Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Jefferson County, Alabama

Fire alarm installations in Jefferson County, Alabama—home to Birmingham and the state's largest metropolitan area—require compliance with state-level licensing through the Alabama State Fire Marshal and coordination with local building departments. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about working in Alabama's most populous county.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, permits are required. Fire alarm contractors must hold a valid State Fire Marshal permit, and local building permits are typically required for fire alarm installations. The local building official will require a copy of your State Fire Marshal permit before issuing any building permit. Note that different municipalities within Jefferson County (Birmingham, Hoover, etc.) have their own permit offices.

What Is Required for Fire Alarm Work in Jefferson County?

Fire alarm work requires two layers of compliance:

1. State Fire Marshal Permit: All fire alarm contractors must be permitted by the Alabama State Fire Marshal
2. Local Building Permit: Required from the appropriate jurisdiction (county or specific municipality)

What Are the State Fire Marshal Licensing Requirements?

The Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office regulates all fire alarm contractors in the state.

Contractor License Requirements:

• Application fee: $100
• Certificate holder: Must designate a NICET Level III or above certified individual
• Permit expiration: September 30 annually
• Renewal deadline: At least 30 days before expiration

NICET Certification Requirements:

• Fire Alarm Contractors: Must have NICET Level III Fire Alarm System Technician or above on staff
• Technicians (programming, testing, inspection): NICET Level II or equivalent nationally recognized certification
• Continuing education: Required for certification maintenance

Certificate Holder Rules:

If the certificate holder terminates employment, the State Fire Marshal must be notified within 30 days. The business has 9 months or until permit expiration (whichever comes first) to submit an application for a new certificate holder.

How Do You Get a Local Building Permit?

Jefferson County contains multiple jurisdictions with separate permitting:

Unincorporated Jefferson County:

Contact Jefferson County Permits Department

Municipal Permits:

• Birmingham: Building Department (205) 254-2391
• Hoover: Inspections Department
• Vestavia Hills: Building Department
• Mountain Brook: Building Department
• Bessemer: Building Department

Permit Application Process:

1. Provide copy of valid State Fire Marshal permit to the local building official
2. Submit fire alarm system plans (must bear seal of Alabama-licensed PE or be submitted by certified contractor)
3. Pay applicable permit fees
4. Schedule inspections upon completion

Plan Requirements:

If plans for a fire alarm system are required to be submitted and approved, they must:

• Bear the seal of a professional engineer licensed in Alabama, OR
• Be submitted by a certified fire alarm contractor with valid State Fire Marshal permit

What Are the Contact Information and Resources?

Agency	Contact	Purpose
Alabama State Fire Marshal	(334) 241-4166	Contractor licensing
Jefferson County Permits	(205) 325-5321	County building permits
Birmingham Building Dept	(205) 254-2391	City of Birmingham permits
Fire Marshal Online Services	firemarshal.alabama.gov	Online applications

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
State Fire Marshal permit	$100/year	2-4 weeks processing
Local building permit	Varies by jurisdiction	1-2 weeks review
Plan review (commercial)	Varies	1-3 weeks
Fire alarm inspection	Included in permit	Scheduled upon completion

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Fire Alarm Installations:

• Simpler permit requirements for single-family homes
• May not require engineered plans for basic systems
• Smoke alarm requirements per code
• Inspection required before occupancy for new construction

Commercial Fire Alarm Installations:

• Engineered plans typically required
• Must comply with IFC and NFPA 72 requirements
• Fire Marshal plan review required
• Certificate of Occupancy dependent on fire alarm approval
• Annual inspection and testing requirements
• High-rise buildings in Birmingham have additional requirements

Who Can Perform Fire Alarm Work?

Alabama law clearly distinguishes between different types of contractors:

• Fire Alarm Contractors: Can design, program, certify, inspect, and test fire alarm systems (requires State Fire Marshal permit)
• Electrical Contractors: Can install conduit, wire, and equipment but cannot design, program, certify, inspect, or test systems
• Subcontractors: Each subcontractor involved in installation, modification, configuration, programming, or testing must have their own Fire Alarm Permit

For related low voltage licensing information, see our Alabama Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

What About Different Cities in Jefferson County?

Jefferson County contains many municipalities with separate permitting requirements:

• Birmingham: Largest city, has its own fire prevention division
• Hoover: Second largest city, separate permit office
• Vestavia Hills: Own building department
• Mountain Brook: Own building department
• Bessemer: Separate permit office
• Unincorporated areas: Use Jefferson County permits

Always verify permit requirements with the specific jurisdiction where work will occur.

Pro Tips from Jefferson County Contractors

• Get State permit first: You cannot obtain a local building permit without showing your State Fire Marshal permit
• Know your jurisdiction: Different cities have different permit offices and requirements
• Track NICET expiration: Ensure your certificate holder's NICET stays current
• Use online services: The State Fire Marshal offers online applications and permit printing
• Plan submission: For commercial jobs, allow extra time for plan review
• 9-month rule: If your certificate holder leaves, you have 9 months to find a replacement

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for Jefferson County

• Security Camera Permits in Jefferson County, Alabama

Additional guides for access control and structured cabling in Jefferson County coming soon.