Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Forsyth County, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Yes, Forsyth County requires permits for fire alarm system installations and modifications. Permits are issued through the Forsyth County Fire Marshal's Office. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and the NC Fire Prevention Code. For installations adding fewer than five devices, no plan is required, but field acceptance testing is still mandatory.

Forsyth County Fire Marshal's Office

The Forsyth County Fire Marshal's Office handles fire alarm permits for unincorporated areas and municipalities within Forsyth County. Fire protection permits are regulated by the NC Fire Code.

When Are Permits Required?

Permits Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications or additions to existing systems
• Fire alarm control panel replacements
• System upgrades from conventional to addressable
• Fire alarm integration with sprinkler systems
• Smoke control system installations

Plan Requirements by Project Scope

• Adding fewer than 5 devices: No plan required, but field acceptance testing is mandatory
• Replacing fire alarm control panel: Cut sheets and review with acceptance test required
• 5+ devices or new system: Full plan submittal required

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Application

Download the fire alarm permit application from the Forsyth County Fire Permit page.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Completed permit application form
• Fire alarm system plans (if 5+ devices)
• Device layout showing all initiating and notification devices
• Panel specifications and sequence of operations
• Battery calculations
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit completed application via:

• Email: As attachment to Fire Marshal's Office
• In Person: Forsyth County Emergency Services
• Phone: 336-703-2550 (Fire Prevention Office)

Step 4: Plan Review

Plans are reviewed against:

• NC Fire Prevention Code (2018)
• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
• International Building Code with NC Amendments
• Forsyth County Code of Ordinances Chapter 10

Step 5: Acceptance Testing

All fire alarm installations require acceptance testing witnessed or verified by the Fire Marshal's Office before the system can be placed in service.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

North Carolina requires specialized licensing for fire alarm contractors:

NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors (NCBEEC)

• SP-FA/LV (Special Restricted Fire Alarm/Low Voltage): Required for fire alarm installation, maintenance, and repair
• Unlimited Electrical License: Includes fire alarm work

NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board

For monitored fire alarm systems:

• Company business license required
• Individual agent licensing with background checks
• Compliance with monitoring station requirements

For comprehensive licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Fire alarm permit	$100 - $300+	Varies by complexity
Plan review	Based on project scope	5-10 business days
Acceptance testing	Included in permit	Scheduled with Fire Marshal
Re-inspection	Additional fee may apply	As scheduled

Note: Contact the Fire Marshal's Office for current fee schedules.

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

Fire alarm systems in Forsyth County must comply with NFPA 72:

• Device spacing: Smoke detectors per NFPA 72 spacing requirements
• Notification appliances: Audible and visible signals per ADA and NFPA
• Sprinkler monitoring: Building fire alarm must monitor automatic fire-extinguishing systems
• Tamper supervision: Backflow preventer valves must have tamper switches per NFPA 72
• Battery backup: Calculations required in documentation

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential

• Smoke alarms required per NC Residential Code
• Interconnected alarms in new construction
• Permits may be required for hardwired system installations

Commercial

• Full plan submittal required for most installations
• Fire Marshal acceptance testing mandatory
• Certificate of Occupancy requires fire system approval
• Annual inspections required for commercial occupancies

Pro Tips for Forsyth County Fire Alarm Projects

• Under 5 devices: Skip the plans but don't skip acceptance testing
• Panel replacement: Always submit cut sheets and schedule review
• Pre-test systems: Test before scheduling acceptance inspection to avoid delays
• Winston-Salem coordination: Electrical permits handled jointly through Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections
• Document everything: Keep installation records and test documentation
• Contact Fire Prevention: Call 336-703-2550 for specific questions

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Forsyth County before they reach bid boards?

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Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage License Requirements
• Winston-Salem, NC Fire Alarm Permits
• Greensboro, NC Fire Alarm Permits
• Raleigh, NC Fire Alarm Permits