Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Bernardino County, California
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in San Bernardino County, CA. Learn about SBCFPD plan review, EZOP portal submission, fees, and inspection requirements.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Bernardino County, California
Quick Answer: Fire alarm system installations in San Bernardino County require permits through the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD). Contractors must hold a valid California C-10 Electrical Contractor license. Plans must be submitted electronically through the EZOP Online Permitting Portal with a plan review turnaround goal of 15 working days.
When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?
San Bernardino County requires fire alarm permits for:
- New fire alarm system installations
- Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
- Fire sprinkler monitoring system installations
- Full notification type fire alarm systems
- Evacuation type (EVAC) fire alarm systems per California Fire Code section 907
- Integration with elevator recall, fire doors, or HVAC systems
Buildings Requiring Fire Alarm Systems
Per San Bernardino County Fire Department standards, fire alarm systems are required for:
- Most new buildings protected with fire sprinklers
- Buildings of certain size thresholds
- Specific occupancy types per California Fire Code
- Assembly occupancies
- Educational facilities
- Healthcare facilities
Contractor Licensing Requirements
California requires specific licensing for fire alarm work:
- C-10 Electrical Contractor License: Required for fire alarm installation and service through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
- Certificates of Training: Personnel must possess certificates as required by state and local jurisdictions
- Current Licenses and Permits: All contractor licenses, permits, and bonds must be current and valid
Contractors must provide documentation of certificates, licenses, and permits for all employees working on fire alarm systems.
For complete California licensing requirements, see our California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Prepare Plan Submittal
Per SBCFPD Standard F-5, fire alarm plans must include:
- Site plan showing building location
- Floor plans with device locations
- Riser diagrams showing all system components
- Equipment cut sheets and materials list
- Battery calculations
- Voltage drop calculations
- Sequence of operations
- Monitoring station information
Step 2: Submit Through EZOP Portal
San Bernardino County requires electronic submission through their EZOP Online Permitting Portal:
- Navigate to the EZOP Portal
- Click "Fire" in the navigation menu
- Click "Create an Application"
- Read and accept the disclaimer
- Select "Fire Alarm" and click "Continue Application"
- Upload complete plan package
- Pay applicable fees
Step 3: Plan Review
Fire Prevention Specialists review plans for compliance with:
- California Fire Code
- NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code)
- San Bernardino County Fire Protection District standards
- Local ordinances
Plan check turnaround time goal is 15 working days after payment.
Step 4: Address Corrections
If corrections are required, resubmit through the same portal with responses to each comment.
Step 5: Permit Issuance
Once approved, permit is issued through the portal. Print and post at the job site.
Contact Information
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| Department | San Bernardino County Fire Protection District - Office of the Fire Marshal |
| Online Portal | EZOP Online Permitting |
| Plan Reviews | sbcfire.org/planreviews |
| Phone | (909) 918-2200 |
| Address | 620 South "E" St., San Bernardino, CA |
Fees and Timeline
| Service | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Review (per system) | $781.00 | 15 working days goal |
| Additional Plan (same type) | $68.00 | Included in review |
| Plan Review Modification | $166.00 | 5-10 working days |
| Inspection | Included | Schedule after installation |
Fees subject to change. Verify current fees at sbcfire.org.
Inspection Requirements
San Bernardino County has specific inspection requirements for fire alarm systems:
Contractor Responsibilities
- Provide all tools and equipment (ladders, canned smoke, decibel meter, etc.)
- Have system tested with monitoring company in test mode
- Have system tested with Fire Department dispatch in test mode
- Provide as-built drawings if changes were made during installation
System Testing
The system must be tested both:
- With the monitoring company in test mode
- With Fire Department dispatch in test mode
Signage Requirements
A sign indicating "FIRE ALARM CONTROL PANEL INSIDE" must be installed on the access door.
Fire Alarm System Types
San Bernardino County recognizes these fire alarm system types:
Evacuation Type (EVAC)
Per California Fire Code section 907, EVAC systems provide:
- Early notification and evacuation of building occupants
- Fire sprinkler water flow monitoring
- Elevator recall functions
- Activation/deactivation of fire doors or delayed egress
- HVAC shutdown
- Various protected premises fire safety functions per NFPA 72
Sprinkler Monitoring Type
Systems that primarily monitor fire sprinkler system status and water flow.
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Projects
- Single-family homes: Fire Letters required for new construction
- Multi-family residential: Full fire alarm systems typically required
- Residential fire sprinkler monitoring: Plans required per California Fire Code
Commercial Projects
- All commercial buildings meeting thresholds require fire alarm systems
- Full plan review process through EZOP portal
- Compliance with NFPA 72 and California Fire Code
- High-rise buildings have additional requirements
- Assembly occupancies may require voice evacuation
Maintenance Requirements
San Bernardino County requires ongoing maintenance:
- Monthly: Visual inspections
- Semi-annual: Functional testing
- Annual: Comprehensive system testing
- 5, 6, 12 year tests: Per device type requirements
A licensed fire alarm company or certified technician must perform all testing and maintain documentation.
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Use EZOP early: Create your account and familiarize yourself with the portal before submitting
- Plan check time: Budget 15+ working days for initial review in your project schedule
- Bring your equipment: Inspector will not provide ladders, smoke cans, or decibel meters
- Test mode coordination: Schedule test mode with both monitoring company and Fire dispatch before inspection
- Reference Standard F-5: Review SBCFPD Standard F-5 for complete fire alarm requirements
- Signage: Install FACP signage before final inspection
- Documentation: Maintain all license and certification documentation on site
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in San Bernardino County before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.
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