Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Olathe, Kansas

Installing fire alarm systems in Olathe, Kansas requires permits, proper licensing, and compliance with both local and state fire codes. The City of Olathe Fire Marshal's office oversees all fire alarm permits and inspections, while Johnson County manages contractor licensing. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about permits, licensing requirements, and the approval process for fire alarm installations.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, always. Fire alarm system installations in Olathe, Kansas require permits without exception. Unlike low-voltage security systems that may qualify for exemptions, Olathe Municipal Code Section 15.02.140 specifically excludes fire alarm systems from the low-voltage permit exemption. All fire alarm work—new installations, modifications, and replacements—requires a permit and inspection by the Olathe Fire Marshal.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required in Olathe?

The City of Olathe requires fire alarm permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations: Complete system installations in new construction or existing buildings
• System modifications: Adding or relocating devices, expanding coverage zones
• Panel replacements: Upgrading or replacing fire alarm control panels
• Device additions: Adding smoke detectors, heat detectors, pull stations, or notification appliances
• Monitoring changes: Modifications to supervising station connections
• Tenant improvements: Fire alarm work as part of commercial buildouts

What License Do You Need to Install Fire Alarms in Olathe?

Fire alarm contractors in Olathe must hold proper credentials at both the county and state levels.

Johnson County Class DFA License

A Johnson County Class DFA (Fire Alarm) license is required for all fire alarm installation work. This license entitles the holder to install, maintain, repair, alter, or add to any fire alarm system in commercial, residential, agricultural, and utility structures.

Qualification Requirements (one of the following):

• NICET Certification: National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) Fire Alarm Systems Level III or Level IV
• ICC Examination: Score of 75% or higher on an ICC or Prometric fire alarm examination
• Engineering Degree: Bachelor's degree or higher in Architecture, Construction Science, Mechanical Engineering, or relevant engineering from an ABET or ACCE accredited institution

License Fees:

• One-time application fee: $100
• License fee: $225 per license

Insurance Requirements:

• General liability insurance with completed operations coverage
• Workers' compensation insurance (when required by Kansas law)

Kansas State Fire Marshal Registration

While Kansas does not license fire alarm companies at the state level, registration with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office is required. Complete the Sprinkler Alarm Registration Form available on their website.

Qualified Fire Alarm Technician Requirements

According to Olathe Municipal Code Section 16.07.010, a "qualified fire alarm technician" must meet one of these criteria:

• Factory trained and certified by the equipment manufacturer
• NICET Fire Alarm Level II certified or higher
• Employed by a UL UUFX or UUJS listed fire alarm company

For more details on Kansas contractor requirements, see our Kansas Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Olathe?

All fire alarm permits in Olathe are submitted through the online permitting system:

1. Register online: Create an account at the Olathe Online Permitting Portal
2. Submit plans: Upload fire alarm plans in digital UNLOCKED PDF format
3. Include PE stamp: All pages must include the seal of a Professional Engineer
4. Provide calculations: Include battery calculations and product data sheets
5. Pay fees: Submit permit fees based on project scope
6. Await review: Fire Marshal reviews plans for code compliance

Required Documentation

• Fire alarm system plans with PE seal on all pages
• Device layout and coverage calculations
• Battery backup calculations
• Product data sheets for all equipment
• Monitoring station information
• Contractor license verification

What Are the Fire Alarm Permit Fees in Olathe?

Fire alarm permit fees in Olathe are calculated based on project valuation and scope. Contact the Fire Marshal's office at 913-971-7900 for current fee schedules. Typical fees include:

Permit Type	Typical Fee Range
Residential fire alarm	$75 - $150
Commercial fire alarm (small)	$150 - $300
Commercial fire alarm (large)	$300 - $750+
Plan review fee	Additional 50% of permit fee

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarms in Olathe?

Olathe enforces the following fire alarm codes:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (2013 edition referenced by Kansas State Fire Marshal)
• IFC: International Fire Code as adopted by Olathe with local amendments
• Olathe Municipal Code Chapter 16.05: Local fire code provisions

Monitoring Requirements

According to Olathe Municipal Code Section 16.05.310, fire alarm systems required by code must be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72. Additionally:

• A UL Fire Alarm certificate must be issued by a UL-listed contractor for all new installations
• Existing systems involved in construction projects requiring building permits must also obtain UL certification

What Inspections Are Required?

Fire alarm installations in Olathe require inspections at key stages:

1. Rough-in inspection: Verify device locations, conduit runs, and box placement before concealment
2. Final inspection: Complete system test with Fire Marshal present
3. Documentation review: NFPA 72 Record of Completion must be submitted

Final Documentation Requirements

Before final approval, contractors must submit:

• NFPA 72 "Record of Completion" form
• UL Fire Alarm certificate from UL-listed contractor
• Monitoring station confirmation
• As-built drawings (if changes from approved plans)

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarm Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

Kansas Statute 31-160 (Smoke Detector Act) requires every single-family residence to have at least one smoke detector on every story, including the basement. For residential fire alarm systems:

• Permits required for monitored systems connected to control panels
• Standalone smoke detectors typically do not require permits
• Interconnected hardwired smoke alarms may require electrical permits

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial installations have additional requirements:

• Professional Engineer stamped plans required
• UL certification mandatory
• Central station monitoring required per code
• Annual inspection and testing requirements
• Integration with building systems (HVAC, elevators, access control)

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors in Olathe

Based on experience working in Johnson County, here are practical recommendations:

• Get your DFA license first: Johnson County strictly enforces contractor licensing. Apply through the Contractor Portal before bidding work.
• Register with the State Fire Marshal: Complete state registration even though it's not a license—it's still required.
• Use unlocked PDFs: Olathe specifically requires unlocked PDF format for plan review. Locked files will be rejected.
• Include PE stamps on every page: Not just the cover sheet—every page of fire alarm plans needs the Professional Engineer seal.
• Submit NFPA 72 Record of Completion: Have this form ready before requesting final inspection.
• Coordinate with other trades: Fire alarm integration with access control, HVAC, and elevators requires coordination. Ensure all interfacing systems are tested together.
• Maintain NICET certification: Level II minimum for technicians, Level III or IV for license qualification.

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Related Permit Guides for Olathe, Kansas

• Security Camera Permits in Olathe, KS

Contact Information

For permit questions and applications:

• City of Olathe Fire Marshal: olatheks.gov/government/fire/fire-marshal | 913-971-7900
• Online Permitting Portal: Olathe Online Permits
• Johnson County Contractor Licensing: jocogov.org | 913-715-2233 (Option #1)
• Kansas State Fire Marshal: firemarshal.ks.gov | 785-296-3401

Last updated: January 2026. Fire alarm requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements with the City of Olathe Fire Marshal before beginning work.