Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Lexington, Kentucky

Installing fire alarm systems in Lexington-Fayette County requires permits from Building Inspection and review by the Lexington Fire Department. Commercial fire detection projects need shop drawing review, while all monitored systems must register with the False Alarm Reduction Unit. Here's what contractors need to know.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, for commercial installations. Lexington-Fayette County requires permits for fire alarm system installations. Commercial fire detection shop drawings require review by both LFUCG Building Inspection and Lexington Fire Department. Additionally, all monitored alarm systems must be registered with the Police Department's False Alarm Reduction Unit.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required in Lexington?

Permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire detection systems
• Commercial fire alarm installations (require shop drawing review)
• Fire alarm systems in new construction
• Systems interconnected with fire suppression
• Panel replacements and significant upgrades

Registration Required (Separate from Permits)

• All monitored fire alarm systems
• Non-monitored audible alarm systems
• Systems capable of dispatching emergency services

What Contractor Licensing Does Lexington Require?

State Level: Kentucky State Fire Marshal Certification

The Kentucky State Fire Marshal certifies fire alarm inspectors. Requirements include:

• NICET certification: Level II, III, or IV in Fire Alarm Systems
• Alternative: Pass approved examination
• Experience: 18 months in installation, repair, or testing within past 5 years
• Application: Form FPS 33-01
• Renewal: Annual certification

Local Level: Alarm Business License

Under Lexington Ordinance 13-71:

• Required for anyone conducting alarm business in Lexington
• Application fee: $15
• Review period: 30 days
• License number must appear in all advertisements
• Must be posted at business location

For comprehensive state requirements, see our Kentucky Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Fire Alarm Permits?

Submit through LFUCG Building Inspection:

1. Prepare shop drawings: System design, device locations, specifications
2. Submit for review: Building Inspection AND Fire Department review required
3. Obtain permit: Upon approval of shop drawings
4. Install system: Per approved plans
5. Schedule inspection: Final inspection before system activation
6. Register alarm: Separate registration with False Alarm Reduction Unit

Contact Information:

• Building Inspection: 101 E. Vine St., Lexington, KY 40507
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Permits Online: lexingtonky.gov/permits
• Fire Marshal: Office of the Fire Marshal

Alarm Registration Requirements

Separate from construction permits, all monitored fire alarm systems must register with the False Alarm Reduction Unit:

Alarm User Permit

• Fee: $15 annual
• Validity: 12 months
• Requirement: Each alarm site needs separate permit

False Alarm Penalties

• Unregistered systems: $100 per false alarm
• Progressive fines for excessive false alarms

2024 Update: CryWolf Services

Effective August 2024, Lexington uses CryWolf for alarm permitting:

• Phone: (833) 566-7734
• Email: lexingtonky@alarm-billing.com

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Service	Fee	Timeline
Fire Detection Permit	Based on project scope	7-14 business days
Shop Drawing Review	Included in permit	5-10 business days
Alarm Business License	$15	Up to 30 days
Alarm User Permit (annual)	$15	Immediate
Final Inspection	Included	Schedule after completion

What's the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

Single-family homes in Lexington typically require:

• Smoke detectors per Kentucky Building Code
• Permit for interconnected hardwired systems
• Alarm registration if connected to monitoring
• Battery-operated detectors generally exempt from permits

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial installations require:

• Shop drawing submission and review
• Permit from Building Inspection
• Fire Department review
• Licensed contractor (state and local)
• NFPA 72 compliance
• Final inspection and testing
• Alarm registration

Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals, nursing homes, and ambulatory surgical centers have additional requirements:

• Quarterly inspection by Kentucky certified inspector
• Inspector must hold NICET Level II+ in fire alarm
• Documentation for state licensing compliance

Pro Tips for Lexington Fire Alarm Contractors

• Dual review process: Commercial fire detection needs both Building Inspection AND Fire Department approval—submit early
• Get your local license: $15 alarm business license is required—don't overlook it
• Help customers register: Educate clients on False Alarm Reduction Unit registration to avoid $100 fines
• LFUCG = merged government: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government covers entire county with same rules
• State certification matters: For healthcare work, ensure inspectors have Kentucky State Fire Marshal certification
• Shop drawings are key: Quality drawings speed up approval—include all code-required information

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Lexington

• Security Camera Permits in Lexington
• Access Control Permits in Lexington
• Structured Cabling Permits in Lexington

Last updated: January 2025. Verify current requirements with LFUCG Building Inspection before bidding projects.