Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Reading, Pennsylvania

Quick Answer: Reading requires permits for all fire alarm system installations and modifications. The City of Reading Fire Marshal's Office reviews applications to ensure compliance with the International Fire Code (2018 Edition) and NFPA 72. A Certificate of Fitness is required to perform fire protection system work. Pennsylvania does not have a statewide fire alarm contractor license.

When Is a Permit Required?

Reading requires fire department permits for all fire protection system work as defined in the International Fire Code, 2018 Edition.

Permit Required For

• Installation of new fire alarm systems
• Modification of existing fire alarm systems
• Fire suppression system supervisory connections
• Automatic detection systems (smoke and heat)
• Emergency voice/alarm communication systems
• Manual fire alarm systems
• All fire protection system construction and installation

Certificate of Fitness Required

Reading requires a Certificate of Fitness to perform work on fire protection systems. Working without this certificate results in:

• Preclusion from applying for a Certificate of Fitness for one calendar year
• Fines and double fee costs
• Citations and additional costs

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Pennsylvania does not have a statewide fire alarm contractor license. However, Reading has specific local requirements.

Reading Requirements

Requirement	Details
Certificate of Fitness	Required to perform fire protection system work
Plans Examination	Required for all fire alarm permits
Fire Marshal Approval	Required before work begins

NICET Certification

While not mandated statewide, NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) certification in Fire Alarm Systems is commonly required:

• Level I: Entry-level technician
• Level II: Journey-level technician (commonly required)
• Level III: Senior technician/designer
• Level IV: Expert-level/engineer

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

Pennsylvania State Code Requirements

Reading follows Pennsylvania state fire alarm requirements under 34 Pa. Code § 50.53.

Plan Approval Requirements

• Fire alarm system approval must be obtained with building approval
• Three sets of plans required showing all device locations
• Plans must show manual stations, detection units, control panels, and signaling devices
• Only Department-approved equipment may be used

Manual Pull Station Requirements

Requirement	Specification
Location	Each floor including basements, penthouses, equipment rooms
Placement	At each point of egress, within 5 feet of exit
Mounting height	36 to 44 inches above finished floor

Signaling Device Requirements

• Mount as close to ceiling as practical in areas with 8-foot or lower ceilings
• Install at 8 feet in areas with higher ceilings
• May install above 8 feet in large open areas if adequate sound levels achieved

NFPA 72 Compliance

All fire alarm systems in Reading must comply with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code).

Testing and Inspection Requirements

Requirement	Frequency
Complete system testing	Annual
Smoke detector sensitivity test	Every 2 years
Visual inspections (some components)	Semi-annual
Functional tests (by staff)	Monthly

Personnel Qualifications (NFPA 72 Chapter 10)

• Technicians must be factory trained on installed equipment
• Must be familiar with NFPA 72 inspection and testing requirements
• Should be certified by nationally recognized organization
• Must hold required local licenses if applicable

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain Certificate of Fitness

Before performing any fire protection system work in Reading, ensure you have the required Certificate of Fitness.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Three sets of plans showing all device locations
• Manual station locations
• Automatic detection unit locations
• Control panel locations
• Signaling device locations
• Equipment specifications (must be Department-approved)

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit fire alarm permit applications to:

City of Reading - Fire Marshal's Office
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41
Reading, PA 19601

Step 4: Plans Examination Review

The Fire Marshal's Office will review plans for compliance with:

• International Fire Code (2018 Edition)
• NFPA 72 standards
• Pennsylvania state fire code requirements

Step 5: Installation and Inspection

• Complete installation per approved plans
• Schedule inspection with Fire Marshal's Office
• Obtain permit before use or occupancy

Warning: Commencement of use or occupancy without inspection and permit will result in preclusion of use until inspection is performed and permit issued.

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Cost	Timeline
Fire alarm permit	Contact Fire Marshal	5-10 business days
Plans examination review	Varies by scope	Included in permit review
Certificate of Fitness	Contact Fire Marshal	Varies
Violation penalty	Double fees + fines	N/A

Contact Fire Marshal's Office for current fee schedules.

Residential vs. Commercial Considerations

Residential Installations

• Smoke detectors required per Pennsylvania code
• Single-family homes may have simpler requirements
• Multi-family dwellings often require full commercial-grade systems
• Battery-operated detectors may be acceptable for some applications

Commercial Installations

• Full permit and plans examination required
• Certificate of Fitness mandatory for installers
• NICET certification commonly expected
• Central station monitoring typically required
• Annual testing and certification required
• Documentation must be maintained on-site

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Reading enforces strict penalties for fire alarm code violations:

• Working without Certificate of Fitness: One-year ban from applying, fines, double fees, citations
• Occupancy without permit: Preclusion of use until inspection completed
• Non-compliant installation: Required corrections, additional inspections, fees

Pro Tips from the Field

Get Certificate of Fitness First: Don't start any fire protection work in Reading without the Certificate of Fitness. The one-year ban for violations is severe and will impact your ability to work in the city.

Use Approved Equipment Only: Reading requires Department-approved equipment. Verify equipment approval before purchasing to avoid costly replacements.

Submit Three Plan Sets: Pennsylvania requires three sets of plans. Have all three ready to avoid delays in the review process.

Coordinate with Building Permits: Fire alarm approval should be obtained at the same time as building approval. Submit together to streamline the process.

Document Everything: Keep copies of all permits, inspection reports, and testing documentation. Reading enforces strict compliance.

Contact Information

City of Reading - Fire Marshal's Office
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-41
Reading, PA 19601

Building and Trades Department
City Hall, 815 Washington Street, Room 1-30
Citizen's Service Center: 1-877-727-3234
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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Related Guides

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

Last updated: January 2026. Information is provided for general guidance. Always verify current requirements with the Reading Fire Marshal's Office before beginning work.