Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Douglas County, Kansas

Installing fire alarm systems in Douglas County requires understanding Lawrence's detailed submittal process and Kansas State Fire Marshal requirements. This guide covers everything low-voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm installations in the Lawrence metropolitan area.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for commercial installations. Fire alarm system installations in commercial buildings require permits through the City of Lawrence Development Services. Shop drawings must be prepared by a NICET Level III technician or Fire Protection Engineer. Systems must comply with the 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments and NFPA 72. All contractors must register with the Kansas State Fire Marshal.

What Is Considered Fire Alarm Work?

Fire alarm installations in Douglas County include:

• Conventional and addressable fire alarm panels
• Smoke detectors and heat detectors
• Manual pull stations
• Notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Duct smoke detectors
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Integration with sprinkler systems
• Mass notification systems

When Are Permits Required for Fire Alarms?

The City of Lawrence Building Safety Division handles fire alarm permits:

Permits Required:

• New fire alarm system installations (IFC Section 907.2)
• Modifications to existing systems (IFC Section 907.9)
• System replacements or major upgrades
• Multi-family residential buildings
• Any code-required fire alarm installation

May Be Exempt:

• Single-family residential smoke detectors
• Battery-operated smoke alarms (not system devices)
• Like-for-like device replacements (same type/location)
• Routine inspection and testing

What Are the NICET Requirements in Lawrence?

Critical: Fire alarm shop drawings in Lawrence must be prepared by:

• NICET Level III Fire Alarm Systems technician, OR
• Fire Protection Engineer licensed in Kansas

This is a firm requirement for all fire alarm permit submittals in the City of Lawrence.

Alternative Certifications

For installation work (not shop drawing preparation), Kansas accepts:

• NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification
• ESA Certified Fire Alarm Technician (CFAT) Level 2 as alternative to NICET Level II

What Are the Shop Drawing Requirements?

Lawrence has specific requirements for fire alarm shop drawing submittals:

Submittal Contents (Required)

• Floor plan indicating use of all rooms
• Locations of all alarm-initiating devices
• Location of fire alarm control unit
• Transponders and notification power supplies
• Power connection details
• Battery calculations
• Conductor type and sizes
• Voltage drop calculations
• Manufacturers' data sheets with model numbers and listing information
• Details of ceiling height and construction
• Interface of fire safety control functions
• Classification of supervising station

Submittal Format

• Copies Required: Two hard copies AND one electronic copy
• Timing: Submit within 30-60 days of permit issuance (deferred submittals)
• Review Time: Initial review within 15 business days
• Review Day: Fire Protection System reviews on Thursdays

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

1. Register with State Fire Marshal: File notification of doing business
2. Obtain Contractor License: Through City of Lawrence if required
3. Prepare Shop Drawings: By NICET Level III technician or Fire Protection Engineer
4. Submit Application: To Development Services Building Safety Division
5. Pay Fees: Based on project valuation
6. Await Review: 15 business days for initial review
7. Schedule Pre-Submittal Meeting: Contact Fire Prevention Office if needed
8. Schedule Inspections: Call IVR hotline (785) 832-7710

Contact Information

• Development Services: (785) 832-7700
• Fire Prevention Division: (785) 832-7003, 832-3174, or 832-3175
• Inspection Hotline (IVR): (785) 832-7710
• Website: Lawrence Fire Alarm Inspections

For complete information on Kansas licensing, see our Kansas Low-Voltage Contractor License Guide.

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Item	Fee	Timeline
Building permit (fire alarm)	Based on valuation	Varies
Shop drawing review	Included in permit	15 business days
Deferred submittal deadline	N/A	30-60 days after permit
Final inspection (#606)	Included in permit	Schedule via IVR
State Fire Marshal registration	Contact OSFM	Varies

What Codes Apply in Lawrence?

Lawrence enforces the following codes for fire alarm systems:

• 2018 International Fire Code with local amendments
• NFPA 72 (2016 edition) for acceptance testing
• Section 907.2: New buildings and structures
• Section 907.9: Existing buildings and structures

Review the Lawrence Fire Code for detailed requirements.

Inspection and Acceptance Testing

Final Inspection Process

• Call inspection hotline: (785) 832-7710
• Request Inspection #606 (Fire Alarm Final)
• Leave contact information for scheduling
• All personnel must be present for inspection

Integrated System Testing

If the fire alarm is initiated by another fire protection system, it must be tested in conjunction with that system:

• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Type I hoods with automatic fire-extinguishing systems
• Any other integrated fire protection systems

Certificate of Occupancy

All fire protection systems must be approved on the permit prior to:

• Temporary Certificate of Occupancy
• Certificate of Occupancy recommendation to Building Official

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• NICET Level III Required: Don't submit shop drawings without proper certification—they will be rejected
• Thursday Reviews: Fire protection reviews happen on Thursdays—plan your schedule accordingly
• Pre-Submittal Meetings: Schedule with Fire Prevention Office for complex projects
• Two Hard Copies: Don't forget the hard copy requirement plus electronic
• 30-60 Day Window: Submit deferred shop drawings promptly after permit issuance
• Coordinate Testing: If integrated with sprinkler, schedule joint testing
• Register with OSFM: State Fire Marshal registration required for all fire alarm work

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides for Douglas County

• Security Camera Permits in Douglas County

Additional Resources

• Lawrence Fire Alarm Inspections
• Kansas State Fire Marshal - Licensing
• Lawrence Fire Code (PDF)
• Lawrence Building Safety Division