Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia

Quick Answer: Macon-Bibb County, Georgia requires fire alarm permits for new system installations and modifications. Fire alarm systems are classified as deferred submittals in the plan review process. Submit permits through the Community Connect online portal. Contractors must hold a valid Georgia Low Voltage Alarm (LVA) or Unrestricted (LVU) license. Contact Building and Fire Safety at (478) 803-0466 for specific requirements.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required?

The Macon-Bibb Building and Fire Safety Department requires permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing systems
• Panel replacements requiring reprogramming
• System expansions
• Fire alarm monitoring of sprinkler systems

Note: Any construction exceeding $2,500 in value requires a building permit in Macon-Bibb County.

Deferred Submittal Process

Fire alarm systems are classified as deferred submittals in Macon-Bibb County. This means fire alarm plans can be submitted after the initial building permit is issued but must be approved before installation begins.

Other Deferred Submittals

• Fire extinguishing systems (ANSUL, hood systems, clean agent)
• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Fire mains and private fire main systems

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Create Community Connect Account

Register with Community Connect, Macon-Bibb County's online permit portal. This allows you to:

• Submit electronic plans for review
• Receive approved plans electronically
• Obtain permits
• Schedule inspections
• Track project status
• Receive inspection comments via email

Step 2: Pre-Submittal Meeting (Optional)

Schedule a pre-submittal meeting with the Plan Review Supervisor to identify major issues early in design. Contact buildingpermits@maconbibb.us to schedule. Meetings are conducted virtually; walk-in appointments are not accepted.

Step 3: Submit Plans

Submit fire alarm plans as a deferred submittal including:

• Georgia low voltage contractor license
• Scaled floor plans showing device locations
• Riser diagrams
• Device schedules and specifications
• Battery calculations
• Sequence of operations

Step 4: Plan Review

Plans are reviewed for NFPA 72 compliance and Georgia state fire code requirements. Review times vary based on project complexity.

Step 5: Permit Issuance

Once plans are approved, the fire alarm permit is issued. Approved plans can be printed for job sites.

Step 6: Schedule Inspections

Request inspections through one of three methods:

• Online at maconbibbapps.com/inspectionscheduler
• Through your Community Connect account
• Phone: (478) 803-0466

Important: Submit inspection requests by 4:00 PM for next business day inspections. Requests can be submitted 24 hours a day online.

Georgia Contractor Licensing

Fire alarm work requires a valid license from the Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors.

Applicable License Types

License	Code	Fire Alarm Scope
Low Voltage Alarm	LVA	Fire alarm, burglar alarm, detection systems
Low Voltage Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work including fire alarms

Special Inspector Requirements

Inspectors must be licensed by the State of Georgia to conduct construction inspections and ensure compliance with codes and approved plans.

Code Standards

Fire alarm systems must comply with:

• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (as adopted by Georgia)
• Georgia State Fire Code
• International Property Maintenance Code - For maintenance requirements
• Macon-Bibb Administrative Minimum Standard Codes

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee
Plan review submittal	$150
Fire alarm permit	Based on valuation
Inspections	Included in permit

Timeline: Maximum plan review time is 5 business days for standard projects. Complex commercial systems may require additional review.

Maintenance Requirements

Per the International Property Maintenance Code adopted by Macon-Bibb County:

• All fire protection systems must be maintained in good working order
• Property owners or designated agents are responsible for maintenance
• Devices required when constructed must continue to function properly
• Regular inspection and testing per NFPA 72 required

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Smoke detectors required per Georgia Code
• Monitored systems require proper permitting
• Simpler plan review process for residential

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Full deferred submittal process required
• NFPA 72 compliant design mandatory
• Special inspector oversight
• Integration with sprinkler systems common
• Central station monitoring typically required

Pro Tips for Macon Fire Alarm Projects

Pre-Submittal Meetings: Take advantage of voluntary pre-submittal meetings with the Plan Review Supervisor. Early identification of issues saves time and revision costs.

Community Connect: Register early and familiarize yourself with the online portal. Electronic submittal and tracking streamlines the entire permit process.

Inspection Timing: Submit inspection requests by 4:00 PM for next-day service. Plan your project schedule around this cutoff.

ISO Class 1 Standards: Macon-Bibb Fire Department holds an ISO Class 1 rating - one of fewer than 50 departments nationwide. Expect thorough inspections meeting high standards.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Columbus, Georgia
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia
• Browse All Permit Guides

Contact Information

Macon-Bibb Building and Fire Safety Department
3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite MB105
Macon, GA 31206
Phone: (478) 803-0466
Email: buildingpermits@maconbibb.us
Building Permits

Online Inspection Scheduler
maconbibbapps.com/inspectionscheduler

Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (404) 424-9966
sos.ga.gov