Corpus Christi requires yearly fire alarm testing
NICET waiver: Level II certification waives the FAL technical exam
Planning vs. tech: FAL cannot do design work - need FAPS for that
Port work: Get TWIC card before bidding port projects

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Last updated: January 2026. Information verified against official sources. Fire alarm requirements are strictly enforced—always confirm with Corpus Christi Fire Department and Texas SFMO before starting work.