Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Prince George's County, Maryland

Installing or modifying fire alarm systems in Prince George's County, Maryland? This county has a unique requirement that sets it apart: mandatory third-party plan review for all fire alarm systems. Understanding this process is essential for contractors working in the county. Here's what you need to know about permits, licensing, and the third-party review program.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, permits are required for all fire alarm work. Prince George's County requires a separate building permit for fire alarm systems, plus mandatory third-party plan review through a DPIE-authorized Third-Party Plan Review Agency (TPPRA). Even simple fire alarm panel changes require an electrical permit.

The Third-Party Plan Review Requirement

Prince George's County mandates a Third-Party Plan Review Program for fire protection systems, including fire alarms. This is one of the most significant differences from other Maryland jurisdictions.

What It Means:

• You must select a DPIE-authorized Third-Party Plan Review Agency (TPPRA)
• The TPPRA reviews and approves shop drawings at your cost
• DPIE accepts TPPRA-approved drawings for permit issuance
• This applies to Fire Alarm Systems, Voice Alarm Systems, Fire Sprinkler Systems, and Fire Suppression Systems

Why Third-Party Review?

The county uses this program in lieu of County staff review. While it adds a step and cost, it can expedite the overall process once you're familiar with it.

What Permits Are Required?

Fire Alarm Building Permit

A separate building permit is required for fire alarm system installations. Key requirements:

• Shop drawings must be submitted to authorized TPPRA for review
• TPPRA-approved drawings submitted to DPIE for permit issuance
• Building permit must be issued before fire alarm permit application
• Cannot be submitted in parallel with main building permit

Electrical Permit

Even for simple fire alarm panel changes with no field device modifications, an electrical permit is still required.

Processing Timeline

Once TPPRA-approved drawings are submitted with fees paid, permit processing takes approximately 5 business days.

What Contractor Licenses Are Required?

Prince George's County Electrical License

For fire alarm installations requiring electrical permits:

• Must be a licensed Master Electrician in Prince George's County
• Must complete online electrical permit orientation
• Permits applied through DPIE Online Permits portal

Maryland State Fire Marshal Oversight

The Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is responsible for testing, licensing, and regulation of fire protection contractors. Only state-licensed providers are permitted to perform work in Maryland.

For comprehensive information on Maryland's licensing requirements, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

Step 1: Obtain Main Building Permit First

The fire alarm permit cannot be submitted until the main building permit is issued. Plan your timeline accordingly.

Step 2: Select a TPPRA

• Choose a DPIE-authorized Third-Party Plan Review Agency
• Contact DPIE for list of authorized agencies
• Costs are paid directly to the TPPRA

Step 3: Submit Shop Drawings for Third-Party Review

• Prepare fire alarm shop drawings per NFPA 72
• Submit to your selected TPPRA for review
• Address any comments or corrections
• Obtain TPPRA approval

Step 4: Apply for Permit via DPIE

• Submit TPPRA-approved drawings to DPIE Online Permits
• Pay applicable permit fees
• Track permit status online
• Processing time: approximately 5 business days

Step 5: Installation and Inspection

• Install system per approved drawings
• Schedule DPIE inspection (no additional inspection fees)
• Obtain final approval

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarm Systems?

Prince George's County enforces the following codes for fire alarm installations:

• 2016 NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (adopted by county)
• NFPA 101 - Life Safety Code
• National Electrical Code (NEC) - For all wiring
• Prince George's County Fire Code - Local requirements

See the DPIE Applicable Codes page for the complete list.

What If I'm Only Changing the Fire Alarm Panel?

For fire alarm panel replacements with no changes to field devices:

• Fire alarm plans do NOT need to be submitted
• Third-party review NOT required for panel-only changes
• Electrical permit IS still required

This is a significant time and cost saver for simple panel upgrades.

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Fee Type	Cost
Fire Alarm Building Permit	Per DPIE fee schedule
Third-Party Plan Review	Paid directly to TPPRA (varies)
Electrical Permit	Scope-based + $15 processing + 5% tech fee
DPIE Inspections	No additional fees

Timeline	Duration
Third-Party Review	Varies by TPPRA and project complexity
Permit Processing (after TPPRA approval)	Approximately 5 business days
Inspection Scheduling	Per DPIE availability

What Are the Requirements for Residential vs Commercial?

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Smoke alarms required per Maryland code
• Monitored systems may require permits
• Third-party review typically applies to larger residential projects
• Check with DPIE for specific residential requirements

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Mandatory third-party plan review through TPPRA
• Fire alarm building permit required
• Licensed contractor required
• 2016 NFPA 72 compliance
• DPIE inspection required

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors

• Third-party first: Build TPPRA review time into your project schedule—it's mandatory
• Building permit sequence: Main building permit must be issued BEFORE you can apply for fire alarm permit
• Panel-only exception: Panel changes with no field device modifications skip third-party review (but still need electrical permit)
• Free inspections: DPIE fire inspections have no additional fees—budget for TPPRA costs instead
• 5-day processing: Once TPPRA approval is submitted with fees, expect about 5 business days for permit
• Track online: Use DPIE's permit status tracking to monitor your application
• 2016 NFPA 72: County uses 2016 edition—ensure your designs comply with this version

Contact Information

Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE)
Online Permits: dpiepermits.princegeorgescountymd.gov
Fire & Life Safety Section: Fire & Life Safety Information

Office of the Fire Marshal
Address: 6820 Webster Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784
Phone: 301-583-1830
Fax: 301-583-1945

Maryland Office of the State Fire Marshal
Address: 1201 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville, MD 21208
Phone: 410-653-8980 or 800-525-3124
Email: msp.osfm@maryland.gov
Website: OSFM Licensing & Regulation

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