Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Diego, California
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in San Diego, CA. Learn about DSD permits, No-Plan options, C-10 licensing, FACP requirements, and code compliance.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Diego, California
Quick Answer: Yes, San Diego requires Fire Permits from the Development Services Department (DSD) for fire alarm system installations. Minor modifications (up to 4 initiating devices or 10 notification appliances) may qualify for No-Plan permits with an affidavit. Contractors must hold a California C-10 Electrical Contractor license. All systems must comply with CBC, CFC, CEC, and NFPA 72.
When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required?
The installation or modification of a fire alarm system requires a Fire Permit from the San Diego Development Services Department. This includes both required and voluntary systems.
Permits Required For
- New fire alarm system installations
- Fire alarm control panel (FACP) upgrades and replacements
- Altering, adding, or replacing existing fire alarm systems
- Fire suppression system installations
- Kitchen hood and underground systems
No-Plan Permit Option
San Diego offers No-Plan Fire-Alarm permits for minor modifications without plan submittal. Projects qualify if they involve:
- Replacement, movement, or addition of up to 4 initiating devices
- Up to 10 notification appliances in an existing system
An affidavit from a licensed professional (Form DS-163) is required, and all modifications will be inspected.
Exemptions
A Fire Permit is not required for maintenance of fire suppression and fire alarm systems pursuant to Chapter 9 of the California Fire Code.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
California requires the C-10 Electrical Contractor license from CSLB for fire alarm installation work.
Who Can Complete Fire Alarm Affidavits
Form DS-163 (Affidavit for Fire Alarm Alterations or TIs) may be completed by:
- Architect
- Electrical Engineer (California licensed)
- Fire Protection Engineer (California licensed)
- Class B General Contractor
- C-10 Fire Alarm Contractor
Designer Requirements
Plans require stamp and signature by the designer of record. This can be the installing contractor or a California licensed Fire Protection or Electrical Engineer. The designer's name and license number must be clearly provided on the plans.
For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.
How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit
Step 1: Determine Permit Type
No-Plan Permit: Minor modifications (up to 4 devices/10 appliances) can use Form DS-163 affidavit.
Plan Permit: All FACP upgrades/replacements and larger projects require full plans.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
For Plan permits, prepare:
- Fire alarm system plans stamped by designer of record
- Designer name and license number on plans
- Point-to-point wiring diagrams
- Equipment cut sheets
- Battery and voltage drop calculations
Step 3: Submit Electronically
Submit projects through the San Diego online portal, selecting Fire Permit.
Step 4: Pay Fees
Fees are based on Information Bulletin 506. Payment options:
- Online through DSD website
- In person: cash, check, ATM card, Visa, or MasterCard
- Checks payable to "City Treasurer"
Step 5: Express Plan Check (Optional)
For faster review, pay an Express Plan Check Administrative Fee plus 1.5 times the regular plan check fee.
Step 6: Schedule Inspections
All installations require inspections from DSD.
Contact Information
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Development Services (DSD) | sandiego.gov/development-services |
| Fire Permit Info | Fire Permit Page |
| Information Bulletin 137 | How to Obtain Fire Alarm Permit |
| Fire-Rescue Permits | sandiego.gov/fire/permits-fees |
Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP) Requirements
San Diego has specific requirements for FACP installations per Technical Bulletin FIRE-9-2:
Location Requirements
- In non-high-rise buildings: main lobby at entrance OR utility closet, branch electrical room, or telephone room
- NOT in the main electrical room where utility service enters
- Panel must be protected against unauthorized access
- Room must be labeled per CFC Section 509.1
- Working clearances must comply with CEC Article 110
System Restrictions
Combination fire and burglar alarm systems are NOT permitted. Combination panels listed by the California State Fire Marshal for commercial fire alarm use are allowed only if used exclusively for fire alarm purposes.
Permit Fees and Timeline
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fire Permit Fees | Per Information Bulletin 506 |
| Fire-Rescue Alarm Permit | $19.00 for 24 months |
| Express Plan Check | Admin fee + 1.5x regular fee |
Timeline Expectations
| Stage | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| No-Plan Permit (Affidavit) | Faster processing |
| Standard Plan Review | Varies by complexity |
| Express Plan Check | Reduced review period |
Code Compliance Requirements
All fire alarm systems in San Diego must be designed and installed in accordance with:
- California Building Code (CBC) - Chapter 35 amendments
- California Fire Code (CFC) - Chapter 80 amendments
- California Electrical Code (CEC)
- NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
Fire-Rescue Alarm User Permit
In addition to construction permits, San Diego requires a separate Alarm User Permit from the Fire-Rescue Department for monitored systems.
- Cost: $19.00 for 24 months
- Applies to: Fire and harmful gas alarm systems, residential and commercial
- Purpose: False alarm reduction program
Residential vs. Commercial Requirements
Residential Fire Alarm Systems
- Required and voluntary systems both need permits
- Minor modifications may qualify for No-Plan permits
- Fire-Rescue alarm permit required for monitored systems ($19/24 months)
- Combination fire/burglar panels not permitted
Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
- Fire Permits required through DSD
- FACP upgrades always require plans (no affidavit option)
- Designer of record stamp required on plans
- FACP location restrictions apply
- Must comply with CBC, CFC, CEC, and NFPA 72
Pro Tips for San Diego Fire Alarm Permits
Based on contractor experience in this jurisdiction:
- Use No-Plan permits when eligible: Projects with up to 4 devices/10 appliances can avoid full plan submittal
- FACP replacements always need plans: No affidavit option for panel upgrades
- No combo panels: Fire and burglar alarm combinations are prohibited in San Diego
- Mind FACP location: Cannot be in main electrical room per SDGE requirements
- Consider Express Plan Check: Pay 1.5x for faster review when timelines are tight
- Get both permits: Construction permit from DSD plus alarm user permit from Fire-Rescue
- Designer stamp required: Ensure plans have proper designer of record credentials
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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