Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Raleigh, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Raleigh require permits from the City of Raleigh Office of the Fire Marshal. Plans must include fire alarm symbol legends per NFPA 170, sequence of operations, and equipment identification. Installers must hold a North Carolina SP-FA/LV electrical license, and NICET certification is recommended. The City conducts plan review, permitting, and inspections for compliance with NC Fire Code and NFPA 72.

Jurisdiction Overview

Fire alarm permits in the Raleigh area are handled by:

• City of Raleigh: Properties within Raleigh city limits - Office of the Fire Marshal
• Wake County: Unincorporated areas, Rolesville, and Wendell - Wake County Fire Marshal's Office
• Other municipalities: Cary, Apex, Holly Springs have their own fire marshal offices

When Are Permits Required?

The City of Raleigh Office of the Fire Marshal requires permits for:

Permits Required

• New fire alarm system installations: All new commercial fire alarm systems
• System modifications: Adding devices, zones, or expanding existing systems
• Panel replacements: Replacing fire alarm control panels
• Integration projects: Connecting fire alarms to building automation or access control
• Commercial construction: Fire alarm as part of new building projects

Exemptions

• One- and two-family dwellings (not subject to periodic inspection)
• Routine testing and maintenance per NFPA 72
• Battery replacements and minor component repairs

North Carolina Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm installation in Raleigh requires proper licensing:

Electrical Contractor License

License Type	Issuing Board	Fire Alarm Coverage
SP-FA/LV (Fire Alarm/Low Voltage)	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Fire alarm systems, CCTV, low voltage
Intermediate/Limited/Unlimited	NC Board of Electrical Contractors	Full electrical including fire alarm

Alarm Systems Business License

The NC Alarm Systems Licensing Board requires:

• Company license: Required for all alarm systems businesses
• Experience requirement: 2 years experience OR Certified Alarm Technician Level I course
• Approved courses: National Electronic Security Association, Elite CEU, or Complete Electrical Academy

For complete state licensing requirements, see our North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

City of Raleigh Plan Submission Requirements

The City of Raleigh conducts plan review, permitting, and inspection for compliance with NC Fire Code and national standards:

Required Plan Elements

• Fire alarm symbol legend: Per NFPA 170 symbol guidelines
• Sequence of operations: Detailed system operation description
• Equipment identification: Identify all equipment served by the system
• Device locations: All initiating and notification devices
• Battery calculations: Secondary power calculations
• Riser diagrams: System architecture and wiring

Application Process

1. Obtain permit application from City of Raleigh Permits page
2. Submit complete plans with all required elements
3. Await plan review and approval
4. Receive permit and begin installation
5. Schedule inspections upon completion

Contact Information

City of Raleigh Fire Department - Office of the Fire Marshal
Phone: 919-996-6392
Website: raleighnc.gov

Wake County Fire Marshal's Office
Inspection Request Line: 919-856-6307
Deputy Fire Marshal - David Zoltoski: 919-856-6343
Website: wake.gov/fire-marshals-office

Fees and Timeline

Service	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Fire Alarm Plan Review	Based on project scope	10-15 business days
Fire Alarm Permit	$75-$200	After plan approval
Fire Inspection	See fee schedule	Schedule upon completion

Wake County Re-Inspection Fees

• Imminent Life Safety: $250
• 2nd Re-Inspection per Violation: $50
• 3rd Re-Inspection per Violation: $100
• 4th and Subsequent: $150

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

North Carolina enforces NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code) for all fire alarm installations:

Testing and Inspection Schedule

• Monthly: Visual inspection of certain components
• Semi-annually: Functional testing of initiating devices
• Annually: Complete system testing and documentation

Installation Standards

• Device spacing per NFPA 72 requirements
• Notification appliance coverage calculations
• Secondary power (battery) calculations
• Proper wiring methods per NEC Article 760

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

One- and two-family dwellings in Raleigh:

• Smoke detectors required per NC Residential Code
• Not subject to periodic Fire Marshal inspection
• Monitored systems may require alarm registration

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial buildings require:

• Plan review: Complete fire alarm plans with NFPA 170 symbols
• Licensed contractor: SP-FA/LV or higher electrical license
• Periodic inspections: Fire Marshal conducts regular code compliance inspections
• Annual testing: NFPA 72 compliant testing and documentation

Pro Tips from Contractors

• NFPA 170 symbols: Use standardized fire alarm symbols on all plans to expedite review
• Sequence of operations: Provide detailed, clear sequence of operations to avoid plan review delays
• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm whether project is City of Raleigh, Wake County, or another municipality
• Drawing standards: Check City of Raleigh website for drawing details and bulletins
• NICET certification: NICET credentials demonstrate competency and may facilitate approvals
• Annual service: Offer maintenance agreements to clients for NFPA 72 compliance

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• North Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Raleigh, North Carolina