Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Diego County, California

Installing fire alarm systems in unincorporated San Diego County requires permits from the San Diego County Fire Protection District. This guide covers the permit process, plan review requirements, and licensing for fire alarm installations in San Diego County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in San Diego County?

Yes. New fire alarm systems and fire sprinkler monitoring systems in unincorporated San Diego County require review and approval from the San Diego County Fire Protection District. Even replacement of control panels or components requires plan submission.

When Permits Are Required

Fire alarm permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Fire sprinkler monitoring systems
• Control panel replacements
• Component replacements on existing systems
• System modifications or additions
• Integration with other fire protection systems

Permit Exemptions

Per California Fire Code Chapter 9:

• Routine maintenance of fire alarm systems does not require a permit
• Minor scope work may qualify for fee waiver when plans can be reviewed over the counter

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm installations in California require proper state licensing:

License Type	Issuing Agency	Scope
C-10 Electrical	California CSLB	Fire alarm systems (required)
C-16 Fire Protection	California CSLB	Fire suppression (non-electrical)

Fire alarm plans must include a stamp and signature by the designer of record (installing contractor or California licensed Fire Protection or Electrical Engineer). The designer's name and license number must be clearly shown.

For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.

Code Requirements

All fire alarm systems in San Diego County must comply with:

• California Building Code (CBC)
• County of San Diego Consolidated Fire Code (CFC)
• California Electrical Code (CEC)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• CBC Chapter 35 amendments
• CFC Chapter 80 amendments

San Diego County Fire Protection District Process

Step 1: Building Plan Submission (If New Construction)

For new construction projects, submit building plans to the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Building Division. Plans will be routed internally to the fire office.

Step 2: Fire Alarm Plan Submission

Fire protection system plans are submitted directly to San Diego County Fire Protection District as a deferred submittal—they can be submitted after building plans are approved.

Plans must include:

• Designer stamp and signature
• License number of designer of record
• Complete system design per NFPA 72
• Device layout and spacing
• Sequence of operations
• Battery and voltage drop calculations

Step 3: Plan Review

The County Fire Marshal Program reviews plans for compliance with all applicable codes.

Step 4: Obtain Permit

Once plans are approved, obtain your permit and begin installation.

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

Contact the Fire Prevention Specialist who approved the plans to schedule inspection.

Alarm User Permit (Monitoring)

Separate from installation permits, monitored alarm systems require an alarm user permit:

Jurisdiction	Fee	Duration
Unincorporated San Diego County	$176 (one-time)	Valid while owner of property
City of San Diego	$19	24 months

Permits are not transferable between persons or addresses.

Fees

San Diego County Fire fees were updated effective July 1, 2025:

• Plan review fees based on project scope
• Hourly rate for initial annual inspections and re-inspections
• Fee waivers available for minor scope work reviewed over the counter

Contact San Diego County Fire Protection District for current fee schedule.

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarms

• Plans submitted through County Planning & Development Services
• $176 one-time alarm user permit for unincorporated areas
• Must comply with California Residential Code requirements
• Retroactive requirements may apply to multi-family buildings

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Full fire department plan review required
• Designer of record stamp required
• Annual inspections apply
• May require NFPA 72 compliant monitoring

Fire Marshal Program Services

The County Fire Marshal Program handles:

• Proposed development project review
• Fire protection systems plan review
• Inspections
• Licensing and event permit review

Services cover both San Diego County Fire Protection District and Deer Springs Fire Protection District.

Contact Information

San Diego County Fire Protection District

• Website: San Diego County Fire - Development Services
• Fire Marshal Program: About the Fire Marshal Program

San Diego County Sheriff (Alarm Permits)

• Website: Alarm System Permit

California CSLB

• Phone: (800) 321-2752
• Website: cslb.ca.gov

Pro Tips from the Field

• Deferred submittal: Fire alarm plans can be submitted after building plans are approved—don't wait for building approval to start fire alarm design.
• Designer stamp required: Every plan needs a stamp and signature from the designer of record with their license number visible.
• Panel replacements need review: Even replacing a control panel on an existing system requires plan submission to the Fire Protection District.
• One-time alarm permit: The $176 unincorporated county alarm permit is one-time and lasts as long as you own the property.
• Contact your reviewer: Schedule inspections directly with the Fire Prevention Specialist who approved your plans.
• Fee waivers for minor work: Ask about fee waivers for minor scope projects that can be reviewed over the counter.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• San Diego (City) Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Los Angeles County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• San Francisco Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• California Low Voltage License Guide