Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Richmond, Virginia
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in Richmond, VA. Permits required via City OneDrive. FAS contractor license required.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Richmond, Virginia
Quick Answer: Richmond requires a permit for fire alarm system installations and upgrades. Applications are submitted through the Bureau of Permits and Inspections at 900 E. Broad St. Plans must be submitted in PDF format via the City OneDrive system. Contractors must hold a Virginia DPOR Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) contractor license.
When Permits Are Required vs. Exempt
Permit Required
- New fire alarm system installations
- Upgrading existing fire alarm systems
- Commercial fire alarm installations
- Multi-family residential buildings
- Fire alarm panel replacements
- Adding devices to existing systems
Permit Exempt
- Single-family residential smoke detectors
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Like-for-like device replacements
- Annual testing and maintenance
Plan Submission Requirements
Richmond fire alarm plan submissions must follow the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and NFPA 72 Sections 7.2.1 and 7.4.
Required Plan Elements
- All documents in PDF format submitted via City OneDrive
- Graphical scale on all plans showing scaled floorplans
- All rooms/areas labeled with their use (including dwelling unit numbers)
- Legend for all symbols and abbreviations
- Engineer of record contact information (name, address, phone, email)
- Contractor contact information
Submission Options
- Online: PDF submission through City OneDrive (preferred)
- Walk-in: Schedule appointment for printed submissions
- Mail: Paper applications accepted with appointment
Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Plans
- Develop plans per NFPA 72 and Virginia code
- Include all required contact information
- Convert documents to PDF format
- Label all rooms and include legend
Step 2: Submit Application
- Upload plans via City OneDrive portal
- Complete fire alarm permit application
- Pay applicable fees
Step 3: Plan Review
- Bureau of Permits and Inspections reviews plans
- Revisions submitted via plan intake sheet
- Approval issued when compliant
Step 4: Installation and Inspection
- Install system per approved plans
- Schedule inspection with permit office
- Complete acceptance testing
Contact Information
Richmond Bureau of Permits and Inspections
900 E. Broad St., Room 108
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-646-7000 (or dial 3-1-1)
Walk-in Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Phone Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Fire Prevention Division
Richmond Fire Permits
Richmond Fire Prevention
Virginia DPOR Contractor Licensing
Fire alarm installation requires a Virginia DPOR contractor license with Fire Alarm Systems (FAS) specialty classification.
License Classes and Limits
| License Class | Contract Limit | Experience Required |
|---|---|---|
| Class A FAS | Unlimited | 5 years |
| Class B FAS | $120,000 | 3 years |
| Class C FAS | $10,000 | 2 years |
For complete Virginia licensing requirements, see our Virginia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Alarm Permit | Based on system value | 1-2 weeks review |
| Plan Review | Included | Varies by complexity |
| Inspection | Included | Schedule upon completion |
| DPOR FAS License | $180-$260 | 2-4 weeks |
Code Requirements
All installations must comply with:
- 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
- NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- NEC Article 760: Fire Alarm Systems
- Richmond City Ordinances (Chapter 13)
Ongoing Requirements
Annual Testing
When an active fire alarm system is provided, the owner or tenant must:
- Have annual testing performed by qualified technician
- Keep documentation on-site at all times
- Submit inspection/test reports to Prevention Division
- Address any noted deficiencies promptly
False Alarm Considerations
Richmond False Alarm Reduction Program imposes fines for improperly installed or maintained systems. Professional installation helps prevent common issues that trigger false alarms.
Residential Smoke Detector Requirements
Virginia and Richmond codes require smoke alarms:
- On each level of the home
- Outside sleeping areas
- Inside every bedroom
- Interconnected (hardwired or wireless)
Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors
- Submit digitally: PDF via OneDrive is the preferred method
- Include all contacts: Missing engineer or contractor info delays review
- Label everything: Room labels and legends prevent rejection
- Follow NFPA 72: Reference Sections 7.2.1 and 7.4 specifically
- Plan for annual testing: Build maintenance into customer contracts
Stay Ahead of Project Opportunities
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Related Permit Guides
- Virginia Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
- Richmond Security Camera Permit Requirements
- Norfolk Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
- Chesapeake Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
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