Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, California

Quick Answer: Yes, Los Angeles requires electrical permits for commercial fire alarm system installations. Permits are obtained through LADBS (Department of Building and Safety) using ePlanLA or PermitLA. Contractors must hold a valid California C-10 Electrical Contractor license issued by CSLB. Some residential and low-voltage systems may be exempt.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

In Los Angeles, electrical permits are required for installation of complicated electrical systems including Emergency, Legally Required Standby, Fire Alarm, and Gas Detection Systems.

Permits Required For

• New commercial fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm systems in new construction
• Major modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Fire detection systems in high-occupancy buildings
• Integration with fire suppression systems

Exemptions

Per Section 82-3 of the Los Angeles County Electrical Code, the following may be exempt from electrical permits:

• Electrical wiring operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
• Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits with rated output of not more than 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes
• Addition of strobe power supplies and attached devices connected to existing fire control panels
• Installation of central station monitoring systems, dialers, and attached devices
• Addition of fire warning devices connected to existing programmable fire warning systems

Residential burglar/fire alarm systems typically do not require electrical permits if they meet the low-voltage exemptions above.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

California requires the C-10 Electrical Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) for fire alarm installation work.

C-10 License for Fire Alarms

In California, only C-10 licensed electrical contractors can install smoke, heat, and fire detection equipment. This is different from burglar alarm work, which requires an ACO (Alarm Company Operator) license from BSIS.

License Type	Issuing Agency	Scope
C-10 Electrical	CSLB	Fire alarm installation (required)
C-16 Fire Protection	CSLB	Fire suppression systems (not electrical alarms)
ACO (Alarm Company Operator)	BSIS	Burglar alarms, fire alarm monitoring only

Important Distinctions

• Fire alarms: Require C-10 license from CSLB
• Burglar/security alarms: Require ACO license from BSIS
• An ACO without C-10 can sub-contract installation to a C-10 contractor and handle monitoring
• C-7 (Low Voltage) contractors cannot install fire detection devices—C-10 is required

For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit

Step 1: Register for Angeleno Account

To use ePlanLA or PermitLA, you first need to register for an Angeleno account. This is your single account to access City of Los Angeles construction services.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

Gather the following materials:

• Fire alarm system plans and specifications
• Point-to-point wiring diagrams
• Equipment cut sheets and listings
• Battery and voltage drop calculations
• Copy of C-10 contractor license

Step 3: Choose Permit Path

Express Permit (No Plan Review): Some simple projects that meet Express Permit Eligibility criteria can be permitted through PermitLA without plan review.

Regular Plan Check: For projects requiring plan review, submit through ePlanLA. You can upload plans online or schedule an appointment for in-person submittal.

Step 4: Plan Check Review

LADBS reviews plans in accordance with the Los Angeles Fire Code and relevant NFPA standards. For preliminary guidance, you can apply for a Preliminary Plan Check to meet with a plan check engineer.

Step 5: Pay Fees and Receive Permit

Once approved, pay permit fees to receive your permit.

Step 6: Schedule Inspections

After installation, LADBS verifies that all safety systems including fire alarms are properly installed and functional. Schedule inspections through your Angeleno account.

Contact Information

Department	Contact
LADBS Main	ladbs.org
Electrical Permits	LADBS Electrical
LAFD Fire Permits	lafd.org/fire-permits
CSLB Licensing	cslb.ca.gov

Development Services Centers

LADBS operates multiple locations for in-person services:

• Metro (Downtown)
• Van Nuys
• West Los Angeles
• San Pedro
• South Los Angeles

Appointments required for in-person services.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
Electrical Permit	Based on project valuation
Plan Check Fee	Varies by project scope
Inspection Fee	Included in permit

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Typical Duration
Express Permit	Same day possible
Regular Plan Check	2-4 weeks
Counter Plan Check	1-2 days
Inspection Scheduling	Schedule online

LAFD Inspection and Compliance

The Los Angeles Fire Department mandates annual inspections for most properties. Buildings deemed higher-risk, such as hospitals or high-occupancy structures, may require more frequent checks.

LAFD Inspections Check For

• Proper placement of fire alarm devices
• Operational status of all alarm components
• Proof of regular maintenance and testing
• Compliance with current Los Angeles fire codes

Common Violations

• Missing or improperly installed fire alarms
• Non-functional systems (fails during testing)
• Lack of maintenance documentation

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Low-voltage residential systems often exempt from permits
• Must meet 25V/50W or 30V/1000VA exemption criteria
• Licensed installation still recommended for monitored systems
• Central station monitoring does not require permit for the monitoring connection

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Electrical permits required through LADBS
• Plans reviewed against LAFC and NFPA standards
• Only C-10 licensed contractors may install
• Annual LAFD inspections required
• Emergency and standby power integration may require additional review

Pro Tips for Los Angeles Fire Alarm Permits

Based on contractor experience in this jurisdiction:

• Get your Angeleno account early: Register before you need to pull permits to avoid delays
• Know the exemptions: Many low-voltage additions to existing systems are exempt from permits
• C-10 is required: Do not attempt fire alarm work with only an ACO or C-7 license
• Use ePlanLA: Online submittal is faster than in-person for most projects
• Budget for LAFD compliance: Factor in annual inspection requirements for ongoing service contracts
• Document everything: LAFD inspectors will want proof of maintenance and testing
• Consider Preliminary Plan Check: For complex projects, meet with a plan check engineer first

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Resources

• California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Guides