Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Collins, Colorado

Quick Answer: Yes, Fort Collins requires fire alarm permits for new installations and system modifications. Fire alarm permits are obtained through Poudre Fire Authority (PFA), which enforces the 2021 International Fire Code. All fire alarm contractors must be licensed and insured to work within Fort Collins city limits or the State of Colorado.

Poudre Fire Authority Jurisdiction

Poudre Fire Authority (PFA) provides plan review, permitting, and inspection services for all fire alarm work within their jurisdiction, which includes:

• City of Fort Collins
• Town of Timnath
• Portions of Larimer County
• Portions of Weld County

PFA currently enforces the 2021 International Fire Code within these areas.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

Fire alarm permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Panel replacements or upgrades
• System reprogramming affecting life safety
• Voice evacuation system installations
• Fire alarm/suppression integration

During the development and building permit processes, PFA determines if fire-protection system permits are required based on the locally adopted Fire and Building codes.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

All fire alarm contractors must meet these requirements:

Requirement	Within Fort Collins	Outside City Limits
Contractor License	City of Fort Collins license required	State of Colorado license
Insurance	Required	Required
State Registration	DFPC registration for suppression	DFPC registration for suppression

Colorado State Registration

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) requires registration for fire suppression system contractors. This includes individuals or companies that:

• Physically work on fire suppression systems
• Design fire suppression systems
• Test and inspect fire suppression systems
• Install any part of a fire suppression system

Design Requirements

The design of new fire alarm systems or alterations using performance-based design methods per NFPA 72 must be performed by a qualified professional.

Plan Review and Permit Process

1. Submit Plans: Provide engineered fire alarm plans to PFA
2. Plan Review: PFA reviews for code compliance
3. Permit Issuance: Upon approval, permit is issued
4. Installation: Licensed contractor performs work
5. Inspections: Series of inspections during construction
6. Final Approval: System approved for occupancy

Documentation Requirements

Fire alarm permit applications typically require:

• Engineered fire plans
• Riser diagrams
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations
• Equipment cut sheets

Testing and Inspection Requirements

Important Change (Since January 2022): PFA no longer conducts fire sprinkler/alarm system tests. All inspection, maintenance, and testing must now be performed by a licensed contractor:

• Building/business owners select their own licensed contractor
• Owners are responsible for ensuring licensed contractors correct any deficiencies
• Test documentation submitted via The Compliance Engine® (TCE) through Brycer

Specific System Requirements

Per Fort Collins/PFA requirements:

• Two phone lines: Fire panels must have two working phone lines connected OR a cell unit
• Central station monitoring: Required for most commercial fire alarm systems
• NFPA 72 compliance: All systems must meet current NFPA 72 standards

Code Compliance

Fire alarm installations in Fort Collins must comply with:

• 2021 International Fire Code: Adopted by PFA
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Fort Collins Municipal Code Chapter 9: Fire Prevention and Protection
• NEC Article 760: Fire alarm circuit requirements

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Residential sprinkler systems require PFA plan review and inspections
• Smoke detectors required per building code
• Monitored systems may have additional requirements

Commercial Fire Alarms

• All commercial projects require formal plan review
• Series of inspections during construction
• Licensed contractors required for installation and testing
• Annual testing documentation required via TCE

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: PFA covers Fort Collins, but verify your project location is within their jurisdiction
• Use The Compliance Engine: PFA partners with Brycer for document submission—familiarize yourself with TCE
• Two phone lines or cell unit: Don't forget this Fort Collins requirement for fire panels
• DFPC registration: Ensure your state registration is current if doing suppression work
• Allow time for plan review: Commercial projects require formal review before permit issuance

Contact Information

Poudre Fire Authority - Fire Prevention
Phone: (970) 416-2891
Website: poudre-fire.org/contractors

PFA Development, Construction and Permitting
Website: poudre-fire.org/development

Fort Collins Building Services
Phone: (970) 416-2740
Website: fcgov.com/building/alarm

Colorado DFPC
Website: dfpc.colorado.gov

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Related Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor Licensing Guide
• Fort Collins Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Denver Fire Alarm Permit Requirements