Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Portland, Oregon

Installing fire alarm systems in Portland requires permits from Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) and proper contractor endorsement. The city has specific requirements for fire protection contractors, including the ITM (Inspection, Testing & Maintenance) program. Here's what contractors need to know about permits and licensing in Portland.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, permits are required for most fire alarm work. Portland Fire & Rescue requires permits for new fire alarm installations, system modifications, and alterations. The only exception is "local fire alarms"—non-monitored systems consisting exclusively of pull stations and bells.

What Fire Alarm Work Requires a Permit?

Portland requires permits for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Adding devices to existing systems
• Replacing fire alarm control panels
• Converting systems or adding monitoring
• System alterations and modifications
• Commercial tenant improvements with fire alarm work
• Duct smoke detector installations

Work that may NOT require a permit:

• Local fire alarms (non-monitored, pull stations and bells only)
• Battery replacement in existing devices
• Routine testing without modifications

Who Can Pull Fire Alarm Permits in Portland?

Portland has strict contractor requirements for fire alarm work:

• City of Portland Contractor Endorsement: Required for most fire protection work
• State Licensed Electrician: Alternative qualification for fire alarm work specifically
• CCB License: Oregon Construction Contractors Board license required for all contractors
• ITM Endorsement: Required for annual inspection, testing, and maintenance work

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

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

1. Obtain Required Endorsements: Get City of Portland Contractor Endorsement or electrical license
2. Complete Application: Use Form 300.28 - Permit Application to Install Fire Alarm System
3. Submit to PF&R: Portland Fire & Rescue Permit Center
4. Provide Documentation:
   • Fire alarm system plans and specifications
   • Device layout with all initiating and notification devices
   • Riser diagrams and panel schedules
   • Battery and power calculations
   • Contractor endorsement/license documentation
5. Pay Fees: Submit permit fees
6. Schedule Inspections: Coordinate rough-in and final with PF&R

Portland Fire & Rescue Permit Center

Address: 1300 SE Gideon Street
Portland, OR 97202
Phone: (503) 823-3712
Email: pfrpc@portlandoregon.gov
Website: portland.gov/fire

What Are the Permit Fees?

Permit Type	Fee Range
Residential Fire Alarm System	$100 - $200
Commercial Fire Alarm (small)	$200 - $400
Commercial Fire Alarm (large)	$400 - $800+
Alarm Owner Permit (residential)	$25/year
Alarm Owner Permit (commercial)	$125/year

Note: Alarm owner permits (for monitored systems) are separate from installation permits and are the building owner's responsibility.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Phase	Timeline
Simple Residential	3-5 business days
Commercial with Plan Review	2-4 weeks
Large Commercial	4-6 weeks
Inspection Scheduling	48 hours notice

ITM Program Requirements

Portland's Inspection, Testing & Maintenance program has specific requirements:

• Endorsed Contractors Only: Only endorsed fire protection contractors can perform ITM work
• 30-Day Reporting: Contractors must submit findings to PF&R within 30 days
• Annual Inspections: Fire alarm systems require annual inspection per NFPA 72
• Documentation: Complete records must be maintained and submitted

Residential vs Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

Single-family homes require:

• Smoke detectors in every bedroom and common area
• CO detectors on each level with fuel-burning appliances
• Interconnection of all devices
• Permit from PF&R for monitored systems
• Annual alarm owner permit if monitored ($25)

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial projects have additional requirements:

• Fire marshal plan review
• NFPA 72 compliance documentation
• Voice evacuation for certain occupancies
• Integration with sprinkler systems
• Annual ITM by endorsed contractor
• UL-listed central station monitoring
• Annual alarm owner permit ($125)

What Inspections Are Required?

• Rough-In Inspection: Before walls closed—verifies conduit, wiring, device locations
• Final Inspection: Operational testing, device verification, documentation review
• Fire Marshal Inspection: For commercial systems
• Annual ITM: Ongoing requirement for system owners

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Get Endorsed First: Obtain City of Portland Contractor Endorsement before bidding fire alarm work
• Use Form 300.28: Ensure you have the correct permit application for fire alarm installations
• Inform Clients About Owner Permits: Remind clients they need annual alarm owner permits ($25 residential, $125 commercial)
• 30-Day ITM Reporting: Submit inspection findings within 30 days to stay compliant
• Senior Exemption: Alarm owner permits are free for seniors 62+ who live at the address year-round

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides for Portland

• Security Camera Permits in Portland
• Access Control Permits in Portland
• Structured Cabling Permits in Portland

Additional Resources

• Portland Fire & Rescue - Sprinkler and Alarm Permits
• PF&R Fire Marshal's Office - ITM Program
• Form 300.28 - Fire Alarm Permit Application