Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in DeKalb County, Georgia
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Complete guide to fire alarm permits in DeKalb County, Georgia. Covers Fire Marshal plan review, submittal requirements, NFPA 72 compliance, and Georgia LVA licensing.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in DeKalb County, Georgia
Quick Answer: DeKalb County requires fire alarm permits for all system installations. Plans must be submitted to the Fire Marshal for review before permit issuance. Fire alarm plans must be submitted by Georgia-licensed contractors and include device locations, battery calculations, and strobe intensity levels. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and Georgia fire codes.
Fire Marshal Jurisdiction
The DeKalb County Fire Marshal has authority for fire alarm permits in:
- Unincorporated DeKalb County
- Avondale Estates
- Chamblee
- Clarkston
- Doraville
- Dunwoody
- Lithonia
- Pine Lake
- Stone Mountain
- Stonecrest
When Are Permits Required?
Projects Requiring Fire Permits
- New fire alarm systems: All commercial installations
- System modifications: Adding or relocating devices
- System replacements: Control panel replacements
- Tenant improvements: Fire alarm work for buildouts
- Hood systems, sprinklers: Separate fire system permits required
Plan Submittal Requirements
Per the Fire Marshal Plan Submittal Requirements:
Fire Alarm Plans Must Include
- Location of all fire alarm components (pull stations, horn/strobes, FACP)
- Battery calculations
- Strobe intensity levels
- Location and power sources for all smoke detectors
- Locations of all exit signs
- Location of all emergency lighting
Submittal Process
- Submit 3 sets of plans with calculations
- Include 2 copies of permit application
- Submit to Plans Review through DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability
- Municipal applications require city routing sheet first
Important: Fire alarm plans MUST be submitted by Georgia-licensed contractors. Incomplete plans will not be reviewed.
Georgia Contractor Licensing
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
DeKalb County enforces per DeKalb County Code Chapter 12:
- NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code (2013 Edition for review requirements)
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
- Georgia Rules 120-3-3: State Minimum Fire Safety Standards
- O.C.G.A. Title 25: Georgia fire safety statutes
Contact Information
DeKalb County Fire Marshal Division
Chief Joseph Cox, Fire Marshal
330 West Ponce De Leon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30030
Email: dekalbfmo@dekalbcountyga.gov
Plan Submittal
DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability
Forms Available
DeKalb County Fire Rescue Forms
Pro Tips from Georgia Fire Alarm Contractors
- Complete submittals: Incomplete plans are not reviewed
- Licensed contractors only: Plans must be submitted by GA-licensed contractors
- Include calculations: Battery and strobe intensity calculations required
- Municipal routing: Cities require routing sheet before county review
- Three plan sets: Submit 3 sets of plans plus 2 permit applications
Cities With Separate Requirements
| City | Notes |
|---|---|
| Decatur | Contact Decatur Fire Marshal |
| Brookhaven | Contact city fire marshal |
| Tucker | Contact city fire marshal |
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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