Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Smith, Arkansas

Installing fire alarm systems in Fort Smith requires permits, state licensing, and fire marshal coordination. This guide covers what low voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm installations in Arkansas's second-largest city.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm systems require permits in Fort Smith. Fire protection system installations must be coordinated with the Fort Smith Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Prevention Division uses the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and City Ordinances to ensure fire and life safety compliance for all buildings.

What Triggers Fire Alarm Permit Requirements?

Fire alarm permits are required in Fort Smith for:

• New commercial fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm system upgrades or replacements
• Adding devices to existing fire alarm systems
• Tenant improvements requiring fire alarm modifications
• Change of occupancy affecting fire alarm requirements
• Integration with sprinkler or suppression systems

Fort Smith follows the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which adopts the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC), and related codes. Local jurisdictions can adopt more stringent provisions but must meet AFPC minimum standards.

Do You Need a License to Install Fire Alarms in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas requires a Class E Alarm Systems Company license to install fire alarm systems. The Arkansas State Police regulates alarm companies through two primary Class E subcategories:

• Class E Unrestricted - Required for fire alarm systems mandated by the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
• Class E Restricted - Limited to structures not required by code to have fire alarms

For complete licensing requirements, see our Arkansas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Manager Training Requirements

Class E Unrestricted Manager must hold one of:

• NICET Level III or Level IV Fire Alarm certification
• ESA Level I, Level IIA-Electronics or ABAT, and FAIM
• NESA Electronics and Fire Installation and Wiring Codes
• Elite CEU Level I with AEIT and FAIT

Class E Restricted Manager must hold one of:

• NICET Level II Fire Alarm certification
• ESA Level 2A-Electronics or ABAT and Level 2B fire systems
• NESA Electronics and Fire Installation and Wiring Codes

License Fees

License Type	Initial Fee	Renewal Fee	Term
Class E Company License	$600	$300	2 years
Alarm Technician	$40	$40	2 years

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Fort Smith?

The fire alarm permit process in Fort Smith requires coordination with both the Building Department and Fire Marshal's Office:

1. Submit plans - Provide fire alarm system drawings to the Building Department
2. Building permit - Obtain permit from Building Safety Division
3. Fire Marshal review - Fire Prevention Division reviews plans for code compliance
4. Installation - Complete installation per approved plans
5. Coordinate inspection - Fire protection systems subcontractor must coordinate inspection with the Fire Marshal's Office
6. Final approval - Inspector verifies work matches approved plans

The approved set of plans (stamped by the Building Department) and building permit must be available to the inspector. Work beyond any inspection point requires written approval from the Building Official.

Scheduling Inspections

• Requests before 9:00 AM are scheduled for that morning
• Requests before 2:00 PM are scheduled for that afternoon
• Inspectors are in office 8:00 - 9:00 AM

Contact Information

Fort Smith Fire Marshal's Office
200 North 5th Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: (479) 783-4052
Email: firemarshal@fortsmithar.gov
Fire Marshal: Tommy Bishop, Division Chief

Fort Smith Building Safety Division
Phone: (479) 784-2206 or (479) 784-2288
Email: buildingsafety@fortsmithar.gov

Arkansas State Police - Regulatory Services (Licensing)
Phone: (501) 618-8600

What Fire Codes Apply in Fort Smith?

Fort Smith enforces the following codes for fire alarm installations:

• 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code - State-adopted fire code
• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) - Adopted by reference
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC) - Occupancy and construction requirements
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Fort Smith City Ordinances - Local amendments

The State Fire Marshal enforces all laws regarding the installation and maintenance of automatic fire alarm systems and fire extinguishing equipment under Arkansas Code § 20-22-1010.

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarm Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

Single-family and two-family dwellings typically require smoke alarms per the IRC but may not require permitted fire alarm systems unless:

• The structure exceeds residential code thresholds
• Local amendments require additional protection
• The property is multi-family housing

Class E-S license holders can install single-station alarms in one and two-family dwellings.

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial buildings requiring fire alarm systems under the AFPC must be installed by Class E Unrestricted contractors. These include:

• Assembly occupancies (A occupancies)
• Educational facilities (E occupancy)
• Institutional buildings (I occupancy)
• High-rise buildings
• Buildings with automatic sprinkler systems

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors in Fort Smith

• Coordinate early - Contact the Fire Marshal's Office before starting large projects to clarify requirements
• Keep approved plans on site - Inspectors require stamped plans and permit during inspection
• Don't work ahead of inspections - Work beyond an inspection point without approval can result in violations
• NFPA 72 compliance - Fire alarm systems must meet NFPA 72 standards
• Monitoring requirements - Commercial fire alarms typically require UL-listed central station monitoring
• Business license - A City of Fort Smith Business Occupation License is required for contractors

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Related Permit Guides for Fort Smith

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Summary

Fire alarm installations in Fort Smith require building permits and fire marshal coordination. Contractors must hold a Class E license from Arkansas State Police, with Unrestricted classification required for code-mandated commercial systems. The Fire Prevention Division reviews all fire protection system plans and inspections must be scheduled with the Fire Marshal's Office. Maintain proper licensing, keep approved plans on site, and don't work ahead of inspections for compliant installations.