Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Montgomery County, Maryland

Installing, modifying, or testing fire alarm systems in Montgomery County, Maryland requires specific permits and contractor licensing through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Montgomery County has one of the most comprehensive fire alarm regulatory frameworks in Maryland, with both corporate and individual licensing requirements. Here's what contractors and property owners need to know.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, permits are required for all fire alarm work. Montgomery County requires a fire alarm permit for installations, alterations, modifications, and even repairs to fire alarm systems. Additionally, a low voltage electrical permit is required alongside every fire alarm permit. Contractors must hold both Maryland state licenses and Montgomery County DPS licenses.

What Permits Are Required for Fire Alarm Work?

Fire alarm installations in Montgomery County require two separate permits:

1. Fire Alarm Permit

Required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Alterations or modifications to existing systems
• System repairs
• Any work affecting a fire alarm system

2. Low Voltage Electrical Permit

Required alongside every fire alarm permit:

• Requires Master Limited or Master Electrician license from DPS
• Covers the electrical wiring aspects of the installation
• Applied for separately through DPS ePermits

Important: Fire alarm permits are separate from fire protection system permits (sprinklers). These are two different permit types.

What Contractor Licenses Are Required?

Montgomery County has a two-tier licensing system for fire alarm contractors:

Corporate Fire Alarm License

Required for any company performing inspection, maintenance, or testing of fire alarm systems in Montgomery County. Requirements include:

• Completed Corporate Fire Alarm License Application
• Designated Qualified Individual (DQI) on staff
• DQI qualifying documents
• Signed affidavit
• Application fee

The DQI serves as the qualified liaison between the contractor and DPS, responsible for ensuring code compliance.

Individual Fire Alarm License

Required for any individual performing fire alarm work in Montgomery County. Requirements include:

• Must be associated with an approved Corporate Fire Alarm license
• Must be aware of the company's DQI and their contact information
• Individual license application through DPS
• Qualifying documentation

See Individual Fire Alarm License Process for details.

Maryland State Requirements

In addition to Montgomery County licenses, contractors must also hold:

• Maryland State Electrician's License
• State-level fire protection credentials as applicable

For comprehensive information on Maryland's licensing requirements, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

Montgomery County uses an electronic permitting system:

Step 1: Ensure Licensing Is Current

• Verify Corporate Fire Alarm License is active with DPS
• Confirm all individuals have valid Individual Fire Alarm Licenses
• Ensure Maryland State Electrician's License is current

Step 2: Submit Application via ePermits

• Complete fire alarm permit application using DPS ePermits (Apply & ePay)
• Submit required filing fees
• Prepare electronic plans for ePlans submission

Step 3: Submit Plans via ePlans (ProjectDox)

• Provide electronic copy of plans and supporting information
• Follow Fire Alarm ePlans Submittal Requirements
• Ensure proper file naming and distribution
• If requirements aren't met, project returns with "screening corrections resubmit" task

Step 4: Plan Review

• All fire alarm plans reviewed electronically through DPS ePlans
• Plans checked for compliance with current codes and standards
• Target turnaround time: approximately 2 weeks
• Outstanding fees verified before permit issuance

Step 5: Permit Issuance

• No work permitted until permit is issued
• Approved plans and permit must be on site at all times
• Plans must be available for immediate review

Step 6: Installation and Inspection

• Install system in accordance with approved plans
• Schedule inspection via DPS eServices or call 240-777-0311
• Pass final inspection for system approval

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Fee Type	Cost
Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by project scope
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	Additional fee required
Plan Review Fee	Included with permit application
Corporate License	Per DPS fee schedule
Individual License	Per DPS fee schedule

Timeline	Duration
Plan Review	Target: 2 weeks
Permit Issuance	After plan approval and fee payment
Inspection Scheduling	Typically 2-3 business days

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarm Systems?

Fire alarm installations in Montgomery County must comply with codes adopted by the Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance:

• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code
• International Fire Code (IFC) - Adopted by Montgomery County
• National Electrical Code (NEC) - For all wiring requirements
• Montgomery County Fire Code - Local amendments and requirements

What Are the Requirements for Residential vs Commercial?

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

Montgomery County has specific residential smoke alarm requirements:

• Smoke alarms required in each sleeping area
• Interconnected alarms required in new construction
• Permits may be required for monitored systems
• Battery-only smoke detectors acceptable in some existing homes

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full fire alarm permit required
• Low voltage electrical permit required
• Licensed contractor required (Corporate + Individual licenses)
• ePlans submission for plan review
• NFPA 72 compliant design and installation
• Annual testing and inspection requirements

What About BDA Systems?

Montgomery County also regulates Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) systems for in-building emergency responder radio coverage. These require a separate BDA permit process.

Pro Tips from Experienced Fire Alarm Contractors

• Get both licenses: You need Corporate AND Individual licenses—one company license plus individual licenses for each technician
• DQI is critical: Designate a qualified individual before applying for corporate license
• Two permits required: Don't forget the low voltage electrical permit alongside your fire alarm permit
• Follow ePlans requirements exactly: Incorrect file naming or distribution returns your application
• Plan for 2+ weeks: Plan review target is 2 weeks—build this into project timelines
• Keep permits on site: Approved plans and permit must be immediately available at all times
• Jurisdiction check: Rockville and Gaithersburg have separate permit processes

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance
Phone: 240-777-0311
Website: Fire Alarm Permit Process

Fire Alarm Licensing
Corporate License: Corporate License Process
Individual License: Individual License Process

ePlans Submittals
Requirements: Fire Alarm ePlans Requirements

Online Services
ePermits Portal: permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov

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