Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Greenville County, South Carolina

Installing fire alarm systems in unincorporated Greenville County, SC? Whether you're a fire alarm contractor working on a commercial project or a building owner planning a system upgrade, understanding local permit requirements is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know about fire alarm permits, licensing, and regulations in Greenville County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for most commercial fire alarm installations. Greenville County requires fire alarm system submittals for all buildings except one- and two-family dwellings. Systems must be reviewed by Greenville County Building Safety before installation can proceed. Additionally, alarm systems connected to monitoring services require separate registration with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required?

Fire alarm permits are required in Greenville County for:

• New commercial fire alarm installations: All new systems in commercial, industrial, and multi-family buildings
• Tenant up-fits: Fire alarm modifications in leased spaces
• Remodels: Projects affecting fire alarm coverage areas
• New additions: Extending fire alarm systems into building additions
• System replacements: Replacing fire alarm control panels or major system components

What Doesn't Require a Permit?

• One- and two-family dwelling fire alarm installations
• Routine maintenance and testing of existing systems
• Minor device replacements that don't change system configuration

What Are the Fire Alarm Submittal Requirements?

Greenville County has specific submittal requirements for fire alarm systems. The county divides fire alarm systems into three types, and all must meet the criteria of:

• The most current adopted edition of the International Fire Code (IFC)
• All applicable requirements of the most recent edition of NFPA standards

Required Documentation

Regardless of system size or type, the following must be provided:

• Scaled drawings: Plans scaled at 1/8" or 1/4" to the foot
• Scope of work description: A detailed paragraph on the front sheet describing whether the project is new construction, tenant up-fit, remodel, or new addition
• Device locations: All smoke detectors, pull stations, notification appliances
• Riser diagram: Complete system architecture
• Equipment specifications: Cut sheets for all devices and equipment
• Battery and voltage drop calculations: System capacity verification

Download the complete requirements: Greenville County Fire Alarm Submittal Information (PDF)

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Greenville County?

1. Access the Greenville County Building Safety Department website
2. Submit permits through the eTrakit online system
3. Upload required documentation including scaled drawings and specifications
4. Pay applicable permit fees
5. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing (general permits take 6-8 weeks)
6. Schedule inspections upon completion

Contact: Greenville County Building Safety | 864-467-7060 | Building Safety Forms

Do You Need a Contractor License for Fire Alarm Work in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires fire alarm contractors to be licensed through the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (part of LLR - Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation).

Fire Alarm Contractor License Requirements

To obtain a fire alarm contractor license in South Carolina:

• Pass two exams: Alarm Code of Laws Exam and Fire Alarm Exam (administered by PSI, $60 fee, 50 questions, 3 hours, open-book)
• Hold certification: NTS Level I or II, OR NICET Level II or III
• Submit application: Doc #130 with exam score sheets and certification proof
• Background check: Criminal background check for all principal officers and qualifying parties
• Insurance: Certificate of Liability Insurance ($100,000 minimum coverage)
• License fee: $200 payable to SCCLB

For complete licensing details, see our guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

What About Alarm Registration with the Sheriff's Office?

Fire alarm systems connected to monitoring services require separate registration with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office under Ordinance No. 3354:

• Registration fee: $10 one-time
• Annual renewal: Automatic at no cost
• Address changes: Must be updated within 30 days
• Non-compliance: No response will be provided to unregistered alarms after 30-day grace period

Download the form: GCSO Alarm Registration (PDF)

Fees and Timeline

Requirement	Fee	Timeline
Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by project	2-3 weeks review
General Building Permit	Varies by project	6-8 weeks processing
Alarm Registration (GCSO)	$10 one-time	1-2 weeks
SC Fire Alarm License	$200 + $60 exam	4-6 weeks
NICET Certification	Varies by level	Varies

Note: Starting July 1, 2025, Greenville County building permit fees increased by 20 percent.

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarm Systems in Greenville County?

Greenville County follows these adopted codes:

• International Fire Code (IFC): Most current adopted edition
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 1: Fire Code
• South Carolina Building Code (SCBC) 2021: Based on IBC with SC modifications
• National Electrical Code (NEC) NFPA 70 (2020): Electrical requirements

Residential vs Commercial Installations

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• One- and two-family dwellings: Exempt from fire alarm submittal requirements
• Standalone smoke detectors: No permit required for replacement
• Hardwired interconnected systems: May require electrical permit
• Monitored systems: Require GCSO alarm registration

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Fire alarm submittal required for all commercial buildings
• Must be installed by SC-licensed fire alarm contractor
• NFPA 72 compliant design and documentation required
• Annual inspections required for compliance
• ADA-compliant notification devices required (audible and visual)

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

• Incomplete submittals: Missing calculations or specifications delays approval—review the submittal checklist carefully
• Wrong scale drawings: Plans must be 1/8" or 1/4" to the foot
• Missing scope of work: Include detailed description on front sheet
• Skipping GCSO registration: Monitored systems require separate alarm registration
• Operating without license: SCCLB enforcement can result in fines and work stoppage
• Missing NICET certification: Required for license exam eligibility

Pro Tips from Fire Alarm Contractors

• Use eTrakit: Online submission speeds up processing significantly
• Include all calculations: Battery backup and voltage drop calculations prevent review delays
• Document system type: Greenville County classifies systems into three types—identify yours clearly
• Coordinate with other trades: Fire alarm work often intersects with electrical and HVAC—align schedules
• Budget for processing time: General permits take 6-8 weeks; fire alarm reviews take 2-3 weeks

Official Resources and Contacts

• Greenville County Building Safety: 864-467-7060 | Building Safety Forms
• Fire Alarm Submittal Requirements: Fire Alarm Submittal Information (PDF)
• Greenville County Sheriff's Office (Alarm Registration): Alarm Billing
• SC Contractor's Licensing Board: (803) 896-4686 | Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov | SCCLB Licensure
• SC Office of State Fire Marshal: (803) 896-9800 | Codes and Standards

Related Permit Guides for Greenville County

• Security Camera Permits in Greenville County, SC

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Greenville County Building Safety and the SC Contractor's Licensing Board before beginning work.