Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, San Antonio requires permits for fire alarm system installations. Contractors must hold a valid Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) State Fire Marshal's Office license and register with the San Antonio Fire Department. The city follows the International Fire Code, 2024 Edition, and all plan submittals are electronic-only through the Accela Citizen Access Portal.

When Is a Fire Alarm Permit Required?

In San Antonio, fire alarm permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications or upgrades to existing systems
• Fire alarm control unit replacements
• System additions or expansions

Important: Operating any alarm system—including local (non-monitored) alarms—without a valid permit can result in fines of $125 per false alarm response, plus additional penalties ranging from $300-$500.

Exemptions

San Antonio provides a 4-day grace period for newly activated or reactivated alarm systems, provided you notify the police department alarm unit within 12 hours of activation with the alarm site address, operator name, and contact persons.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm work in San Antonio requires dual licensing from the state and city registration:

State License (Required)

The Texas Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) regulates fire alarm contractors. You must hold one of these licenses:

• Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) – Install, service, and maintain systems
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) – Design and certify system plans
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) – Residential systems only

To obtain an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) for your company, your designated employee must hold a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license. The Residential Fire Alarm Technician license alone is not sufficient.

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

City Registration (Required)

In addition to state licensing, contractors must register with the City of San Antonio Fire Department with an active registration before obtaining permits.

Plan Certification Requirements

All plans, specifications, and system calculations must bear either:

• The non-photocopied seal of an engineer registered to practice in Texas, OR
• The name and license number of a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) licensed by the TDI-SFMO

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Gather the following minimum requirements per Information Bulletin 122 (IB122):

• Completed fire alarm permit application
• Engineered or APS-certified plans and specifications
• System calculations
• Ceiling heights for all areas with ceiling-mounted devices
• Control equipment cabinet elevations
• Proof of state SFMO license
• City of San Antonio Fire Department registration

Step 2: Submit Electronically

Critical: All submittals are electronic (PDF) only through the Accela Citizen Access Portal. No paper copies are accepted.

Step 3: Plan Review

The San Antonio Fire Department will review your submission. Incomplete applications will be denied.

Step 4: Obtain Permit and Schedule Inspections

Once approved, obtain your permit and coordinate inspections with the Fire Prevention Division.

Fast-Track Option

San Antonio offers a Fast-Track Fire Alarm Permit that allows work to begin before plan review is complete. This requires a completed Fast-Track Fire Alarm Permit Application signed by both the fire alarm contractor and general contractor.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
SA Fire Prevention Division	sa.gov/SAFD	Fire alarm permits
SAPD Alarm Unit	sa.gov/SAPD	Alarm registration
Bexar County Fire Marshal	(210) 335-0300, option 2	Unincorporated areas
TDI State Fire Marshal	tdi.texas.gov	State licensing

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit (Senior 65+)	$30/year	Annual, non-refundable
Residential Alarm Permit (Standard)	$30/year	Annual, non-refundable
Commercial Alarm Permit	$100/year	Annual, non-refundable
Unpermitted Alarm Response	$125/incident	Per false alarm call
False Alarm Penalty (No Permit)	$300-$500	Per incident
Post-Permit Revisions	$100/hour	1-hour minimum

Plan Review Timelines

Submission Type	Target Timeline
New Fire Alarm System	21 calendar days (90% of plans)
Control Unit Replacement	10 business days (90% of plans)
Resubmittals	7 calendar days (90% of plans)

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Annual permit fee: $30
• Can be installed by contractors with Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license
• Simpler plan review requirements for single-family homes
• Still requires electronic submission through Accela portal

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Annual permit fee: $100
• Requires full Fire Alarm Technician or Planning Superintendent license
• More extensive plan documentation required
• Must comply with IFC 2024 commercial requirements
• May require coordination with building permit and sprinkler permits

Adopted Codes

San Antonio currently enforces the International Fire Code (IFC), 2024 Edition, as adopted by Chapter 11, Fire Prevention, Code of Ordinances. Fire alarm system design and installation must comply with:

• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
• IFC 2024 Chapter 9 (Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems)
• Local amendments per San Antonio Code of Ordinances

Bexar County (Unincorporated Areas)

If your project is in unincorporated Bexar County rather than within San Antonio city limits, requirements differ:

• Permits issued by Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office
• Applications must be submitted in person by appointment only
• Location: 9810 Southton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223
• Schedule appointments: (210) 335-0300, option 2

Pro Tips from the Field

Use Fast-Track for Time-Sensitive Projects: If you're working on a project with a tight construction schedule, the Fast-Track permit option lets you begin installation while plans are under review. Just ensure both the fire alarm contractor and general contractor sign the application.

Double-Check Your Licensing: San Antonio requires both state SFMO licensing AND city registration. Don't assume your state license is sufficient—verify your city registration is active before bidding jobs.

Electronic Only Means Electronic Only: The city will not accept paper submissions. Have all your PDFs ready and properly formatted before starting the Accela portal submission.

Budget for Permit Fees: Remember to include annual permit fees in your customer quotes. Many contractors forget that the $100 commercial permit is an ongoing annual expense for the building owner.

Coordinate with Other Trades: Fire alarm work often overlaps with sprinkler, HVAC, and electrical permits. Coordinate submissions to avoid delays from conflicting plans.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the City of San Antonio and Texas Department of Insurance before beginning work.