Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Guilford County, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Yes, Guilford County requires permits for fire alarm system installations and modifications. All fire alarm plans must be sealed by a Professional Engineer (PE), and the Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office is a 100% witness agency—meaning all acceptance testing must be witnessed by their inspectors. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and the 2018 NC Fire Code.

Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office Overview

The Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office handles fire alarm permits for all unincorporated areas of Guilford County. Projects within Greensboro or High Point city limits are handled by their respective Fire Marshal offices.

When Are Permits Required?

Permits Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications or additions to existing systems
• System replacements or upgrades
• Adding devices (smoke detectors, pull stations, horns/strobes)
• Fire alarm integration with sprinkler systems
• Smoke control system installations

Exception: Minor Additions

If adding fewer than five devices: No formal plan submittal is required, but field acceptance testing is still mandatory and must be witnessed by the Fire Marshal's Office.

Plan Submittal Requirements

The Guilford County Fire Plan Review process requires:

Mandatory Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) seal: All fire alarm plan submittals must be sealed by a licensed PE
• Battery calculations: Must be included in plans
• Device layout: Complete floor plans showing all initiating and notification devices
• Riser diagrams: System architecture and panel connections
• Sequence of operations: How the system responds to various alarm conditions

Exception for PE Requirement

If PE-signed fire alarm plans are included in the electrical plans for building plan submittal, shop drawings will suffice in lieu of separate PE-sealed fire alarm plans.

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 under full electrical scope

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.

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Plans

Ensure fire alarm plans are PE-sealed and include all required documentation (battery calculations, device layout, sequence of operations).

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit permit application through one of these methods:

• Online: Via the Guilford County Civic Access Portal
• Email: GCFMO@guilford-es.com
• Fax: 336-641-6538
• In Person: 1002 Meadowood St., Greensboro NC 27409, Attention Fire Marshal's Office

Step 3: Plan Review

The Fire Marshal's Office reviews plans against:

• 2018 NC Fire Code
• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
• NFPA standards for fire protection
• Guilford County Code of Ordinances amendments

Step 4: Pre-Test Your System

Important: It is recommended that systems be tested by the installer prior to contact for final inspection. This reduces overall cost to the customer by minimizing failed inspections.

Step 5: Acceptance Testing (100% Witness Required)

Critical: Guilford County Fire Marshal's Office is a 100% witness agency. All tests and inspections must be witnessed by a GCFMO representative. A documented test not witnessed will NOT be accepted.

Contact Information

Contact	Details
Address	1002 Meadowood St., Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone	336-641-7565
Fax	336-641-6538
Email	GCFMO@guilford-es.com

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Fee	Timeline
Fire alarm permit	$100 - $300+	Varies by complexity
Plan review	Based on project scope	5-15 business days
Acceptance testing	Included in permit	Scheduled with GCFMO
Re-inspection	Additional fee	As scheduled

Note: Contact GCFMO for current fee schedules.

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

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

• Device spacing: Smoke detectors per NFPA 72 requirements
• Notification appliances: Audible and visible signals per ADA and NFPA
• Monitoring: Building fire alarm systems must monitor sprinkler systems
• Battery backup: Calculations required in plan submittal
• Documentation: Complete records required for acceptance

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential

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

Commercial

• PE-sealed plans required
• 100% witnessed acceptance testing mandatory
• Fire Marshal issues Certificate of Occupancy
• Construction plans must include fire separation and protection requirements
• Additional protection may be required based on commodity storage classification

Pro Tips for Guilford County Fire Alarm Projects

• Get PE seal early: All plans require Professional Engineer certification
• Pre-test everything: Test your system before scheduling witness inspection to avoid costly failures
• 100% witness rule: Never assume a self-documented test will be accepted—it won't
• Under 5 devices: No plans needed but field acceptance testing still required
• Use online portal: The Civic Access system streamlines permits, plan review, and inspections
• Check jurisdiction: Greensboro and High Point have separate Fire Marshal offices

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage License Requirements
• Greensboro, NC Fire Alarm Permits
• Raleigh, NC Fire Alarm Permits
• Durham, NC Fire Alarm Permits