Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Salt Lake County, Utah

Planning a fire alarm installation in unincorporated Salt Lake County? Whether you're installing a new system in a commercial building or upgrading an existing system, understanding the permit requirements, plan review process, and certification standards is essential for code compliance and safety.

This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about fire alarm permits in Salt Lake County, Utah—including when permits are required, State Fire Marshal certification, contractor licensing, and inspections for unincorporated areas served by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD).

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes. Fire alarm system installations in Salt Lake County require permits. For unincorporated areas (Magna, Kearns, Emigration Canyon, White City, Copperton, Brighton), permits are handled by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District. Fire alarms are life-safety systems subject to strict code requirements, inspections, and certification standards under Utah State Fire Marshal regulations.

When Are Permits Required for Fire Alarms?

Permits are required for the following fire alarm work in Salt Lake County:

• Fire alarm and detection system installations - All new commercial and residential systems
• System modifications - Adding devices, zones, or coverage areas
• Panel replacements or upgrades - Replacing fire alarm control panels (FACP)
• Related equipment - Fire pumps, fuel tanks, jockey pumps, and controllers
• System removal from service - Decommissioning existing systems
• Any structure with electrical modifications - Per MSD, any structure adding or modifying electrical requires a permit

What Are the Certification Requirements?

Utah has specific certification requirements for fire alarm work administered by the State Fire Marshal's Office:

Utah State Fire Marshal Certification Levels

Utah Certification	NICET Equivalent	Scope of Work
Basic Fire Alarm Technician	NICET Level I	Basic testing under direct supervision
Fire Alarm Technician	NICET Level II	Testing and maintenance up to 4-story buildings
Master Fire Alarm Technician	NICET Level III/IV	All buildings including voice evacuation and smoke control

System Design Requirements

Fire alarm system layouts must be prepared by a person certified by NICET at Level III or IV.

Do You Need a Contractor License?

Yes. In addition to State Fire Marshal technician certification, contractors need proper licensing from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL):

• Fire Suppression Systems Contractor (S370) - Specialty contractor classification
• Low Voltage Technician License - For certain system components
• General Liability Insurance - Minimum $100,000 per incident, $300,000 total
• 25-hour Pre-licensure Course - Required for specialty contractor licenses

For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

For unincorporated Salt Lake County areas, permits are handled by the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD):

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather required documents:

• Fire alarm system drawings prepared by NICET III/IV certified designer
• Equipment specifications and cut sheets
• Sequence of operation narrative
• Battery and voltage drop calculations
• Device placement floor plans
• Riser diagrams

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit to the Greater Salt Lake MSD:

• Address: 860 W Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123
• Website: MSD Building Services
• Inspection Hotline: (385) 910-5830
• Email: inspections@msd.utah.gov

Step 3: Plan Review

MSD reviews building, fire, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings for compliance with:

• International Building Code (IBC)
• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Utah Administrative Rules R710-4 and R710-11

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

Call the Building Inspection Hotline or email before 3:00 PM to schedule inspection for the following business day:

• Rough-in inspection - Before walls are closed, verify device placement and wiring
• Final inspection - System testing with inspector present
• Acceptance testing - Complete functional test of all devices and sequences

What Are the Annual Inspection Requirements?

Fire alarm systems in Salt Lake County require ongoing compliance:

• Annual inspection required - Per NFPA 72 and state regulations
• System tagging - Fire alarm systems must be inspected and tagged annually
• Certified technicians only - Inspections must be performed by State Fire Marshal certified technicians
• Documentation - Maintain inspection records for authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) review

What About Residential vs Commercial Projects?

Residential Fire Alarms

For single-family and multi-family residential in Salt Lake County:

• Smoke detectors required per Utah Residential Code
• Interconnected smoke alarms in new construction
• CO detectors required in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages
• Permits typically required for monitored fire alarm systems

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial projects have extensive requirements:

• System design by NICET Level III/IV certified professional
• Occupancy-specific requirements based on IBC
• Fire sprinkler integration and monitoring
• Voice evacuation systems for certain occupancies
• ADA-compliant notification appliances

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Determine jurisdiction first - Confirm whether the location is in unincorporated county (MSD) or an incorporated city
• Get NICET certified - Utah accepts NICET certifications in lieu of state exams
• Coordinate with MSD early - Their professional staff reviews building, fire, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings
• Document everything - Maintain detailed records for future service and inspections
• Plan for annual compliance - Inform clients about ongoing inspection and tagging requirements
• Schedule inspections early - Call MSD before 3 PM for next-day inspection

Contact Information

Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District (MSD)

• Address: 860 W Levoy Drive, Suite 300, Taylorsville, UT 84123
• Inspection Hotline: (385) 910-5830
• Email: inspections@msd.utah.gov
• Planning/Zoning: (385) 468-6700
• Website: MSD Building Services

Utah State Fire Marshal

• Phone: (801) 256-2390
• Website: Utah State Fire Marshal - Fire Alarm Systems

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Salt Lake County before they reach bid boards?

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Utah and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

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