Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Hillsboro, Oregon

Installing fire alarm systems in Hillsboro requires coordination with the Building Department and Hillsboro Fire and Rescue. The city has adopted the 2022 Oregon Fire Code with local amendments and requires permits for all commercial fire alarm work. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about permits and compliance in Oregon's Silicon Forest tech hub.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm installations require permits. A permit is required for all commercial fire alarm and detection scope of work as well as all emergency alarm scope of work. A separate low voltage electrical permit is also required for fire alarm installations in Hillsboro.

What Is a Fire Alarm System?

Fire alarm systems requiring permits in Hillsboro include:

• Conventional and addressable fire alarm panels
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Manual pull stations
• Notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Duct smoke detectors
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Emergency alarm systems
• Integration with sprinkler systems

When Are Permits Required in Hillsboro?

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue and Building Services require permits for:

Permit Required

• All commercial fire alarm installations
• All emergency alarm scope of work
• New fire alarm system installations
• Adding devices to existing systems
• Replacing fire alarm control panels
• System alterations or modifications
• Tenant improvement projects affecting fire alarm

May Be Exempt

• Battery replacements
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Annual testing (no modifications)

Contact Hillsboro Fire Prevention at (503) 615-6746 to confirm requirements.

Oregon Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm contractors in Hillsboro must hold multiple credentials.

Required Licenses

• CCB License - Oregon Construction Contractors Board registration
• Limited Energy (LE) Endorsement - Required for low-voltage systems
• OSFM Fire Alarm License - Oregon State Fire Marshal certification
• NICET Certification - Industry standard for fire alarm technicians

For complete licensing details, see our Oregon Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How to Apply for Fire Alarm Permits in Hillsboro

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Fire alarm permit applications require:

• Complete fire alarm system drawings
• Device layout and floor plans
• Riser diagrams showing system architecture
• Equipment cut sheets and specifications
• Battery calculations and voltage drop analysis
• Sequence of operations
• CCB and fire alarm license numbers

Hillsboro provides a Commercial Fire Alarm Permit Checklist to ensure complete submissions.

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit permit applications to Hillsboro Development Services:

City of Hillsboro Permitting Center
Hillsboro Civic Center, 4th Floor
150 E Main Street
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 681-6153
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
Walk-ins welcome

Hillsboro Fire Prevention Division
Phone: (503) 615-6746

Step 3: Plan Review

Fire Prevention reviews fire alarm plans for compliance with:

• 2022 Oregon Fire Code as amended by Hillsboro (HMC 11.28.010)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Local amendments and requirements

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

After permit approval and installation:

• Rough-in inspection - Wiring, conduit, and device boxes before concealment
• Final inspection - Complete system testing

What Are the Fees for Fire Alarm Permits?

Permit Type	Fee Range	Notes
Fire Alarm Permit	$150-$500+	Based on system size
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$85-$175	Required separately
Plan Review	65% of permit fee	Required for commercial
Re-inspection	$75-$100	Per failed inspection

Contact Hillsboro Development Services for current fee schedules.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Phase	Timeline
Application submission	Same day (walk-ins welcome)
Plan review (simple systems)	1-2 weeks
Plan review (complex commercial)	2-3 weeks
Permit issuance	1-2 days after approval
Inspection scheduling	48-72 hours notice

Critical Deficiency Notification

Hillsboro Fire Code requires written notification within 72 hours when contractors find:

• Noncompliant conditions per OFC Appendix I
• Critical deficiencies as defined by NFPA 25
• Issues with fire alarm systems during maintenance or testing

This applies to persons repairing, testing, servicing, or maintaining fire alarm systems.

Special Considerations for Hillsboro

Silicon Forest Tech Facilities

Hillsboro's semiconductor and tech manufacturing facilities have specific fire alarm needs:

• Cleanroom smoke detection requirements
• Integration with facility emergency systems
• Coordination with corporate EHS teams
• 24/7 monitoring requirements
• Suppression system integration (FM-200, Novec, etc.)

Alarm Registration Requirement

Businesses with fire alarm systems connected to central monitoring may also need:

• Alarm permit from Washington County Sheriff's Office
• Annual fee of $23 per alarmed site
• Required for Hillsboro, Banks, Cornelius, and Gaston

Annual Maintenance Requirements

Oregon Fire Code requires:

• Annual inspection and testing by qualified personnel
• Documentation of all testing and maintenance
• Prompt reporting of deficiencies

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Use the checklist - Hillsboro provides a Commercial Fire Alarm Permit Checklist
• Separate permits required - Need both fire alarm AND low voltage electrical permits
• 72-hour notification - Report critical deficiencies found during service
• Walk-ins welcome - No appointment needed at the Permitting Center
• Tech facility coordination - Allow extra time for corporate approval processes
• NICET certification helps - Demonstrates competence to inspectors

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Oregon and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for Hillsboro

• Security Camera Permits in Hillsboro, Oregon

Additional Resources

• Hillsboro Fire Code Compliance
• Hillsboro Fire Prevention
• Hillsboro Forms & Applications
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board
• Oregon Low Voltage License Requirements