Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Loudoun County, Virginia
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Loudoun County requires Fire Marshal permits for fire alarm installations under Chapter 1602. 2021 Virginia Fire Prevention Code in effect. DPOR FAS license required.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Loudoun County, Virginia
Quick Answer: Loudoun County requires Fire Marshal permits for fire alarm system installations under the Loudoun County Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 1602). The 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code is now in effect. Virginia DPOR FAS contractor licensing is required for all fire alarm work.
When Are Permits Required?
Under the Loudoun County Fire Prevention Code, permits are required for fire protection systems:
Permits Required:
- New fire alarm system installations
- Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
- Fire alarm monitoring additions
- Central station connections
- Duct detector installations
- Smoke control system installations
Key Requirements:
- Permits are valid for designated period only
- Permits cannot be transferred to different facility or owner
- Must be renewed upon expiration
- Fees required per Fire Prevention Code fee schedule
2021 Virginia Fire Prevention Code
As of January 18, 2024, the 2021 edition of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code is in effect. All fire alarm installations must comply with current code requirements.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Complete Application
Download the Fire Permit Application from Loudoun County.
Step 2: Submit Application
- In-person: Government Center, 1 Harrison St. SE, Second Floor, Leesburg, VA 20175
- By mail: P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177-7000
- Payment: Check or money order only
Step 3: Plan Review
- Allow 10 business days for inspector scheduling
- Submit complete system documentation
- Include equipment specifications
Step 4: Inspection and Permit Issuance
- Inspector will schedule site visit
- Upon satisfactory findings, permit is issued
- Keep permit on site during work
Contact Information:
Loudoun County Fire Marshal Office
Phone: (703) 737-8600
Address: P.O. Box 7000, Leesburg, VA 20177-7000
Permitting and Land Development
1 Harrison St. SE, Second Floor
Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: (703) 777-0220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Virginia Contractor Licensing Requirements
Fire alarm contractors in Loudoun County must hold proper DPOR licensing:
DPOR Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) License
The Virginia DPOR requires FAS specialty licensing:
| License Class | Experience | Contract Limit | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 5 years | Unlimited | $45,000 |
| Class B | 3 years | $120,000 | $15,000 |
| Class C | 2 years | $10,000 | None |
Exam Requirements:
- Class A: General, Virginia, and Advanced portions
- Class B: General and Virginia portions
- Class C: Trade exam only
Pre-license education (8 hours) required. NFPA 72 is key reference material.
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage License Guide.
Permit Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Permit | Per fee schedule | 10+ business days |
| Plan Review | Included in permit | Varies by complexity |
| Inspection | Included in permit | Scheduled after review |
| Re-inspection | Additional fee may apply | As needed |
Alarm Registration Requirements
In addition to Fire Marshal permits, monitored fire alarm systems must be registered with the False Alarm Reduction Unit (FARU):
- Registration is FREE
- Separate registration required for each site
- Renewal every 2 years
- Register through alarm company to Alarm Administrator
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Installations
- Fire Marshal permit required for new systems
- Alarm registration required for monitored systems
- Must comply with 2021 Virginia Fire Prevention Code
- DPOR-licensed contractor required
Commercial Installations
- Fire Marshal permit required
- Some businesses require operational permits
- Annual inspections may be required
- Central station monitoring typically required
- Full code compliance with NFPA 72
Inspection Requirements
Pre-Inspection Checklist:
- System fully installed and operational
- All devices properly labeled
- As-built drawings available
- Equipment cut sheets on site
- Central station communication verified
What Inspectors Verify:
- Installation matches approved plans
- Device spacing per NFPA 72
- Proper annunciation and notification
- Central station communication
- Documentation and labeling
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
Allow adequate lead time. Loudoun County requires 10 business days notice before scheduling inspections. Factor this into project timelines, especially for tenant improvement deadlines.
Payment method matters. Only check or money order accepted for permit fees. Do not show up with cash or credit card expecting to pay.
Permits are non-transferable. If ownership changes or facility moves, new permits are required. Build this into your service agreements for clients.
Register alarms separately. Fire Marshal permits and alarm registration through FARU are separate processes. Complete both to avoid response issues.
Keep current with code. The 2021 Virginia Fire Prevention Code went into effect January 2024. Ensure your designs comply with current requirements, not outdated references.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Loudoun County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Virginia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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