Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in El Paso County, Colorado
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in El Paso County, Colorado. Learn about PPRBD licensing, Fire Alarm Contractor A and B licenses, and permit processes.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in El Paso County, Colorado
Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in El Paso County, Colorado require permits from the local Fire Authority and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Contractors must hold a Fire Alarm Contractor License (Class A or B) from PPRBD. The license application requires a $50 fee, 5 years of experience, and insurance documentation.
Permit Requirements Overview
El Paso County fire alarm permitting is handled through the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, which serves unincorporated El Paso County, Colorado Springs, Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Monument, and Palmer Lake.
Permits Required:
- Fire Alarm System Permit: Issued by the Fire Authority
- Building Rough-In Permit: From PPRBD for system installation
- Final Inspection: Required before system activation
Permit Authority Jurisdiction:
- Unincorporated El Paso County - Fire Authority + PPRBD
- Colorado Springs - PPRBD + Colorado Springs Fire Department
- Fountain, Woodland Park - Local fire authority + PPRBD
- Monument, Palmer Lake - Local fire district + PPRBD
Fire Alarm Contractor Licensing
PPRBD requires all fire alarm contractors to hold a valid license. Two license classes are available:
Fire Alarm Contractor "A" License
- Design, install, alter, add to, service, and repair all fire alarm systems
- Required for contractors who design systems
- Highest level fire alarm license
- Most dedicated fire alarm companies apply for this license
Fire Alarm Contractor "B" License
- Install, alter, add to, service, and repair all fire alarm systems
- Does NOT permit fire alarm system design
- Appropriate for installation-only contractors
- Must work from engineer-designed plans
License Application Requirements
To obtain a fire alarm contractor license from PPRBD:
Documentation Required:
- Completed application form (available online or at PPRBD office)
- Current driver's license or government-issued photo ID
- Resume documenting 5 years of fire alarm system experience
- Copies of all current licenses, registrations, and certifications
- Certificate of liability insurance
- Certificate of Good Standing from State of Colorado
- Workers' Compensation Certificate or Rejection of Coverage
Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application/Processing Fee | $50 | Non-refundable |
| License Fee | Varies | Contact PPRBD |
| Background Check | Included | Name-based judicial record check |
Background Check
PPRBD requires all license applicants to authorize a name-based judicial record check using information provided in the application.
Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents including experience verification, insurance certificates, and state certifications.
Step 2: Submit Application
Submit online at PPRBD Online Licensing Portal or in person at:
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
2880 International Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 327-2880
Step 3: Pay Fees
Payment accepted by cash, check, or credit card.
Step 4: Background Check
PPRBD will conduct the required background check.
Step 5: License Issuance
Upon approval, license will be issued and can be verified on the PPRBD website.
Fire Alarm System Permit Process
Once licensed, follow this process for each fire alarm project:
1. Plan Submission
- Submit fire alarm system plans to PPRBD
- Include equipment specifications and calculations
- Show device locations and wiring routes
- Submit NFPA 72 compliance documentation
2. Fire Authority Review
- Local fire authority reviews and issues fire alarm permit
- May require additional documentation based on building type
3. Rough-In Permit
- Obtain rough-in permit from Building Department
- Install conduit, boxes, and wiring
- Schedule rough-in inspection
4. Final Inspection
- Complete device installation and programming
- Perform system testing
- Schedule final inspection with fire authority
- Provide acceptance test documentation
Fire Protection Districts in El Paso County
Multiple fire protection districts serve El Paso County. Your Fire Authority depends on location:
- Colorado Springs Fire Department - City of Colorado Springs
- Falcon Fire Protection District - Falcon area
- Cimarron Hills Fire Department - Cimarron Hills area
- Black Forest Fire Rescue - Black Forest area
- Tri-Lakes Monument Fire - Monument/Palmer Lake area
- Fountain Fire Department - City of Fountain
Contact the appropriate fire district for specific requirements in your project area.
Code Requirements
Fire alarm systems in El Paso County must comply with:
- Pikes Peak Regional Building Code - Local amendments to IBC
- NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code
- IFC - International Fire Code (as adopted)
Residential vs. Commercial Requirements
Residential Fire Alarm
- Single-family homes typically need smoke detectors per code
- Monitored systems require alarm registration
- Multi-family buildings may require full fire alarm systems
- Permits required for interconnected or monitored systems
Commercial Fire Alarm
- All commercial fire alarm systems require permits
- Plans must be prepared by licensed contractor (Class A) or engineer
- Occupancy type determines system requirements
- Voice evacuation may be required for larger buildings
- Fire department connection coordination required
Pro Tips from Local Contractors
- Know Your Fire Authority: Identify the correct fire district before starting a project
- PPRBD Portal: Use online system for faster permit processing
- Coordinate Early: Meet with fire marshal on complex projects before design
- License Verification: Verify your license status at pprbd.org before bidding jobs
- Document Experience: Keep detailed records of all fire alarm work for license renewals
- Insurance Updates: Ensure PPRBD has current insurance certificates on file
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in El Paso County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Colorado and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Permit Guides
- El Paso County Security Camera Permit Requirements
- Colorado Springs Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
- Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
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