Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Multnomah County, Oregon

Installing fire alarm systems in Multnomah County requires understanding Oregon's contractor licensing requirements and local permit jurisdictions. While most of Portland falls under the City's Bureau of Development Services and Portland Fire & Rescue, unincorporated areas have their own processes. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about permits and compliance in Oregon's most populous county.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm installations require permits. All commercial fire alarm and detection scope of work requires permits. A separate low voltage electrical permit is also typically required. The specific process depends on which jurisdiction within Multnomah County your project is located.

Understanding Permit Jurisdictions in Multnomah County

Multnomah County contains multiple jurisdictions for fire alarm permits:

• City of Portland - Portland Fire & Rescue and Bureau of Development Services
• City of Gresham - Gresham Fire Department
• Unincorporated Multnomah County - Multnomah County Fire Districts
• Other cities - Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village have their own processes

What Is a Fire Alarm System?

Fire alarm systems requiring permits include:

• Conventional and addressable fire alarm panels
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Manual pull stations
• Notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Duct smoke detectors
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Emergency alarm systems
• Integration with sprinkler systems

When Are Permits Required?

Oregon Fire Code and local jurisdictions require permits for:

Permit Required

• All commercial fire alarm installations
• All emergency alarm scope of work
• New fire alarm system installations
• Replacing fire alarm control panels
• Adding devices to existing systems
• System alterations or modifications
• Tenant improvement projects affecting fire alarm

May Be Exempt

• Battery replacements
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Annual testing (no modifications)

Oregon Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm contractors in Multnomah County must hold multiple credentials.

Required Licenses

• CCB License - Oregon Construction Contractors Board registration
• Limited Energy (LE) Endorsement - Required for low-voltage systems
• OSFM Fire Alarm License - Oregon State Fire Marshal certification
• NICET Certification - Industry standard for fire alarm technicians

For complete licensing details, see our Oregon Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How to Apply for Fire Alarm Permits

For Portland (Majority of Multnomah County)

Portland Fire & Rescue - Permits and Development
1900 SW Fourth Avenue
Portland, OR 97201
Phone: (503) 823-3700
Online: portland.gov/fire/permits-inspections

Portland requires Form 300.28 - Permit Application to Install Fire Alarm System.

For Unincorporated Multnomah County

Contact the fire district serving your area or Multnomah County Land Use Planning at (503) 988-3043.

Application Process

1. Determine which jurisdiction covers your project location
2. Prepare PE-stamped fire alarm drawings (if required)
3. Complete fire alarm permit application
4. Submit for plan review
5. Pay permit fees
6. Schedule and pass required inspections

What Are the Fees for Fire Alarm Permits?

Permit Type	Fee Range	Notes
Fire Alarm Permit	$150-$500+	Based on system size
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$85-$175	Required separately
Plan Review	65% of permit fee	Required for commercial
Re-inspection	$75-$100	Per failed inspection

Fees vary by jurisdiction. Contact the appropriate fire department for current schedules.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Phase	Timeline
Application submission	Same day
Plan review (simple systems)	1-2 weeks
Plan review (complex commercial)	2-4 weeks
Permit issuance	1-2 days after approval
Inspection scheduling	48-72 hours notice

Code Requirements

Fire alarm systems in Multnomah County must comply with:

• 2022 Oregon Fire Code (OFC)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Local amendments (Portland has specific requirements)
• Oregon Building Code electrical requirements

Special Considerations for Multnomah County

Portland ITM Program

Portland Fire & Rescue has an Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) program. Fire alarm contractors must:

• Be registered with Portland Fire
• Submit annual ITM reports
• Follow specific testing protocols

Multiple Fire Districts

Unincorporated Multnomah County is served by multiple fire districts including:

• Multnomah County Fire District #10
• Corbett Fire District
• Sauvie Island Fire District

Each may have specific requirements beyond state code.

Annual Maintenance Requirements

Oregon Fire Code requires:

• Annual inspection and testing by qualified personnel
• Documentation of all testing and maintenance
• Prompt reporting of deficiencies

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first - Different areas have different processes
• Portland uses Form 300.28 - Specific fire alarm permit application
• Separate permits required - Need both fire alarm AND low voltage electrical permits
• ITM registration - Required for ongoing maintenance work in Portland
• NICET certification helps - Demonstrates competence to inspectors
• Plan for acceptance testing - Budget time for complete functional testing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Multnomah County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Oregon and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides for Multnomah County

• Security Camera Permits in Multnomah County, Oregon

Additional Resources

• Portland Fire & Rescue Permits
• Portland Bureau of Development Services
• Multnomah County Land Use Planning
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board
• Oregon Low Voltage License Requirements