Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Los Angeles County, California

Installing fire alarm systems in unincorporated Los Angeles County requires coordination with both the LA County Fire Department (LACoFD) and the County Building and Safety Division. This guide covers permit requirements, plan review, inspections, and licensing for fire alarm installations in LA County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in LA County?

It depends on the system type. Commercial fire alarm systems require permits and fire department plan review. Residential low-voltage alarm systems (under 25 volts) may be exempt from electrical permits per LA County Electrical Code Section 82-3, but commercial systems and monitored fire alarms have additional requirements.

When Permits Are Required

Fire alarm permits are required for:

• New commercial fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm modifications or additions in commercial buildings
• Systems integrated with fire sprinklers or suppression systems
• Fire alarm panel replacements or upgrades
• Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) systems
• Any fire/life safety system in commercial occupancies

Residential Exemptions

Per LA County Electrical Code Section 82-3, residential systems may be exempt when:

• Operating at less than 25 volts
• Not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy
• Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits with output not exceeding 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes

However, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are required per LA County Residential Code Sections R314 and R315 when building permits are issued for alterations, repairs, or additions.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm installations in California require proper state licensing:

License Type	Issuing Agency	Scope
C-10 Electrical	California CSLB	Fire alarm systems (required)
C-16 Fire Protection	California CSLB	Fire suppression (non-electrical)

Important: A C-10 license is required for fire alarm system installation in California. The C-7 Low Voltage license does not cover fire alarm systems. Employees must also hold Fire/Life Safety Technician certification from the California Department of Industrial Relations.

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

LA County Fire Department Plan Review

Fire Prevention Division - Engineering Section

The LA County Fire Department Engineering Section reviews fire alarm plans for compliance with:

• Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32)
• California Fire Code
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm Code
• Relevant National Fire Protection Association standards

Plan Submission Requirements

Submit plans to the Engineering Section for review:

• Complete fire alarm system drawings
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Sequence of operations
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Device layout and spacing

Regional Inspection Units

LA County Fire Department has regional units throughout the county divided into three geographical regions (North, Central, East) responsible for:

• New construction field inspections
• Annual business inspections
• Minor plan checks for fire extinguishing systems

Permit Process

Step 1: Submit Plans for Fire Department Review

Submit fire alarm plans to LA County Fire Department Engineering Section for review and approval.

Step 2: Obtain Building Permit

After fire department approval, obtain an electrical permit from LA County Building and Safety if required for your installation.

Step 3: Installation

Complete installation per approved plans using C-10 licensed contractors.

Step 4: Request Inspection

Schedule inspection with LA County Fire Department. For fire alarm inspections, you must:

• Provide area in square feet
• Indicate number of floors
• Specify number of devices
• Complete pre-test sheet before inspection

Fees

Fees vary based on project scope. Contact the LA County Fire Department for current fee schedules:

Fee Type	Notes
Plan Review	Based on project scope and complexity
Inspection	Per inspection visit
Reinspection	If corrections needed

Annual Testing Requirements (Regulation 4)

LA County requires annual performance testing of fire alarm systems:

• Mandated by LA County Fire Department Regulation 4
• Required for most commercial buildings
• Must be performed by NICET-certified professionals or Reg 4 approved inspectors
• Includes testing of alarms, control panels, and notification devices

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarms

• Low-voltage systems under 25V may be permit-exempt
• Smoke and CO alarms required per LACRC when permits issued
• Simpler requirements for single-family homes
• Monitored systems may require alarm permits by jurisdiction

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Full fire department plan review required
• NFPA 72 compliance mandatory
• Annual Reg 4 testing required
• Integration with sprinkler systems may be required
• More complex inspection requirements

Alarm Permits by Jurisdiction

Within LA County, alarm permit requirements vary by city:

Jurisdiction	Alarm Permit Required
City of Los Angeles	Yes
Unincorporated LA County	Check with local sheriff station
Other cities	Varies - contact local city hall

False alarm fines typically apply after multiple false alarms within a 365-day period.

Contact Information

LA County Fire Department - Engineering Section

• Address: 5823 Rickenbacker Rd., Commerce, CA 90040-3027
• Phone: (323) 890-4125
• Fax: (323) 890-4129
• Website: fire.lacounty.gov

LA County Building and Safety

• Phone: (626) 458-3181
• Website: pw.lacounty.gov/building

California CSLB

• Phone: (800) 321-2752
• Website: cslb.ca.gov

Pro Tips from the Field

• Check jurisdiction: LA County has many incorporated cities with their own requirements. Verify whether you're in unincorporated county or a city.
• Submit complete plans: Include all calculations, sequences, and specifications to avoid plan review delays.
• Pre-test before inspection: Complete your pre-test sheet—inspections cannot proceed without it.
• Budget for annual testing: Commercial systems require Reg 4 testing annually by certified professionals.
• NICET certification: Using NICET-certified technicians demonstrates competence and may expedite approvals.
• Coordinate with building permits: Fire alarm work often requires both fire department approval and building permits.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Los Angeles (City) Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• San Diego Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• San Francisco Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• California Low Voltage License Guide