Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in Philadelphia County, PA including NICET certification, Fire Alarm Inspector licensing, shop drawing requirements, and annual certification obligations.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Quick Answer: Philadelphia County (coterminous with the City of Philadelphia) requires permits for fire alarm system installation, alteration, and repair. Only licensed Fire Alarm Systems Inspectors can certify fire alarm work. NICET Level II or higher certification is required for licensing. Submit shop drawings for approval before installation.
When Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in Philadelphia County?
Philadelphia County follows the Philadelphia Fire Code, which requires permits and licensed personnel for all fire alarm system work. The code is a joint product of the Philadelphia Fire Department and the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Projects Requiring Permits and Licensed Work
- New fire alarm system installations
- Extensions to existing fire alarm systems
- Alterations to fire alarm configurations
- Repairs affecting system functionality
- Service and testing of fire alarm systems
- Fire alarm monitoring connections
- Integration with sprinkler or smoke control systems
Shop Drawing Requirements
Shop drawings for fire alarm systems shall be prepared in accordance with NFPA 72 and submitted for review and approval prior to system installation. Systems and components must be listed and approved for the purpose for which they are installed.
Fire Alarm Systems Inspector License
Philadelphia has one of the most stringent licensing requirements in Pennsylvania for fire alarm work.
License Requirement
A Fire Alarm Systems Inspector license is required of persons who inspect, test, and certify fire alarm systems for conformance to the Philadelphia Code. No person shall certify the installation, extension, alteration or repair of a fire alarm system without this license.
How to Qualify
There are three pathways to demonstrate competency:
Option 1: NICET Certification (Most Common)
Submit a National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) certificate at Level II or higher in the fire alarms subfield of Fire Protection Engineering Technology.
Option 2: UL Listing
The company for which the applicant is principal or designee must be listed with UL in one of two categories:
- Central Station Service (UUFX) as a "Full Service Company" or "Fire Alarm Service — Local Company"
- Local, Auxiliary, Remote Station and Proprietary Service (UUJS)
Option 3: Professional Engineer
Be a professional engineer registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with qualifications in fire alarm systems. Provide a signed and sealed statement of qualifications.
Additional License Requirements
- Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- $100 non-refundable application fee (applied toward $225 license fee)
- Statement of employment on company letterhead if not self-employed
- Annual renewal required
For complete Pennsylvania licensing details, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Guide.
Philadelphia Fire Code Requirements
Installation Standards
Fire alarm systems must comply with:
- NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
- Philadelphia Fire Code Section 907
- Philadelphia Building Code Chapter 9
- Listed and approved components only
Monitoring Requirements
Alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals must be:
- Distinctly different from each other
- Automatically transmitted to an approved supervising station
- Or, when approved by the fire department, sound at a constantly attended location
Buildings constructed on or after January 1, 2004, and buildings with Group I, Group H, or high-rise occupancies must have fire alarm systems monitored per Section F-901.11.
Acceptance Testing
Fire detection and alarm systems are subject to acceptance tests as contained in installation standards. The fire code official must be notified before any required acceptance testing. It is unlawful to occupy any portion of a building until required fire systems have been tested and approved.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Shop Drawings
Create NFPA 72-compliant drawings showing:
- Device locations and types
- Wiring diagrams and riser diagrams
- Battery calculations
- Notification appliance circuit calculations
- Equipment specifications
Step 2: Submit for Review
Submit drawings and permit applications through:
- Online: eCLIPSE system at eclipse.phila.gov
- In Person: Permit and License Center, 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., MSB, Public Service Concourse
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (closes noon last Wednesday of each month)
Step 3: Plan Review
L&I reviews drawings for code compliance. Complex systems may require multiple review cycles. Applications are typically reviewed within five business days.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Upon approval, pay remaining fees and receive permit. Post permit at job site during construction.
Step 5: Installation
Complete installation by licensed personnel using approved equipment and methods.
Step 6: Acceptance Testing and Certification
Notify the fire code official before testing. Complete acceptance testing per NFPA 72. Licensed Fire Alarm Systems Inspector must certify the installation.
Fees and Timeline
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Inspector License Application | $100 (non-refundable) |
| Fire Alarm Inspector License (Total) | $225 |
| Annual License Renewal | Contact L&I |
| Late Renewal Penalty | 1.5% per month after 60 days |
| Fire Alarm Permit | Contact L&I for quote |
Processing Timeline: License applications reviewed within 5 business days. Permit review varies by project complexity—simple systems may be approved in 1-2 weeks, complex commercial projects may require 3-4 weeks.
Annual Certification Requirements
The Philadelphia Fire Code requires ongoing certification of fire alarm systems.
Owner Responsibilities
- Have fire protection systems inspected and certified annually
- Use qualified licensed tradespeople for inspections
- Maintain certification forms on property
- Make certifications available upon fire code official request
- Submit certification forms to L&I
Inspector Responsibilities
- Provide certification to property owner showing system passed
- Submit copy of certification to L&I
- If system fails, send deficiency notice to L&I within 45 days if not corrected
Existing Building Requirements
Fire alarm systems shall be installed in existing buildings per Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.6 and Sections F-1103.7.7 through F-1103.7.11. Buildings without required fire alarm systems must have systems installed per Section 907.
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Get NICET Level II early: Philadelphia requires it—start the certification process before you need it
- Submit complete drawings: Incomplete submissions delay approval; include all calculations and specifications
- Coordinate with AHJ: Contact the fire code official before testing to ensure scheduling
- Keep tax status current: License applications are denied if you owe City taxes
- Track annual certifications: Maintain a calendar of customer certification due dates
- Document everything: Keep test results, certifications, and deficiency corrections on file
Contact Information
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Department of Licenses and Inspections | (215) 686-8686 |
| 311 Service | 311 or online request |
| Permit and License Center | 1401 JFK Blvd., MSB Concourse |
| eCLIPSE Permit System | eclipse.phila.gov |
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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