Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, Dallas requires permits for fire alarm system installations, modifications, and alterations. Contractors must register with the City of Dallas and submit plans stamped by a Texas Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) or licensed Professional Engineer. Alarm permits are required for monitoring, with escalating false alarm fees after three incidents within 12 months.

Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in Dallas?

Under Dallas City Code, any change, addition, or alteration to a fire alarm system must be permitted. This includes new installations, system expansions, and modifications to existing systems.

When a Permit IS Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Additions to existing fire alarm systems
• Alterations or modifications to fire alarm systems
• Commercial building fire alarm systems
• Multi-family residential fire alarm systems
• Any system connected to central monitoring

Alarm Permit Requirements

Under Dallas City Code Article l, Section 15C-2(b), the Chief shall refuse police response to any alarm notification from an alarm site that does not have a valid alarm permit. Key requirements:

• A separate permit is required for each alarm site
• Permits cannot be transferred to another person or alarm site
• Permit holders must inform the chief of any changes within two business days
• Registration is required even during the 30-day new installation grace period

Contractor Registration Requirements

City of Dallas Registration

To work on fire alarm systems in Dallas, contractors must register with the City. Registration options:

• Online: Submit via DallasNow portal
• In Person: Permit Office at 320 E. Jefferson Room #105

State Licensing (TDI)

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) State Fire Marshal Office regulates fire alarm licensing statewide. Required licenses include:

Individual Licenses

• Residential Fire Alarm Technician (RFA): Install, certify, inspect, and service residential fire alarm systems in one- and two-family dwellings. Initial fee: $50, Renewal: $100 (every two years)
• Fire Alarm Technician (FAL): Work on various types of fire alarm systems including single-station smoke detectors and complex fire detection setups. Must know Texas Insurance Code, NFPA 72, and portions of NFPA 70
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS): Oversees design and setup of fire alarm devices and detection systems. Required for plan review approval. Initial fee: $120, Renewal: $200 (every two years)
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS): Can sell, plan, install, certify, service, and monitor fire alarm systems in one- and two-family dwellings

Company Registration

When fire alarms are installed by a contractor, the company must hold a Certificate of Registration from the State Fire Marshal Office. If devices are monitored to dispatch the fire department, the monitoring station must also be registered.

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

Plan Submission Requirements

Fire alarm plans must be submitted for review and approval. Requirements include:

• Minimum of 3 sets of design drawings
• Drawings must be to a recognized architect scale
• Plans must be stamped, signed, and dated by either:
  • A Texas Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) registered with the submitting company, OR
  • A Professional Engineer registered in Texas whose major discipline is Fire Protection Engineering

Permit Fees

Fire Alarm Plan Review Fees

Fees are based on the number of initiating and/or signaling devices:

System Complexity	Typical Fee Range
Small systems	$75 - $150
Medium systems	$150 - $225
Large systems	$225 - $300

Fire Alarm Permit Fee

Per Section 303.2.2 and Table B of Chapter 52 of the Dallas City Code, the permit fee is based on a percentage of total value of work plus a standard fee. Approximately $1,000 permit fee per $100,000 of work value.

Retest Fee

$622.00 - Assessed when a system fails inspection after the contractor has acknowledged it was pre-tested and in approved condition.

False Alarm Fees

Grace Period

No service fee is assessed during the first 30 days after installation of a new alarm system, provided satisfactory proof of installation date is submitted. Note: Registration is still required during this period.

Escalating Fee Structure

After the first three false alarms within a 12-month period, escalating fees are assessed for each additional false alarm notification.

Installation Standards

Wiring Requirements

Dallas requires specific installation standards:

• All fire alarm systems must be Class "A" wired
• Minimum 6-feet separation between supply and return conductors
• False alarms and nuisance alarms are prohibited under city code

Code Compliance

Installations must comply with:

• Dallas Fire Code (based on International Fire Code)
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
• Texas Insurance Code requirements

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain State Licensing

Ensure your company holds TDI registration and your technicians hold appropriate fire alarm licenses.

Step 2: Register with City of Dallas

Submit contractor registration via DallasNow or at the Permit Office.

Step 3: Submit Plans

Prepare and submit 3 sets of stamped plans meeting all requirements.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Pay plan review and permit fees based on system scope.

Step 5: Receive Approval

Wait for plan review approval before beginning installation.

Step 6: Install System

Install per approved plans and Class "A" wiring requirements.

Step 7: Schedule Inspection

Pre-test system thoroughly before scheduling inspection to avoid retest fees.

Step 8: Obtain Alarm Permit

Register for alarm permit once system is approved and operational.

Contact Information

Dallas Building Inspection - Fire Alarm
320 E. Jefferson Room #105
Dallas, TX

Dallas Alarm Permit Compliance Unit
PO Box 840186
Dallas, TX 75284-0186
Phone: 855-809-2058
Email: dallastx@alarm-billing.com
Website: dallasalarmpermit.com

Texas Department of Insurance - State Fire Marshal
Phone: 512-676-6800 (press 1)
Email: FMLicensing@tdi.texas.gov
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM weekdays

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Pre-test thoroughly: The $622 retest fee is significant—never schedule inspection until system is fully verified
• Get your APS: Having a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent in-house accelerates plan approvals
• Class A wiring: Dallas specifically requires Class "A" configuration—plan your cable runs accordingly
• Register early: Complete alarm permit registration during installation to avoid response issues
• Document the install date: Keep proof of installation date to qualify for the 30-day false alarm grace period
• Train end users: Reduce callbacks and false alarms with thorough customer training
• Digital licenses: TDI no longer issues paper licenses—maintain digital copies on your phone

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas

Official Resources

• Dallas Fire Alarm FAQs
• Dallas Alarm Permit Portal
• Texas TDI Fire Alarm Licensing
• Dallas City Code - Alarm Permits