Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fairfax County, Virginia
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Fairfax County requires Fire Marshal permits for all fire alarm installations. Learn about PLUS portal applications, acceptance testing, DPOR FAS licensing, and inspection fees.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fairfax County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Fairfax County requires fire alarm permits issued by the Office of the Fire Marshal for installing, modifying, or demolishing fire alarm systems. All permits are processed through the PLUS online portal, and acceptance testing must be scheduled with the Fire Protection Systems Branch before occupancy.
When Are Permits Required?
Under the 2021 Virginia Construction Code (VCC) Sections 108 and 901.3, Fairfax County requires construction permits for fire protection equipment and systems:
Permits Required:
- New fire alarm system installations
- Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
- Fire alarm system rehabilitation
- Central station monitoring connections
- Demolition of fire alarm systems
- Smoke control system installations
- Fire protection supervisory systems
Exemptions:
- Minor repairs using like-for-like replacement devices
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Routine maintenance and testing (ITM activities)
Fire Marshal Authority
The Office of the Fire Marshal is authorized to act on behalf of the Fairfax County Building Official (LDS) for fire protection equipment and systems. This includes:
- Processing and issuing installation permits
- Plan review and approval
- Acceptance testing inspections
- Code enforcement
- Technical assistance and interpretation
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
- Technical Data Sheets - Required if not previously submitted
- Calculations - Required for new system installations
- Shop Drawings/Plans - Must meet code requirements
- BPOL Certificate - Temporary certificate required if contractor lacks active Fairfax County Business License
Step 2: Submit Through PLUS Portal
- Access PLUS (Permit, Land Use, and Site)
- Select Fire tab for Fire Alarm record
- Upload all required documentation
- Pay applicable permit fees
Step 3: Plan Review
The Fire Marshal reviews submitted plans for code compliance. Contact Building Plan Review at (703) 222-0114 for status updates.
Contact Information:
Office of the Fire Marshal
Permits and Applications: (703) 324-1555, TTY (703) 324-1877
Building Plan Review: (703) 222-0114, TTY 711
Commercial Inspections: (703) 324-1910, TTY 711
Fire Protection Systems Branch: (703) 246-4821
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Fire alarm contractors in Virginia must hold proper DPOR licensing:
Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) Specialty
The Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors defines fire alarm systems contracting (FAS) as installation, repair, or improvement of fire alarm systems operating at 50 volts or less.
| License Class | Experience Required | Contract Limit | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 5 years | Unlimited | $45,000 |
| Class B | 3 years | $120,000 per project | $15,000 |
| Class C | 2 years | $10,000 per project | None |
Exam Requirements
- Class A: General, Virginia, and Advanced portions
- Class B: General and Virginia portions
- Class C: Trade exam only
Pre-license education (8 hours) required for all classes. NFPA codes are key reference materials for exams.
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.
Permit Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Permit | Based on project scope | 5-10 business days review |
| Plan Review | Included in permit | Varies by complexity |
| Inspection (per hour) | $208/hour ($52/quarter hour) | Schedule 30 days in advance |
| Re-inspection | $208/hour | As needed |
Note: Inspection fees effective July 1, 2025 per Table 107.2 of Fire Prevention Code.
Acceptance Testing Requirements
All fire alarm systems require acceptance testing before occupancy. Fairfax County has specific protocols:
Scheduling Acceptance Tests
- Email Acceptance Inspection/Test Request form to Fire.AcceptanceTesting@fairfaxcounty.gov
- Schedule 30 days prior to projected occupancy
- Pre-test system before scheduled acceptance date
- Allow time for deficiency corrections
Virtual Inspections Available
Fairfax County offers virtual inspections for fire alarm systems via video call on smartphone or tablet. This can expedite the inspection process for qualifying projects.
What Inspectors Verify
- System installation matches approved plans
- All devices function properly
- Central station communication confirmed
- Documentation and labeling complete
- NFPA 72 compliance
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM)
After initial acceptance, ongoing ITM requirements apply:
- Fire Marshal inspectors no longer witness routine ITM activities
- Inspectors review contractor paperwork to verify system status
- Annual testing typically required
- Maintain systems in good working condition
- Keep documentation readily available
Special Jurisdiction Notes
Projects in these Fairfax County areas require separate approvals:
- Town of Clifton - Additional town approval required
- Town of Herndon - Separate permit process
- Town of Vienna - Town-specific requirements apply
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
Schedule acceptance testing early. The 30-day advance scheduling recommendation is serious. High construction volume in Fairfax County means limited inspector availability. Delays in testing mean delays in occupancy.
Pre-test everything before acceptance. Fire Marshal inspectors expect systems to be fully functional at acceptance testing. Discovering deficiencies during inspection adds $208/hour while they wait for corrections.
Get your BPOL sorted first. Fairfax County requires active Business, Professional, and Occupational License. Without it, permit applications stall. Handle this before starting projects in the county.
Use virtual inspections when appropriate. For straightforward systems, virtual inspections can save scheduling time. Discuss eligibility with the Fire Protection Systems Branch at (703) 246-4821.
Document thoroughly. ITM compliance verification relies heavily on contractor documentation. Maintain detailed records of all testing and maintenance to avoid issues during fire inspector reviews.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Fairfax County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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