Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Norfolk, Virginia

Quick Answer: Norfolk requires a permit for the installation or alteration of fire alarm systems. Applications are submitted to the Norfolk Fire Marshal Office at 100 Brooke Avenue, Suite 400. Contractors must hold a Virginia DPOR Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) contractor license and register the alarm system with Norfolk Fire-Rescue upon completion.

When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt

Permit Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Fire alarm system alterations or modifications
• Adding devices to existing fire alarm panels
• Replacement of fire alarm control panels
• Commercial occupancy fire alarm installations
• Multi-family residential buildings (3+ units)

Permit Exempt

• Single-family residential smoke detectors (battery or hardwired)
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Like-for-like device replacements (same manufacturer, model)
• Annual testing and maintenance (certification required)

Norfolk Fire Alarm Registration Requirements

Norfolk City Council adopted Article VI - Fire False Alarms Section 17.1-65 on July 1, 2018, requiring registration of all fire alarm systems.

Registration Details

• Fee: No fee for alarm system registration
• Who registers: Property owner or authorized representative
• When to register: Upon installation or change of ownership

False Alarm Penalties

Occupancy Type	Free False Alarms	Penalty Per Additional Alarm
Residential	3 per 6-month period	$75 per incident
Commercial	3 per 6-month period	$150 per incident

All fees must be paid within 30 days of billing.

Virginia DPOR Contractor Licensing

Fire alarm installation requires a Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) contractor license with the Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) specialty classification.

Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) Classification

Fire alarm systems contracting (FAS) means the service that provides for the installation, repair, or improvement of fire alarm systems that operate at 50 volts or less. The Electrical (ELE) classification also provides for this function.

License Classes and Contract Limits

License Class	Contract Limit	Annual Volume Limit	Experience Required
Class A FAS	Unlimited	Unlimited	5 years
Class B FAS	$120,000	$750,000	3 years
Class C FAS	$10,000	$150,000	2 years

Requirements for FAS License

• 8 hours of DPOR-approved pre-license education
• Pass FAS specialty examination (Class A and B)
• Net worth or surety bond: $45,000 (Class A) or $15,000 (Class B)
• Verification of experience in fire alarm work

For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Permit Application

1. Obtain fire alarm permit application from Norfolk Fire Marshal Office
2. Complete all required fields including contractor license information
3. Prepare fire protection plans and system specifications
4. Submit application with required fee

Step 2: Plan Review

• Fire Marshal Office reviews plans for code compliance
• Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (2021 edition effective January 18, 2024)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Step 3: Installation and Inspection

1. Install system per approved plans
2. Schedule inspection with Fire Marshal Office
3. Complete acceptance testing
4. Register alarm system with Norfolk Fire-Rescue

Where to Apply

Norfolk Fire Marshal Office
100 Brooke Avenue, Suite 400
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-664-6604
Fax: 757-441-2537 (for credit card payments)

Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Fire Alarm Permit	Varies by system size	1-2 weeks review
Alarm System Registration	No fee	Immediate
Fire Marshal Inspection	Included in permit	Schedule upon completion
DPOR FAS License	$180-$260	2-4 weeks

Code Requirements

All fire alarm installations must comply with:

• Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (2021) - Effective January 18, 2024
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 (NEC): For electrical installation requirements
• IBC/VCC: Virginia Construction Code requirements

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarms

Single-family homes typically require only smoke detectors per the Virginia Residential Code:

• Smoke alarms in each sleeping room
• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level including basements
• Interconnected (hardwired or wireless)

Note: Norfolk Fire-Rescue offers free smoke alarm installation for residents who need assistance.

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial occupancies require comprehensive fire alarm systems with:

• Permitted installation by FAS-licensed contractor
• Fire Marshal plan review and inspection
• Central station monitoring (typically required)
• Annual inspection and certification
• NFPA 72 compliant testing and documentation

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Plan review first: Submit plans before ordering equipment to avoid costly changes
• Coordinate with AHJ: Contact Fire Marshal Office early for complex installations
• Document everything: Maintain complete records for annual certifications
• Test notification appliances: Verify audibility meets NFPA 72 requirements
• Train building staff: Provide proper training to reduce false alarms and penalties

Stay Ahead of Project Opportunities

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Related Permit Guides

• Virginia Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Norfolk Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Virginia Beach Fire Alarm Permit Requirements

Additional Resources

• Norfolk Fire Inspections and Permits
• Norfolk Fire Marshal Office
• Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors
• Virginia State Fire Marshal Office
• Norfolk Fire-Rescue Code