Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Little Rock, Arkansas

Installing fire alarm systems in Little Rock requires permits, state licensing, and fire marshal inspections. This guide covers what low voltage contractors need to know about fire alarm installations in Arkansas's capital city.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm systems require permits in Little Rock. The Little Rock Fire Department reviews and issues fire safety permits for all fire protection systems including fire alarms. Commercial fire alarm installations must be witnessed and inspected by a fire marshal before final approval.

What Triggers Fire Alarm Permit Requirements?

Fire alarm permits are required in Little Rock for:

• New commercial fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm system upgrades or replacements
• Adding devices to existing fire alarm systems
• Tenant improvements requiring fire alarm modifications
• Change of occupancy affecting fire alarm requirements

Little Rock follows the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which adopts the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC), and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as published by the International Code Council.

Do You Need a License to Install Fire Alarms in Arkansas?

Yes. Arkansas requires a Class E Alarm Systems Company license to install fire alarm systems. The Arkansas State Police regulates alarm companies through two primary Class E subcategories:

• Class E Unrestricted - Required for installing fire alarm systems mandated by the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (commercial buildings, certain occupancies)
• Class E Restricted - Limited to structures not required by code to have fire alarms

For complete licensing requirements, see our Arkansas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Manager Training Requirements

Arkansas has specific training requirements for alarm company managers:

Class E Unrestricted Manager must hold one of:

• NICET Level III or Level IV Fire Alarm certification
• ESA Level I, Level IIA-Electronics or ABAT, and FAIM
• NESA Electronics and Fire Installation and Wiring Codes
• Elite CEU Level I with AEIT and FAIT

Class E Restricted Manager must hold one of:

• NICET Level II Fire Alarm certification
• ESA Level 2A-Electronics or ABAT and Level 2B fire systems
• NESA Electronics and Fire Installation and Wiring Codes
• Elite CEU Level I with AEIT and FAIT

License Fees

License Type	Initial Fee	Renewal Fee	Term
Class E Company License	$600	$300	2 years
Alarm Agent/Technician	$40	$40	2 years

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Little Rock?

The fire alarm permit process in Little Rock involves coordination between the building department and fire department:

1. Submit Plans - Provide fire alarm system drawings showing device locations, wire runs, and panel specifications
2. Building Permit - Obtain electrical/low voltage permit from Little Rock Planning and Development
3. Fire Safety Review - Fire Prevention Division reviews plans for code compliance
4. Installation - Complete installation per approved plans
5. Fire Marshal Inspection - Schedule witnessed testing with fire marshal
6. Final Approval - Receive certificate of compliance

Contact Information

Little Rock Fire Department - Fire Prevention Division
Central Fire Station
624 South Chester Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Hours: Monday-Friday during normal business hours

Arkansas State Fire Marshal's Office
Phone: (501) 683-6740

Arkansas State Police - Regulatory Services (Licensing)
Phone: (501) 618-8600

What Are Fire Alarm Inspection Requirements?

Little Rock utilizes the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and NFPA codes for fire alarm testing. Key inspection requirements include:

• Initial Inspection - Fire marshal must witness testing of new commercial fire alarm installations
• Quarterly Testing - Required by certified technicians per NFPA 72
• Annual Inspection - Comprehensive system testing and documentation
• Documentation - Maintain inspection records for fire department review

The Fire Prevention Division consists of the Chief Fire Marshal and seven Assistant Fire Marshals who handle inspections and code enforcement throughout Little Rock.

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarm Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

Single-family and two-family dwellings in Arkansas typically require smoke alarms per the IRC but may not require permitted fire alarm systems unless:

• The structure exceeds residential code thresholds
• Local amendments require additional protection
• The property is part of a multi-family development

Contractors with a Class E-S license can install single-station alarms in one and two-family dwellings.

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial buildings requiring fire alarm systems under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code must be installed by Class E Unrestricted contractors and inspected by the fire marshal. These include:

• Assembly occupancies (A-1 through A-5)
• Educational facilities (E occupancy)
• Institutional buildings (I occupancy)
• High-rise buildings
• Buildings with automatic sprinkler systems

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors in Little Rock

• Pre-plan coordination - Meet with the fire marshal early for large projects to clarify requirements before installation begins
• NFPA 72 compliance - Fire alarm systems must meet NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code standards
• Monitoring requirements - Commercial fire alarms typically require UL-listed monitoring to a central station
• Sprinkler coordination - If the building has sprinklers, the fire alarm must interface properly with the sprinkler system
• Clean agent systems - Special suppression systems are inspected to NFPA 2001 or NFPA 12 standards
• Keep license current - Arkansas State Police conducts compliance checks; expired licenses can result in penalties

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Related Permit Guides for Little Rock

• Security Camera Permits in Little Rock

Summary

Fire alarm installations in Little Rock require both building permits and fire department approval. Contractors must hold a Class E license from Arkansas State Police, with Unrestricted classification required for code-mandated commercial systems. Fire marshal inspection is mandatory for commercial installations. Plan early, maintain proper certifications, and coordinate with the Fire Prevention Division for smooth project completion.