Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Horry County, South Carolina

Installing fire alarm systems in Horry County requires permits, licensed contractors, and fire code compliance. This guide covers everything you need to know about fire alarm permit requirements, NICET certification, and the inspection process for projects in the Myrtle Beach area and unincorporated Horry County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm installations require permits. Fire alarm system installations in Horry County must be permitted through the Code Enforcement Department and comply with fire codes. Licensed fire alarm contractors must hold valid South Carolina credentials including NICET Level II or higher certification.

Do You Need a License to Install Fire Alarms in South Carolina?

Yes. It is unlawful to practice in the alarm system business in South Carolina without being licensed in accordance with the South Carolina Alarm Systems Business Act. Fire alarm contractors must obtain licensure through the SC Contractors' Licensing Board.

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

Fire Alarm License Requirements

To obtain a fire alarm contractor license in South Carolina:

• Certification: Either NTS Level I or II certified, OR NICET Level II or III certified
• SC Fire Alarm exam: Administered by PSI, 50 questions, 3 hours, $60 fee, must score 35+ correct
• Topics covered: General electrical knowledge, low voltage, fire detection and alarm systems
• Liability Insurance: Certificate listing SC CLB as certificate holder
• Criminal background check: Required for all principal officers and qualifying parties
• Application Doc #130: Initial license application with certifications

Horry County Permit Process

The Horry County Code Enforcement Department issues building permits and inspects construction in unincorporated areas. The building inspection branch also performs fire inspections on commercial buildings.

How to Apply

1. Prepare documentation: Plans, contractor credentials, system specifications
2. Submit application: Online through the Horry County portal or in person
3. Pay permit fees: Based on project scope
4. Schedule inspections: Through the online portal
5. Obtain approval: System must pass inspection

Horry County Contact Information

Code Enforcement Department

• Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Suite 1D09, Conway, SC 29526
• Phone: (843) 915-5090 or (843) 205-5090
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
• Website: Horry County Code Enforcement
• Permit Requirements: Permit Requirements Page

Horry County Fire Rescue

• Administration: 2560 North Main Street, Conway, SC 29526
• Website: Horry County Fire Rescue

City of Myrtle Beach Fire Permits

For projects within Myrtle Beach city limits:

Fire Department Information

• Address: 937 Broadway Street, P.O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
• Phone: (843) 918-1000
• Website: Myrtle Beach Fire Department
• Regulations: Fire Ordinances & Forms

Myrtle Beach is an ISO Class 1 Fire Department, the highest rating possible, which may affect insurance requirements for fire alarm systems.

North Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal

For projects in North Myrtle Beach:

Fire Marshal Services

• Complaint investigations
• Fire code enforcement
• Fire inspections on existing structures
• Fire inspections on new construction
• New business license inspections
• New construction plan review

Contact Information

• Phone: (843) 280-5511 (request On-Duty Fire Marshal)
• Email: firemarshal@nmb.us
• Website: North Myrtle Beach Fire Marshal

South Carolina Fire Alarm Testing Requirements

Fire alarm systems in Horry County must meet ongoing maintenance requirements:

• Annual inspections: Required by licensed contractor
• Semiannual/quarterly testing: Depending on occupancy type
• Immediate repairs: Failed components must be fixed promptly
• Documentation: Maintain records of all inspections, tests, and maintenance

Fire Watch Requirements

Per SC State Fire Prevention Code Section 901.7:

• When fire alarm or sprinkler system is out of service for more than 4 hours in a 24-hour period, notify the authority having jurisdiction
• Fire watch may be required if fire protection system fails
• Fire watch may be required for excessive accidental activations or nuisance alarms

What Are the Fees?

Fire alarm permit fees in Horry County area vary by jurisdiction and project scope:

Fee Type	Typical Range	Notes
Plan Review	$75 - $300+	Based on system complexity
Fire Alarm Permit	$100 - $500+	Based on device count
Reinspection	$50 - $100	If initial inspection fails

Contact the specific jurisdiction for current fee schedules.

Understanding Jurisdictions in Horry County

Horry County covers 1,255 square miles with multiple jurisdictions:

• Horry County (unincorporated): Code Enforcement in Conway
• City of Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach Fire Department
• North Myrtle Beach: Fire Marshal's Office
• City of Conway: Separate permitting authority
• Surfside Beach: Separate permitting
• Atlantic Beach: Separate permitting

Verify which jurisdiction applies to your project address before starting work.

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarms

Residential Projects

For fire alarm installations in Horry County homes:

• Smoke detectors required per SC Residential Code
• Simple smoke/CO detector replacement typically doesn't require permits
• New monitored fire alarm systems require licensed contractor
• Interconnected systems may require inspection
• New construction includes fire alarm in overall building permit

Commercial Projects

For commercial fire alarm installations:

• All new fire alarm systems require permits and plan review
• Must be installed by SC-licensed fire alarm contractor with NICET certification
• Fire Marshal plan review required
• System must meet NFPA 72 and applicable building codes
• Occupancy certificate contingent on fire alarm approval
• Annual inspection and testing requirements apply

South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board

• Address: 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: (803) 896-4686
• Email: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov
• Website: SC Contractors' Licensing Board

Pro Tips for Horry County Fire Alarm Projects

1. Verify jurisdiction first: Multiple cities within Horry County have separate requirements
2. Get NICET certified: NICET Level II is the standard path for fire alarm licensing
3. Coastal environment: Use equipment rated for high humidity and salt air
4. Hurricane considerations: Plan for power backup and system resilience
5. Document everything: Maintain inspection records for annual compliance
6. Fire watch protocols: Understand 4-hour notification requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Horry County

• Security Camera Permits in Horry County
• South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Horry County Code Enforcement or the appropriate municipal fire department before starting work.