Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Knoxville, Tennessee
Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals
Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in Knoxville, TN. Learn about Fire Marshal permits, Knox County Fire Bureau process, and November 2025 changes.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Knoxville, Tennessee
Installing fire alarm systems in Knoxville requires coordination with either the City of Knoxville Fire Marshal's Office or Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau, depending on your location. This guide covers permit applications, plan review processes, and Tennessee contractor licensing requirements.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?
Yes, permits are required for all fire alarm system installations in both Knoxville and Knox County. Plans and designs must be submitted prior to installation. Fire alarm systems must also be registered through knox911.org.
Recent Changes (Effective November 1, 2025)
Important update for City of Knoxville projects:
- Building dept now reviews/inspects all new construction from 2024 IFC for permits submitted after Nov. 1, 2025
- Shop drawings reviewed by building dept for permits submitted after Nov. 1, 2025
- Projects submitted before Nov. 1 still reviewed by Fire Marshal's Office
- Fire Marshal's Office remains involved in all projects and C.O. sign-off
When Permits Are Required
Permits Required
- New fire alarm system installations
- Modifications to existing systems
- Fire alarm panel replacements
- Adding devices to existing systems
- All fixed fire protection, alarm, and detection systems
Registration Required
All fire alarm systems must be registered with the City of Knoxville through knox911.org by either the owner or alarm provider.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
Tennessee Fire Alarm Contractor License
The Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board regulates fire alarm contractors:
Qualifying Agent Requirements
- Post-high-school degree from accredited institution, OR
- NICET certification plus 3 years fire alarm experience
- Pass PSI examination for fire alarm classification
- Complete fire alarm installation/monitoring course before first renewal
Licensing Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Company Certification | $500 - $600 |
| Employee Registration | $100 |
| Renewal | $360 (every 2 years) |
| Continuing Education (QA) | 16 hours per renewal |
For detailed licensing information, see our Tennessee Low Voltage License Guide.
Electrical Contractor License
May also be required:
- CE License: Projects over $25,000
- LLE: NOT accepted in Knox County (has own codes office)
City of Knoxville Permit Process
Step 1: Prepare Documentation
- Fire alarm system plans per NFPA 72
- Equipment specifications
- Battery calculations
- Contractor license information
Step 2: Submit Application
Submit applications to the Fire Prevention Bureau (for pre-Nov 2025 projects) or Building Department (post-Nov 2025):
- Forms: City of Knoxville Permit Applications
- Contact: (865) 633-0400
- Email: sonny.partin@knoxvilletn.gov
Step 3: Plan Review
Plans reviewed for fire and life safety code compliance.
Step 4: Installation and Inspection
Install per approved plans, then schedule inspection.
Step 5: Register System
Register fire alarm system at knox911.org.
Knox County Permit Process
Step 1: Submit to Code Administration
Plans and designs must be submitted to Knox County Code Administration prior to installation:
- Portal: Knox County Online Permits
- Code Administration: (865) 215-2325
Step 2: Fire Bureau Review
Fire Prevention Bureau reviews plans for compliance.
Step 3: Schedule Inspections
All new construction inspections requiring Fire Prevention Bureau approval must be scheduled directly with the Fire Bureau:
- Fire Bureau: (865) 215-4660
- Code Administration: (865) 215-2325
Note: First stage (footers), framing, mechanical, gas, and final inspections must be scheduled with BOTH the Fire Bureau and Code Administration.
Fire Protection Testing Program
Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau offers acceptance testing inspection programs:
- Fire Protection/Detection System Acceptance Testing
- Building and Fire System Plans Review
- New Construction Inspection Program
On-Call Fire Inspector
Knox County provides on-call fire inspector services for:
- Working commercial fires
- Damage to commercial buildings
- Fire protection system activations
- System failures
Fees and Timeline
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Permit | Varies | Based on system scope |
| Plan Review | Included | With permit application |
| Alarm Registration | $0-$30 | Based on false alarm history |
| State Contractor License | $500-$600 | Plus employee fees |
Residential vs. Commercial Requirements
Residential Fire Alarm Systems
- Permit required for addressable systems
- State fire alarm contractor license required
- System registration at knox911.org
- Less complex plan review process
Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
- Permit always required
- Comprehensive plan review
- NFPA 72 compliance mandatory
- System registration required
- Coordinate inspections with both Fire Bureau and Code Administration (Knox County)
- On-call inspector responds to system activations
Code Requirements
Knoxville and Knox County enforce:
- 2024 International Fire Code (IFC): For new permits after Nov 2025
- NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- NEC: Electrical installation requirements
Check Current Fire Code for adopted versions.
Pro Tips from Local Contractors
- Know the Nov 2025 change: Building dept now handles reviews for new permits—Fire Marshal still involved but process changed
- Schedule with both offices: Knox County requires coordinating inspections with Fire Bureau AND Code Administration
- Register at knox911.org: Required for all fire alarm systems
- NICET smooths licensing: Certification expedites Qualifying Agent approval
- LLE doesn't work here: Knox County has its own codes office
- Call Fire Bureau directly: (865) 215-4660 for all inspection scheduling
Contact Information
City of Knoxville Fire Marshal's Office
- Address: Public Safety Complex, 1630 Huron St., Knoxville, TN 37917
- Phone: (865) 633-0400
- Email: sonny.partin@knoxvilletn.gov
- Website: Fire Marshal's Office
Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau
- Address: 505 Summer Place Suite G10, Knoxville, TN 37902
- Phone: (865) 215-4660
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Website: knoxcounty.org/fire
Knox County Code Administration
- Phone: (865) 215-2325
- Permits: Online Permits
Tennessee Alarm Systems Contractors Board
- Phone: 615-741-9771
- Website: tn.gov/commerce/regboards/alarm
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Knoxville before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Tennessee and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Permit Guides
Tags
Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros
Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.