Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Rochester, New York

Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installations in Rochester require both building permits from the Bureau of Buildings and Compliance AND alarm permits from the City Clerk's Office. Contractors must hold a New York State Security or Fire Alarm Installer License. Fire system permit applications are reviewed by the Rochester Fire Department, and systems must meet Fire Code of New York State requirements before certificate of occupancy is issued.

When Are Permits Required in Rochester?

Rochester has multiple permit requirements for fire alarm work:

Permits Always Required

• New fire alarm system installations in commercial buildings
• Fire alarm systems in multi-family dwellings (3+ units)
• Systems connected to central monitoring stations
• Modifications or expansions to existing systems
• Fire alarm work affecting certificate of occupancy

Alarm Operating Permit

Residents and businesses with functioning alarm systems must obtain an alarm permit from the City Clerk's Office:

• New alarm permits: $25 (as of July 1, 2018)
• Renewals billed in March, due April 30th each year
• Business licenses cannot be issued until alarm renewal fees are paid (Section 68-5)

New York State Contractor Licensing

Only licensed contractors can legally install or repair fire alarm systems on commercial or industrial property in New York.

NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer License

Required from the New York State Department of State for:

• Fire alarm system installation
• Fire alarm maintenance and servicing
• Inspection of fire alarm systems
• Work on any fire detection or notification system

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Education	81 hours of approved training
Examination	State exam required
Background Check	Required before license issuance
License Fee	$185-$200
Renewal	Every 2 years

Penalty for unlicensed work: Up to $10,000 in fines.

Rochester Fire System Permit Application Process

Where to Apply

Fire system permit applications are handled by:

Office	Contact
Bureau of Buildings and Compliance	City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 121B
Fire Marshal Lieutenant	Jerrod Church: (585) 428-9344, Jerrod.Church@CityofRochester.Gov
General Permit Questions	(585) 428-6526
Plan Submission Email	firesystempermits@cityofrochester.gov

Application Requirements

1. Submit completed application (incomplete applications will not be processed)
2. Provide one electronic version of plans (PDF-A format, no CAD files)
3. Plans can be submitted via thumb drive, CD, or email
4. Electronic copies are for records retention and will not be returned
5. Pay applicable permit fees

Alarm Permit Application

Separate from the building permit, alarm permits are obtained from:

Office	Details
City Clerk's Office	30 Church Street, Room 100A, Rochester, NY 14614
Payment	Checks payable to "City of Rochester"
Online Payment	Available for renewals

Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost	Timeline
NYS Fire Alarm Installer License	$185-$200	4-8 weeks (including training)
Rochester Fire System Permit	Varies by project scope	Plan review required
Rochester Alarm Permit (new)	$25	1-3 business days
Alarm Permit Renewal	$25	Billed March, due April 30

Certificate of Occupancy Requirements

Fire alarm compliance directly affects certificate of occupancy in Rochester:

Fire Safety Inspection

The Certificate of Occupancy inspection includes verification of:

• Fire alarm system functionality
• Sprinkler systems
• Fire extinguishers
• Emergency exits
• Smoke detectors in required locations

When CO Is Required

• Multiple dwellings (3+ units)
• Commercial buildings
• Change of use or occupancy
• New construction

CO Exemptions

• One-family and two-family owner-occupied dwellings
• Properties occupied by owner's spouse, child, parent, or sibling (with exemption form)

Smoke Alarm Requirements

New York State and Rochester have specific smoke alarm requirements:

Residential Requirements

• Smoke alarm required in each bedroom
• Smoke alarms near all sleeping areas
• Smoke alarms on every level including basement

Based on Construction Date

Built Before Jan 1, 2008	Built On/After Jan 1, 2008
Battery or plug-in type acceptable	Must be hardwired and interconnected

Multi-Family Requirements

• 5+ units: Hardwired interconnected smoke alarms required in basement and public hallways on each floor
• Under 5 units, under 3 stories: Hardwired interconnected alarms in basement and common areas may substitute for second means of egress

Inspection and Monitoring Requirements

Required Inspections

• Multiple dwellings: Inspected at least every 36 months
• Non-residential buildings: Inspected at least every 36 months
• Fire alarm systems must pass inspection before CO issuance

Supervising Station Requirements

Alarm monitoring companies operating in Rochester need:

• Operating permit from Fire Marshal
• Compliance with National Fire Protection Association requirements
• Permit is revocable

Monroe County Considerations

• Monroe County Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association coordinates across the county
• Properties outside Rochester city limits may have different requirements
• Property maintenance point of contact required for CO properties
• If owner resides outside 13 or 14 zip codes, contact must be in Monroe County

Pro Tips from Experienced Installers

• Contact Fire Marshal first: Jerrod Church at (585) 428-9344 can clarify requirements for your specific project before you submit.
• Submit complete applications only: Rochester will not process incomplete applications, which causes delays.
• Use PDF-A format for plans: CAD files are not accepted. Convert to PDF-A before submission.
• Track alarm permit renewals: Missing the April 30 deadline can block business license renewals under Section 68-5.
• Verify state license is current: Not all electricians can work on fire alarm systems - only those with NYS Security or Fire Alarm Installer license.
• Coordinate with CO inspections: Fire alarm work must pass before certificate of occupancy is issued.

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Related Guides

• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Rochester, NY
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Buffalo, NY
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in New York City
• Browse All Permit Guides

Sources

• City of Rochester - Alarm Permits
• City of Rochester - Certificate of Occupancy Inspections
• City of Rochester - Fire Systems Permit Application
• NYS Department of State - Fire Alarm Installer License