Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Plano, Texas

# Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Plano, Texas **Quick Answer:** Fire alarm installations in Plano, Texas require permits from the Plano Fire Marshal's Office. Contractors must hold a Texas State Fire Marshal Office (SFMO) fire alarm license. Plano adopted 2024 International Fire Code effective August 1, 2024. ## Do I Need a Permit for Fire Alarm Work in Plano? Yes. Plano requires fire alarm permits for: - **New fire alarm installations** - All occupancies - **System modifications** - Adding or relocating devices - **Panel replacements** - Including upgrades - **Annunciator installations** - Remote displays - **Integration work** - Elevator recall, HVAC, door release - **Annual testing** - Certification documentation required ## 2024 Fire Code Adoption Plano adopted the **2024 International Fire Code (IFC)** effective August 1, 2024. Key requirements: ### NFPA 72 Compliance The 2024 IFC references NFPA 72 for fire alarm design and installation standards: - Device spacing requirements - Audibility and intelligibility requirements - Secondary power requirements - Documentation requirements ### Voice Evacuation Required in: - High-rise buildings - Assembly occupancies over 300 - Covered malls - Healthcare facilities ## Permit Application Process ### Step 1: Fire Marshal Plan Review Submit plans to Fire Prevention for review before construction permit: **Required Submittals:** - Floor plans at 1/8" minimum scale - Device locations with coverage calculations - Riser diagram with device counts - Equipment specifications - Battery calculations - Voltage drop calculations - Sequence of operations - **SFMO license documentation** ### Step 2: Plan Review Period - **Standard review:** 10-15 business days - **Complex projects:** May require additional time - **Resubmittals:** 5-10 business days ### Step 3: Obtain Construction Permit After fire alarm approval: - Apply for electrical/building permit - Reference approved fire plans - Pay permit fees ### Step 4: Inspections - **Rough-in inspection** - Before wall/ceiling closure - **Final inspection** - Complete system test ## Texas SFMO Licensing ### Required Licenses All fire alarm work requires SFMO licensing: - **Fire Alarm Superintendent (FAP)** - Project oversight - **Fire Alarm Technician (FAT)** - Installation work - **Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS)** - Plan signatures ### License Verification Plano verifies SFMO licensing during plan review. Maintain current license status. ### NICET Certification While not legally required, many projects specify: - NICET Level II minimum for technicians - NICET Level III for project managers - NICET Level IV for design responsibility ## Inspection Process ### Rough-In Inspection Schedule before closing walls: - Device mounting heights verified - Conduit and pathway inspection - Fire stopping at penetrations - Wire supervision confirmation ### Final Inspection Complete acceptance testing: - **100% functional test** of all devices - **Audibility measurements** documented - **Intelligibility testing** (if voice) - **Battery load test** with calculations verified - **Central station verification** - **Record of completion** submission ## Permit Fees | Service | Fee | |---------|-----| | Plan Review | Based on project size | | Construction Permit | Based on valuation | | Re-inspection | Additional fee | | After-hours | Premium rates | ## False Alarm Impact With ~12,000 false alarms annually in Plano, fire prevention takes this seriously: ### Prevention Measures - Proper detector selection for environment - Construction mode during renovation - Training for building occupants - Regular maintenance schedule ### Documentation - Maintain service records - Document false alarm causes - Provide correction evidence - Train monitoring company contacts ## Pro Tips for Plano Fire Alarm Projects 1. **Use 2024 IFC** - Effective August 1, 2024 2. **Submit Complete Packages** - Missing items delay review 3. **Include APS Signature** - Required on all plans 4. **Plan for Voice Requirements** - More occupancies require it ## Timeline | Phase | Duration | |-------|----------| | Plan Review | 10-15 business days | | Permit Issuance | 1-2 days after approval | | Rough-In Inspection | 24-48 hour scheduling | | Final Inspection | 24-48 hour scheduling | ## Contact Information **Plano Fire Prevention** - Phone: (972) 941-7143 - Address: 1520 K Avenue, Suite 170, Plano, TX 75074 **Plano Development Services** - Permit Portal: www.plano.gov/permits - Phone: (972) 941-7151 **Texas State Fire Marshal Office** - Website: www.tdi.texas.gov/fire - Phone: (512) 676-6000 ## Stay Ahead of Permit Activity Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Plano before they reach bid boards? [LVN Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) monitors permit activity across Texas and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed. → [Explore Signal](https://www.lowvoltagenation.com/signal) --- *Last verified: January 2026. Requirements may change. Contact Plano Fire Prevention for current requirements.*