Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Lubbock, Texas

# Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Lubbock, Texas **Quick Answer:** Fire alarm installations in Lubbock, Texas require permits from the Lubbock Fire Prevention Bureau. Contractors must hold a Texas State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO) fire alarm license. All commercial fire alarm systems require plan review and inspections. ## Do I Need a Permit for Fire Alarm Work in Lubbock? Yes. Lubbock requires fire alarm permits for virtually all installation and modification work: - **New fire alarm system installations** - Commercial and multi-family - **System modifications** - Adding or relocating devices - **Panel replacements** - Even like-for-like upgrades - **Annual testing and certification** - Required documentation - **Trouble resolution** - Some repairs require permits The **Lubbock Fire Prevention Bureau** oversees fire alarm permitting in coordination with Development Services. ## Permit Application Process ### Step 1: Submit Plans to Fire Marshal Before applying for a building permit, submit fire alarm plans to the Fire Prevention Bureau for review: - **Shop drawings** showing device layouts - **Riser diagrams** with all device counts - **Equipment cut sheets** and specifications - **Battery calculations** for backup power - **Voltage drop calculations** for notification circuits - **Sequence of operations** document ### Step 2: Obtain Electrical/Building Permit After Fire Marshal approval, apply through the CSS Portal for the electrical permit component. ### Step 3: SFMO License Verification The city verifies your Texas SFMO fire alarm license during permit review. Ensure your license is current and in good standing. ### Step 4: Inspections Both electrical inspectors and fire prevention personnel inspect fire alarm work: - **Rough-in inspection** - Before walls close - **Final inspection** - System testing and acceptance ## Texas State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO) Licensing ### Required Licenses All fire alarm contractors in Texas must have SFMO licensing: - **Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS)** - Single-family residential only - **Fire Alarm Superintendent (FAP)** - Commercial and residential - **Fire Alarm Technician (FAT)** - Works under superintendent supervision ### License Application Requirements - **Experience:** Documented fire alarm work experience - **Examination:** Pass SFMO written exam - **Background Check:** State and federal criminal history - **Insurance:** General liability and workers compensation - **Continuing Education:** Required for license renewal ### NICET Certification While not required by Texas, many Lubbock commercial projects and AHJs prefer or require: - NICET Level II for technicians - NICET Level III for project leads - NICET Level IV for design responsibility ## Fire Alarm Code Requirements Lubbock enforces the **International Fire Code (IFC)** and **NFPA 72** for fire alarm installations: ### NFPA 72 Compliance - Device spacing per smoke detector coverage requirements - Audibility requirements for notification appliances - Intelligibility requirements for voice evacuation - Secondary power requirements (24-hour standby minimum) ### Lubbock-Specific Requirements - **Central station monitoring** required for most commercial - **False alarm fees** - $500 after third false alarm in 12 months - **Permit posting** - Must be visible during construction ## Permit Fees | Service | Fee | |---------|-----| | Fire Alarm Plan Review | Based on valuation | | Electrical Permit | Minimum $50 | | Re-inspection | $50 | | Annual Certificate | Varies | ## Inspection Process ### Rough-In Inspection Verify before closing walls: - Conduit and junction box placement - Device mounting heights per ADA - Fire stopping at penetrations - Supervision of wiring ### Final Inspection Complete system testing: - 100% device functional test - Audibility/intelligibility measurements - Backup power test (full disconnect) - Central station signal verification - Record of completion documentation ## Common Issues and Solutions ### Plan Review Delays - Submit complete packages with all required calculations - Include Texas SFMO license with application - Respond promptly to reviewer comments ### False Alarm Prevention Lubbock aggressively enforces false alarm ordinances: - Implement sensitivity adjustments during construction - Train building personnel on system operation - Register system with monitoring company promptly ### Device Location Conflicts - Coordinate early with mechanical and electrical trades - Review diffuser locations vs. smoke detector placement - Verify ceiling heights for proper detector selection ## Pro Tips for Lubbock Fire Alarm Projects 1. **Submit to Fire Prevention First** - Get Fire Marshal approval before electrical permit 2. **Include All Calculations** - Missing battery or voltage drop calcs delay approval 3. **Coordinate With Sprinklers** - Fire alarm and sprinkler must work together 4. **Document Everything** - Keep detailed records for inspection ## Contact Information **Lubbock Fire Prevention Bureau** - Phone: (806) 775-2647 - Address: 1515 Avenue K, Lubbock, TX 79401 **City of Lubbock Development Services** - CSS Portal: City website - Phone: (806) 775-2087 **Texas State Fire Marshal Office** - Website: www.tdi.texas.gov/fire - Phone: (512) 676-6000 ## Stay Ahead of Permit Activity Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Lubbock before they reach bid boards? [LVN Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed. → [Explore Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) --- *Last verified: January 2026. Requirements may change. Contact the Lubbock Fire Prevention Bureau for current requirements.*