Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Pittsburgh requires permits for all fire alarm system installations, modifications, and repairs. Commercial fire alarm permits are obtained through the Bureau of Building Inspection, with fees of $50 for residential and $100 for commercial systems. All installations must comply with NFPA 72 and Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction Code.

When Is a Permit Required?

Pittsburgh requires fire alarm permits for virtually all fire alarm work. Unlike some low voltage systems, fire alarms have strict permitting requirements due to life safety implications.

Permit Required For

• Installation of new fire alarm systems
• Extending or modifying existing fire alarm systems
• Renovating and repairing existing fire alarm systems
• Suppression system supervisory and alarm systems
• Automatic smoke detection systems
• Emergency voice/alarm communication systems
• Manual fire alarm systems

Minor Alterations (Simplified Process)

Some work qualifies for a simplified minor alteration permit process:

• Hood suppression relays
• Device relocation or replacement in-kind
• Emergency repairs

Minor alterations apply only to existing buildings with valid certificates of occupancy and do not require construction drawings.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide fire alarm contractor license. However, Pittsburgh has specific requirements for who can perform and certify fire alarm work.

Drawing Preparation Requirements

Fire alarm permit applications require drawings prepared by one of the following:

• PA-Licensed Architect or Engineer: Plans prepared and sealed by a Pennsylvania-licensed professional
• NICET Level III Certification: Plans prepared and signed by an individual with NICET Level III certification in fire alarm systems
• Professional plus Shop Drawings: Professional-sealed documents combined with accepted shop drawings

Pennsylvania State Requirements

• No statewide fire alarm license: Pennsylvania does not require a dedicated state license
• UCC compliance mandatory: All installations must meet Uniform Construction Code standards
• NICET certification: While not legally required statewide, NICET certification is practically necessary for permit approvals
• Insurance: General liability and workers' compensation insurance required for commercial work

For complete licensing information, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Guide.

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Type

Identify which permit category applies to your project:

• New System Installation: Full permit with drawings required
• Addition/Alteration: Modifications to existing systems
• Minor Alteration: Simplified process for in-kind replacements

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

For New Systems and Major Alterations:

• Three sets of plans showing device locations
• Manual station locations
• Automatic detection unit locations
• Control panel locations
• Signaling device locations
• Plans sealed by PA-licensed architect/engineer or NICET Level III certified individual

For Minor Alterations:

• No construction drawings required
• Permit application form
• Scope of work description

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit permit applications through OneStopPGH or in person at the Bureau of Building Inspection.

Step 4: Obtain Alarm Permit

In addition to the installation permit, you must obtain an Alarm Permit from the Bureau of Police Alarm Permit Section. Complete the Alarm Permit Application and mail with payment to:

Department of Finance Alarm Permit Section
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Only check or money order payable to "Treasurer, City of Pittsburgh" accepted.

Step 5: Final Inspection

After installation, submit these documents for final inspection:

• Statement of Compliance
• Record of Completion (NFPA 72 form)

Step 6: Notify Public Safety

Within 7 working days of installation, notify the City Department of Public Safety Alarm Permit Section with:

• Owner's name and address
• Type of alarm
• Date of installation

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit	$50/year	Annual renewal required
Commercial Alarm Permit	$100/year	Annual renewal required
Installation Permit	Varies	Based on project scope
Failure to Obtain Permit	$350	Penalty for non-compliance

False Alarm Fees

False Alarms	Fee
First 4 false alarms	No charge
5th and subsequent	Penalty fees apply
New installation grace period	90 days (if properly notified)

Timeline Estimates

Process Step	Estimated Time
Minor alteration permit	3-5 business days
New system permit review	10-15 business days
Plan review (complex systems)	15-20 business days
Final inspection scheduling	3-5 business days

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

All fire alarm systems in Pittsburgh must comply with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code). Key requirements include:

System Design

• Proper device spacing per NFPA 72 tables
• Adequate notification appliance coverage
• Secondary power supply (batteries)
• Monitoring connection to approved central station or fire department

Inspection and Testing

• Visual inspections: Per NFPA 72 Table 14.3.1
• Functional testing: Per NFPA 72 Table 14.4.5
• Smoke detectors: Typically require quarterly testing
• Annual certification: Required for commercial systems

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• $50 annual alarm permit fee
• Simpler plan review process
• Single-family homes may have fewer requirements
• Multi-family dwellings often require full commercial-grade systems
• Smoke detector requirements per Pennsylvania code

Commercial Installations

• $100 annual alarm permit fee
• Full plan review with sealed drawings required
• NICET Level III certification typically required for plan preparation
• Healthcare facilities require PA Department of Health approval
• Properties in floodplains may need additional permits
• Annual fire alarm certification required

Special Considerations

Healthcare Facilities

Fire alarm installations in healthcare facilities require approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Health in addition to local permits.

Floodplain Properties

Properties in regulated floodplain areas may require additional floodplain permits for fire alarm installations.

Historic Districts

Installations in Pittsburgh's historic districts may require additional review to ensure compliance with preservation requirements.

Pro Tips from the Field

Get NICET Certified: While not legally required statewide, NICET Level III certification is practically essential for pulling permits and preparing plans in Pittsburgh. It streamlines the approval process significantly.

Coordinate Early with AHJ: Contact the Bureau of Building Inspection before starting complex projects. Early coordination can identify potential issues before they become costly delays.

Don't Skip the Alarm Permit: The installation permit and alarm permit are separate requirements. Many contractors remember the building permit but forget the Police Bureau alarm permit. The $350 penalty for non-compliance isn't worth the risk.

Document the 7-Day Notification: Keep proof that you notified Public Safety within 7 working days of installation. This documentation protects your client during the 90-day false alarm grace period.

Maintain NFPA 72 Records: Keep copies of all inspection and testing documentation. Pittsburgh inspectors expect to see proper Record of Completion forms.

Contact Information

Pittsburgh Permits, Licenses and Inspections
City-County Building
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Phone: (412) 255-2621
Online Portal: OneStopPGH

Alarm Permit Section
Department of Finance
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

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Related Guides

• Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Requirements
• Philadelphia Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Pittsburgh Security Camera Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with Pittsburgh PLI and the Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal before beginning work.