Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Pima County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installations in Pima County require permits from Pima County Development Services or the applicable fire district (Northwest Fire District, City of Tucson Fire Department). Contractors must hold an Arizona ROC C-16 (Fire Protection Systems) or C-67 (Low Voltage) license, and systems must comply with NFPA 72 and the adopted fire code.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?

Fire alarm permits are required in Pima County for:

• New fire alarm system installations in commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential buildings
• Modifications or additions to existing fire alarm systems
• System upgrades or panel replacements
• Tenant improvement projects that affect life safety systems
• Change of occupancy requiring upgraded fire protection

Exempt Installations

• Single-family residential smoke detectors (battery or hardwired)
• Like-for-like device replacements (same manufacturer, same model)
• Minor repairs that do not affect system operation

Fire Districts in Pima County

Pima County contains multiple fire jurisdictions with their own permitting processes:

Jurisdiction	Coverage Area	Contact
City of Tucson Fire	City of Tucson	tucsonaz.gov/Fire
Northwest Fire District	Unincorporated NW Pima County, parts of Marana	nwfdaz.gov
Drexel Heights Fire District	Southwest unincorporated area	Contact for permit info
Green Valley Fire District	Green Valley area	Contact for permit info
Pima County (unincorporated)	Areas without fire district coverage	(520) 724-9000

Arizona Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm installations require proper Arizona ROC licensing:

Primary License Classifications

• C-16 Fire Protection Systems - Commercial fire alarm installation and repair, includes low voltage signaling
• CR-16 Fire Protection Systems (Residential) - Residential fire alarm work
• C-67 Low Voltage Communication Systems - Alarm systems installation, service, and repair
• CR-67 Low Voltage (Residential) - Residential alarm system work

C-16 License Requirements

• Experience: 4 years of verifiable experience in fire protection systems
• Trade Exam: 75 questions, 180-minute time limit, 70% passing score
• Business Management Exam: Required for all classifications
• Bond: $2,500 to $100,000 depending on annual volume
• Background Check: Required for applicant and qualifying party

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

Fire Alarm Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Jurisdiction

Identify which fire authority has jurisdiction over the project location:

• Use the Pima County GIS parcel viewer to determine jurisdiction
• Contact Pima County Development Services: (520) 724-9000
• Verify fire district boundaries with the local fire prevention office

Step 2: Submit Plans for Review

Required documentation typically includes:

• Fire alarm system plans showing device locations
• Riser diagrams and wiring details
• Equipment cut sheets and specifications
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Sequence of operations
• Central station monitoring information (UL or FM certificate)

Step 3: Pay Fees and Obtain Permit

After plan approval:

• Pay applicable permit fees
• Receive permit card to post at job site
• Schedule inspections as required

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

Required inspections typically include:

• Rough-in inspection - Before concealment of wiring and devices
• Final inspection - Complete system test with monitoring verification

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Plan Review	$75-$200+	Based on system size and complexity
Fire Alarm Permit	$100-$500+	Varies by jurisdiction and project scope
Re-inspection Fee	$50-$100	If system fails initial inspection
Plan Review Time	5-15 business days	Complex projects may take longer
Permit Issuance	1-3 business days	After plan approval

Fees vary by jurisdiction. Contact the specific fire authority for current fee schedules.

Code Compliance Requirements

Adopted Codes

Pima County and Tucson follow these fire codes:

• International Fire Code (IFC) - Base fire code with local amendments
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• NFPA 70 (NEC) - Electrical installation requirements

Key NFPA 72 Requirements

• Sound levels: Minimum 75 decibels in occupied areas
• Secondary power: 24 hours standby plus 5 minutes alarm mode
• Annual inspection: Required for all systems
• Record keeping: Maintenance logbook at FACP location
• Central station: UL or FM Approvals certificate required

Tucson-Specific Requirements

The City of Tucson has adopted local fire code amendments including:

• Fire watch personnel authorization by fire code official only
• Maintenance records required for all life safety systems
• Logbook maintained at Fire Command Center or near FACP
• General Operational permit for certain occupancies

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Single-family homes typically require smoke alarms per IRC, not full fire alarm systems
• Multi-family buildings (3+ units) often require monitored fire alarm systems
• Residential permit fees are generally lower
• CR-16 or CR-67 license acceptable for residential-only work

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Plan review required for all new systems
• NFPA 72 compliance mandatory
• Central station monitoring required for most occupancies
• Annual testing and inspection documentation required
• C-16 or C-67 commercial license required

Central Station Monitoring Requirements

For monitored fire alarm systems:

• UL Listed or FM Approved central station required
• Provide certificate copy with permit application
• Monitoring must be active before final inspection
• Communication path supervision per NFPA 72

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction early - Fire district boundaries can be complex in Pima County
• Submit complete packages - Incomplete submittals delay plan review significantly
• Include calculations - Battery and voltage drop calculations catch many first-time submittals
• Coordinate with other trades - Fire alarm devices must clear HVAC, lighting, and sprinkler systems
• Test before calling inspection - Complete all device testing and monitoring verification before final
• Document everything - As-built drawings and testing records required at turnover
• Plan for Arizona heat - Attic temperatures affect device placement and cable ratings

Common Inspection Failures

Avoid these common issues that cause inspection failures:

• Missing or incorrect device spacing
• Improper NAC circuit calculations
• No monitoring verification at time of final
• Missing or illegible system documentation
• Device placement conflicts with other systems
• Inadequate battery backup duration

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Pima County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Browse All Permit Guides

Summary

Fire alarm permit requirements in Pima County depend on your specific location and project scope. Key points:

• Identify the correct fire authority (Tucson, Northwest Fire District, or other)
• ROC C-16 or C-67 license required for installations
• NFPA 72 compliance is mandatory
• Plan review required for commercial projects
• Central station monitoring must be UL or FM certified

For jurisdiction-specific questions, contact Pima County Development Services at (520) 724-9000 or the applicable fire district.