Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Denver, Colorado

Quick Answer: Yes, Denver requires permits for fire alarm system installations. All fire alarm work requires shop drawings with either a Professional Engineer (PE) seal or NICET Level III certification signature. Permits are submitted through Denver's ePermits portal at denvergov.org.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required in Denver?

Denver requires fire alarm permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Adding or relocating detection devices
• Panel replacements or upgrades
• Annunciator installations
• Voice evacuation system installations

Permit Exemptions:

• Like-for-like device replacements (same type and location)
• Smoke detector battery replacements
• Annual testing and inspection (no permit, but documentation required)

Shop Drawing Requirements

Denver has specific requirements for fire alarm shop drawings that must accompany permit applications:

• Professional Engineer (PE) Seal: Required for most commercial fire alarm projects
• NICET Level III Alternative: For smaller projects, drawings may be stamped by a NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems technician instead of a PE
• Walk-Through Permits: Available for minor modifications such as adding a few devices to an existing system

Shop drawings must include:

• Floor plans showing device locations
• Riser diagrams
• Equipment schedules
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm contractors working in Denver need multiple licenses:

License Type	Issuing Agency	Purpose
Denver Contractor License	Denver Community Planning and Development	General contractor registration
Fire Department License	Denver Fire Department	Fire alarm system work authorization
Class I License	Denver Fire Department	Required for central alarm station operators

Important: Colorado does not have a statewide low voltage contractor license requirement, but Denver has local licensing requirements that must be met. Check with Denver Community Planning and Development for current contractor registration requirements.

Permit Application Process

Denver uses an electronic permitting system for fire alarm permits:

1. Create Account: Register at denvergov.org/epermits
2. Submit Application: Complete the fire alarm permit application online
3. Upload Documents: Attach shop drawings, calculations, and equipment cut sheets
4. Pay Fees: Submit permit fees via the online portal
5. Plan Review: Wait for plan review approval
6. Permit Issuance: Download approved permit once review is complete
7. Schedule Inspection: Request final inspection through the portal

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Fire Alarm Permit Base Fee	$150-$300	Varies by project scope
Plan Review Fee	65% of permit fee	Included in initial submission
Re-inspection Fee	$75-$150	If corrections needed
Expedited Review	Additional 50%	For faster processing

Timeline Estimates:

• Walk-through permits: Same day or next business day
• Standard plan review: 2-3 weeks
• Complex projects: 4-6 weeks
• Expedited review: 3-5 business days (additional fee)

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Single-family homes typically require smoke detectors per building code, not monitored fire alarm systems
• Multi-family residential (apartments, condos) with common area fire alarm systems require permits
• Home fire alarm systems connected to monitoring services may require permits depending on scope

Commercial Fire Alarms

• All commercial fire alarm installations require permits
• Higher occupancy buildings require voice evacuation systems
• High-rise buildings have additional requirements per Denver Fire Code
• Healthcare facilities must meet additional NFPA 99 requirements

Code Compliance

Denver fire alarm installations must comply with:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Denver Fire Code: Local amendments to the International Fire Code
• Denver Building Code: Construction requirements
• NEC Article 760: Fire alarm circuit wiring requirements

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Submit complete packages: Incomplete submissions get returned, adding weeks to the timeline
• Use walk-through permits: For small additions (1-5 devices), walk-through permits save significant time
• Coordinate with fire marshal: Complex projects benefit from a pre-application meeting with Denver Fire Department
• NICET certification pays off: Having NICET III certified staff allows you to stamp your own shop drawings for smaller projects
• Keep documentation: Denver inspectors want to see equipment cut sheets and installation manuals on-site

Contact Information

Denver Community Planning and Development
201 W. Colfax Ave., Dept. 205
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (720) 865-2705
Website: denvergov.org/cpd

Denver Fire Department - Fire Prevention
Phone: (720) 913-3474
Website: denvergov.org/fire

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Related Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor Licensing Guide
• Denver Security Camera Permit Requirements