Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Mobile, Alabama

Fire alarm installations in Mobile, Alabama require compliance with both state-level licensing through the Alabama State Fire Marshal and local registration requirements. Understanding these dual requirements is essential for contractors working in the Mobile market.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, permits are required. Fire alarm contractors must hold a valid State Fire Marshal permit, and local building permits are required for fire alarm installations. Additionally, all alarm systems must be registered with the City of Mobile Police Department. The city has a mandatory alarm registration ordinance for all security and fire alarm systems.

What Is Required for Fire Alarm Work in Mobile?

Fire alarm work in Mobile requires three layers of compliance:

1. State Fire Marshal Permit: All fire alarm contractors must be permitted by the Alabama State Fire Marshal
2. Local Building Permit: Required for new installations and significant modifications
3. City Alarm Registration: All alarm systems must be registered with the Mobile Police Department

What Are the State Fire Marshal Licensing Requirements?

The Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office regulates all fire alarm contractors in the state.

Contractor License Requirements:

• Application fee: $100
• Certificate holder: Must designate a NICET Level III or above certified individual
• Permit expiration: September 30 annually
• Renewal deadline: At least 30 days before expiration

NICET Certification Requirements:

• Fire Alarm Contractors: Must have NICET Level III Fire Alarm System Technician or above on staff
• Technicians (programming, testing, inspection): NICET Level II or equivalent nationally recognized certification
• Continuing education: Required for certification maintenance

Certificate Holder Rules:

If the certificate holder terminates employment, the State Fire Marshal must be notified within 30 days. The business has 9 months or until permit expiration (whichever comes first) to submit an application for a new certificate holder.

How Do You Get a Local Building Permit?

The City of Mobile Fire-Rescue Department oversees fire alarm permitting.

Permit Application Process:

1. Provide copy of valid State Fire Marshal permit to the local building official
2. Submit fire alarm system plans (must bear seal of Alabama-licensed PE or be submitted by certified contractor)
3. Pay applicable permit fees
4. Schedule inspections upon completion

Important Note:

Local officials may not impose additional competency requirements beyond proper evidence of a valid State Fire Marshal permit.

What Are the City Alarm Registration Requirements?

City Ordinance Section 39-62 requires all alarm users in Mobile to register their systems:

• Residential registration: $25 per year
• Commercial registration: $50 per year
• Multiple systems: Each system must be registered individually
• Emergency contacts: Mandatory emergency contact information required
• Registration period: Effective for one year from date of purchase

Registration Contact:

Mobile Police Headquarters
2460 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36606
Phone: (251) 208-1991

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Fee	Timeline
State Fire Marshal permit	$100/year	2-4 weeks processing
Local building permit	Varies by scope	1-2 weeks review
Residential alarm registration	$25/year	Same day
Commercial alarm registration	$50/year	Same day
Fire alarm inspection	Included in permit	Scheduled upon completion

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Fire Alarm Installations:

• Annual alarm registration: $25
• Simpler permit requirements for single-family homes
• May not require engineered plans for basic systems
• Inspection required before occupancy for new construction

Commercial Fire Alarm Installations:

• Annual alarm registration: $50
• Engineered plans typically required
• Must comply with IFC and NFPA 72 requirements
• Fire Marshal plan review required
• Certificate of Occupancy dependent on fire alarm approval
• Annual inspection and testing requirements

Who Can Perform Fire Alarm Work?

Alabama law clearly distinguishes between different types of contractors:

• Fire Alarm Contractors: Can design, program, certify, inspect, and test fire alarm systems (requires State Fire Marshal permit)
• Electrical Contractors: Can install conduit, wire, and equipment but cannot design, program, certify, inspect, or test systems
• Subcontractors: Each subcontractor involved in installation, modification, configuration, programming, or testing must have their own Fire Alarm Permit

For related low voltage licensing information, see our Alabama Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Pro Tips from Mobile Contractors

• Get State permit first: You cannot obtain a local building permit without showing your State Fire Marshal permit
• Register alarms at installation: Complete the city registration process when commissioning the system
• Track NICET expiration: Ensure your certificate holder's NICET stays current—loss of certification means loss of permit
• Plan submission: For commercial jobs, allow extra time for plan review by the Fire Marshal's office
• Use online services: The State Fire Marshal offers online applications, permit printing, and inspection requests

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides for Mobile

• Security Camera Permits in Mobile, Alabama

Additional guides for access control and structured cabling in Mobile coming soon.