Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Des Moines, Iowa

Installing fire alarm systems in Des Moines requires navigating both city building permits and Iowa state licensing requirements. This guide covers contractor licensing, permit applications, fees, inspections, and the approval process for fire alarm installations in the Des Moines metro area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, both permits and state licensing are required. Fire alarm installations in Des Moines require building permits from the city and contractors must hold an Iowa Alarm System License from the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). All fire alarm systems that send signals to monitoring stations, emergency services, or building occupants require licensed contractors for installation, inspection, maintenance, and testing.

What Are Iowa Fire Alarm Licensing Requirements?

Iowa requires licensing for all fire alarm system work under Iowa Code Section 100C and Administrative Rules Chapter 277. This includes systems that:

• Send signals to monitoring stations
• Notify local fire departments or first responders
• Activate building notification systems (horns, strobes)
• Include nurse call or emergency call features

Contractor License Requirements

To obtain an Iowa Alarm System Contractor License:

• Responsible Managing Employee (RME) - Must list at least one RME with qualifying certifications
• Insurance - $500,000 per person, $1,000,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 property damage liability
• Construction Contractor Registration - Must register with Iowa Labor Services Division per Iowa Code 91C
• License Fee - $300 for 3-year license

Technician License Requirements

All fire alarm technicians working in Iowa must be licensed:

• Licensed Technician - Must hold qualifying certifications (NICET Fire Alarm Systems Level I or higher)
• Technician Trainee - Must work under 100% supervision by a licensed RME or technician
• License Fee - $100 for 3-year license

For complete state licensing information, see our Iowa Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Do Licensed Electricians Need an Alarm License?

Iowa provides a limited exemption for licensed electricians. Electricians can install wiring and components of alarm systems when working for a licensed electrical contractor. However, final termination at the fire alarm control panel and all work done with the panel requires an alarm system license.

This means electricians can pull wire and install junction boxes, but the actual fire alarm panel connections, programming, and testing must be performed by a licensed alarm contractor.

How Do I Get a Permit in Des Moines?

Des Moines Community Development handles building permits for fire alarm installations. Contact the Des Moines Fire Prevention Bureau for fire code requirements.

Application Process

1. Submit plans showing fire alarm system layout, device locations, and wiring paths
2. Include equipment specifications with cut sheets for all devices
3. Provide NFPA 72 compliance documentation
4. Pay permit fees based on project valuation
5. Schedule inspections for rough-in and final

Contact Information

Des Moines Fire Prevention Bureau
2715 Dean Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50317
Phone: (515) 283-4240
Email: firedept@dmgov.org
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Des Moines Community Development
602 Robert D. Ray Drive
Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 283-4200

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Cost/Timeline
Building Permit	Based on project value
Fire Alarm Plan Review	5-15 business days
Inspection Scheduling	24-48 hours notice
Iowa Alarm Contractor License	$300 (3-year renewal)
Iowa Alarm Technician License	$100 (3-year renewal)
Re-inspection Fee	Varies by jurisdiction

What Are Residential vs Commercial Requirements?

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

Single-family homes typically require:

• Smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each level
• Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• Combination photoelectric/CO units are permitted under Des Moines codes
• Homeowner-installed battery-operated units generally do not require permits

Hardwired interconnected systems or monitored residential systems require proper permits and licensed installation.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial buildings have more extensive requirements:

• Plans must be designed and stamped by certified professionals
• NFPA 72 compliance required for all installations
• Fire alarm control panel must interface with building systems
• Annual inspection and testing by licensed contractors
• Monitoring by UL-listed central station

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarms in Des Moines?

Des Moines enforces:

• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code for wiring requirements
• Iowa Administrative Code 661, Chapter 277 - Licensing requirements
• Des Moines Municipal Code Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention regulations

What Are Common Fire Alarm Inspection Issues?

Des Moines inspectors commonly flag:

• Improper device spacing - Smoke detectors not meeting code-required spacing
• Missing documentation - Incomplete as-built drawings or programming records
• Improper supervision - Circuits not properly supervised for open/short conditions
• ADA compliance - Notification appliances not meeting accessibility requirements
• Unlicensed work - Panel terminations done by unlicensed electricians

Pro Tips for Des Moines Fire Alarm Projects

• Coordinate with the fire marshal early - Get plan review before starting work to avoid costly changes
• Document everything - Keep records of all device placements, wire runs, and programming
• Verify NFPA 72 edition - Des Moines adopts specific code editions; confirm which applies to your project
• Plan for annual testing - Commercial systems require annual inspection by licensed contractors
• Maintain license records on-site - Inspectors may verify contractor and technician licensing

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