Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas County, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, Dallas County requires permits for fire alarm system installations in unincorporated areas. The Dallas County Fire Marshal's Office administers fire code and permits for commercial establishments, public buildings, and multifamily residential dwellings (4+ units). Contractors must hold a valid Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal's Office license. Note: Projects within Dallas city limits follow different requirements.

Understanding Dallas County Jurisdiction

The Dallas County Fire Code applies to buildings in unincorporated areas of Dallas County:

• Commercial establishments
• Public buildings
• Multifamily residential dwellings (4+ units)
• All buildings owned or operated by Dallas County

Jurisdiction Check:

• Unincorporated Dallas County – Follow this guide
• City of Dallas – See our Dallas Fire Alarm Permit Guide
• Other cities in Dallas County – Contact that city's fire marshal or building department

When Is a Permit Required?

Per the Dallas County Fire Code, permits are required as set forth in Section 105.6 and 105.7:

Permit Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Fire alarm system replacements
• Commercial fire detection and notification systems

Administration

The Dallas County Fire Marshal is responsible for:

• Administration of the Fire Code
• Issuance of permits required by the Code
• Enforcement of the Code
• Maintenance of proper records

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm work in Dallas County requires state licensing through the Texas Department of Insurance:

State License (Required)

The Texas Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) requires an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) for any company that plans, certifies, leases, sells, services, installs, monitors, or maintains fire detection devices or systems.

Your designated employee must hold one of these licenses:

• Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) – Install, service, and maintain systems
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) – Design and certify system plans
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) – Residential systems only

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Plan Certification Requirements

Dallas County requires that permit applications be signed and sealed by:

• A duly licensed architect authorized to practice in Texas, OR
• A licensed engineer authorized to practice in Texas

Fire Alarm Designer Qualifications

Fire alarm designers must have one of the following:

• Current ESA Level III Fire Alarm Designer certification
• NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems certification
• Texas Professional Engineer license

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Plans and Specifications

Complete plans and specifications for fire alarm systems must be submitted for review and approval prior to system installation. Plans must include:

• Floor plan
• Location of all alarm-initiating and alarm-signaling devices
• Alarm control and trouble-signaling equipment
• Annunciation details
• Power connection specifications
• Battery calculations
• Conductor type and sizes
• Voltage drop calculations
• Manufacturer, model numbers, and listing information for all equipment, devices, and materials

Step 2: Submit Application Online

Dallas County has implemented a new permitting software system. All permits can be applied online at www.mgoconnect.org.

Step 3: Pay Fees

Fees are to be paid by debit/credit card. Call (214) 653-6565 to confirm application fee amounts. Refer to Exhibit "B" – Fee Schedule in the Dallas County Fire Code for current rates.

Step 4: Plan Review and Permit Issuance

The Fire Marshal's Office will review submitted plans for code compliance and issue permits upon approval.

Step 5: Installation and Inspection

Install the system per approved plans and schedule inspections with the Fire Marshal's Office.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Dallas County Fire Marshal	(214) 653-7970	Permits and inspections
Fire Marshal Location	500 Elm St., Suite 0500, Dallas TX 75202	In-person assistance
Unincorporated Area Services	(214) 653-6565	Fee confirmation
Online Permits	mgoconnect.org	Online applications
Fire Marshal Forms	dallascounty.org	Application forms
TDI State Fire Marshal	tdi.texas.gov	State licensing

Fees

Fees are established in the Dallas County Fire Code Fee Schedule. Payment methods accepted:

• Debit/credit card (online system)
• Exact cash
• Cashier's check
• Money order
• Personal check (permit void if returned for insufficient funds)

Contact (214) 653-6565 for current fee amounts or review the Fee Schedule.

Adopted Codes

Dallas County has adopted fire codes with local amendments. Fire alarm systems must comply with:

• Dallas County Fire Code – As adopted by Commissioners Court
• NFPA 72 – National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Texas Administrative Code Section 34.600 – Fire Alarm Rules

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

The Dallas County Fire Code applies to multifamily residential dwellings of 4 or more units. For these projects:

• Permit required through Fire Marshal's Office
• Plans must be submitted for review
• State licensing required for contractor

Single-family and small multifamily (under 4 units) in unincorporated Dallas County may have different requirements—verify with the Department of Unincorporated Area Services.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full permit process through Fire Marshal's Office
• Engineered or architect-sealed plans required
• Complete system specifications needed
• State SFMO licensing mandatory
• Coordination with other fire protection systems

Pro Tips from the Field

Verify Jurisdiction: Dallas County includes many incorporated cities. Always confirm whether your project is in unincorporated Dallas County before starting the permit process.

Use the Online System: Dallas County's MGOConnect system streamlines permit applications. Get familiar with the platform to expedite your submissions.

Complete Plans Save Time: The detailed plan requirements (battery calcs, voltage drop, device locations) are strict. Submit complete documentation to avoid review delays.

Engineer/Architect Seal Required: Don't forget that Dallas County requires plans to be sealed by a licensed architect or engineer. Build this into your project timeline and budget.

Confirm Fees First: Call (214) 653-6565 before submitting to confirm current fee amounts. Fee schedules can change.

Keep State Licenses Current: Your TDI-SFMO license must be active to pull permits. Monitor renewal dates and complete continuing education on time.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Dallas County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Harris County, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Dallas County Fire Marshal's Office and Texas Department of Insurance before beginning work.