Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Francisco, California
Join Low Voltage Nation — Find project opportunities and showcase your company to thousands of industry professionals
Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in San Francisco, California, including SFFD plan review, Pillow Test compliance, C-10 licensing, and inspection requirements.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Francisco, California
Installing a fire alarm system in San Francisco requires approval from the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD). The city has strict permitting requirements and unique regulations including the "Pillow Test" for residential buildings with three or more units.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in San Francisco?
Yes. San Francisco Building Code Section 1.11.1 requires that all fire alarm system installations, repairs, alterations, and upgrades be approved by the SFFD. Detailed plans must be submitted to the SFFD Plan Check Section before work begins.
When Fire Alarm Permits Are Required
Permits are required for:
- New fire alarm system installations
- Repairs to existing fire alarm systems
- Alterations or modifications to existing systems
- System upgrades (including Pillow Test compliance upgrades)
- Adding or relocating detection devices
- Panel replacements or upgrades
Permit Exemptions
Limited exemptions may apply for:
- Battery replacement in existing devices
- Minor maintenance that does not modify the system
- Standalone residential smoke alarms in single-family homes
When in doubt, contact SFFD Plan Check to confirm whether your project requires a permit.
Contractor Licensing Requirements
All fire alarm work in San Francisco must be performed by contractors with proper state licensing:
| License Type | Issuing Agency | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| C-10 Electrical | California CSLB | Fire alarm systems (electrical) |
| C-16 Fire Protection | California CSLB | Fire suppression systems (non-electrical) |
Important: The C-10 license is required for electrical fire alarm systems. The C-16 covers fire suppression but excludes electrical alarm systems. Employees working on fire alarms must also hold a valid Electrician Certificate from the California Department of Industrial Relations.
For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.
San Francisco Fire Alarm Permit Process
Step 1: Plan Preparation
Submit detailed plans that include:
- Clear, legible text and symbols (suitable for electronic scanning)
- Detailed scope of work
- Reason for the fire alarm system (code-required, voluntary, etc.)
- Reference to applicable codes (NFPA 72, SFBC, SFFC, SFEC)
- Documentation per NFPA 72, Chapter 7
If plans are prepared by someone other than the installing contractor, they must be stamped by a Professional Engineer.
Step 2: Submit to SFFD Plan Check
Submit your plans to the SFFD Plan Check Section for review. Be prepared for a lengthy review process.
Step 3: Obtain Building Permit
After SFFD approval, obtain your building permit through the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection (DBI).
Step 4: Installation and Inspection
Complete installation according to approved plans and schedule inspection. For Pillow Test compliance, the licensed C-10 contractor must be present with a calibrated dBA meter during verification inspection.
Fees and Timeline
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan Review | Varies by project scope |
| Building Permit | Based on valuation |
| Standard Timeline | 3-4 months for permit approval |
| Expedited Service | Available for additional fee |
Note: San Francisco permit timelines are notably longer than many other California jurisdictions. Plan accordingly and consider expedited service for time-sensitive projects.
The Pillow Test: San Francisco Special Requirement
San Francisco has unique fire alarm requirements for residential buildings through Ordinance 1103.7.6.1, commonly called the "Pillow Test."
Who Must Comply
All R-2 residential buildings with three or more units that have an existing fire alarm system must comply.
Sound Level Requirements
Fire alarm audible appliances in sleeping areas must achieve:
- 15 dB above average ambient sound level, OR
- 5 dB above maximum sound level (for sounds lasting 60+ seconds), OR
- At least 75 dBA
Whichever measurement is greater applies, measured at pillow level.
Compliance Triggers
Upgrades are required before completion of any building permit with construction costs of $99,000 or more (excluding seismic work).
Annual Testing and Compliance Filing
Building owners must file a Statement of Compliance with SFFD for annual testing:
| Building Size | Filing Schedule |
|---|---|
| 9+ residential units | January 31 of odd-numbered years |
| 3-8 residential units | January 31 of even-numbered years |
Buildings without fire alarm systems must submit a letter to the Fire Marshal advising of the building's fire alarm status.
Fire Alarm Service Documentation
After service, place a sticker on the fire alarm control panel exterior that includes:
- Company name and phone number
- C-10 license number
- Type of last inspection or test
- Technician name (printed and legible)
- Date of service
Residential vs. Commercial Projects
Residential
- Multi-family (3+ units): Subject to Pillow Test requirements
- Single-family: Generally simpler requirements; standalone smoke alarms may not need permits
- Statement of Compliance filing required for multi-family buildings
Commercial
- Full SFFD plan review required
- NFPA 72 compliance mandatory
- May require Professional Engineer stamp on plans
- More complex inspection requirements
Contact Information
San Francisco Fire Department Permit Center
- Phone: (628) 652-3472
- Address: 49 South Van Ness, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA
- Website: sf-fire.org
San Francisco Department of Building Inspection
- Address: 49 South Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Website: sfdbi.org
Pro Tips from the Field
- Start early: San Francisco's 3-4 month permit timeline is longer than most California cities. Factor this into project schedules.
- Consider expedited review: For time-sensitive projects, the additional expedite fee may be worth it.
- Pillow Test prep: Have your C-10 contractor and calibrated dBA meter ready for verification inspections.
- Keep thorough records: NFPA 72 requires written records of inspection and testing until the next test plus one year.
- Plan stamp requirements: If you're not the installing contractor and preparing plans, budget for PE stamp costs.
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in San Francisco before they reach bid boards?
LVN Signal monitors permit activity across California and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.
Related Permit Guides
Tags
Join 35,000+ Low Voltage Pros
Get weekly permit updates, tool deals, job opportunities, and industry news. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.