Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Seattle, Washington
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Complete guide to fire alarm permit requirements in Seattle, WA including NICET certification, SDCI permits, Seattle Fire Department requirements, and NFPA 72 compliance.
Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Seattle, Washington
Installing fire alarm systems in Seattle, Washington requires permits from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), NICET certification, and compliance with both Seattle Fire Code and NFPA 72 standards.
Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?
Yes. Fire alarm installations in Seattle require permits from SDCI. Additionally, technicians must hold Seattle Fire Department certification and NICET credentials. All work must comply with Seattle Fire Code and NFPA 72.
Seattle Fire Alarm Permit Authority
Permits for fire alarm systems are issued by Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) as part of the City's building process.
What Requires a Permit
- New fire alarm system installations
- Fire alarm panel replacements
- System modifications or expansions
- Adding detection devices or notification appliances
- Integration with sprinkler systems
NICET Certification Requirements
Washington State requires NICET certification for fire alarm work:
Design Review
All construction documents must be reviewed by one of:
- NICET Level III in Fire Alarm Systems
- ESA/NTS CFAD Level III (Certified Fire Alarm Designer)
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington
Installation and Testing
All inspection, testing, maintenance, and programming must be completed by:
- NICET Level II or higher in Fire Alarm Systems
- ESA/NTS CFAT Level II (Certified Fire Alarm Technician)
Compliance Timeline
Washington State Building Code Council mandated NICET certification effective July 1, 2018. A low voltage electrical license alone is not sufficient—NICET certification is still required.
Washington Contractor Licensing
EL06 Limited Energy License
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries requires electrical contractor licensing:
- EL06 Limited Energy System license for fire alarm work
- 4,000 hours supervised training required
- Valid UBI number and $4,000 bond
- Designated master administrator
For detailed licensing requirements, see our Washington Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.
Seattle Fire Department Requirements
SFD Certification
Fire alarm technicians require Seattle Fire Department fire alarm certification. A Seattle business license is required if working in the city, even with an office outside city limits.
Administrative Rules
Work must comply with SFD administrative rules including:
- Administrative Rule 9.09 (Visible Alarm Notification Devices)
- CAM 5002 (Electronic File Standards for Shop Drawings)
- CAM 5966 (Engineering Inspection Process)
- Administrative Rule 9.04 (Fire Watch Requirements)
Fire Alarm Panel Replacements
Special requirements apply for panel replacement projects:
- Must meet Seattle Fire Code and NFPA 72
- Pre-testing required per NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2
- SFD inspection required
- Fire watch required when panels offline
- SFD notification required if system offline more than 8 hours
Application Process
- Design documents: Have plans reviewed by NICET III or PE
- Submit to SDCI: Apply for fire alarm permit
- SFD review: Fire Department reviews for code compliance
- Pay fees: Basic fee plus per-device charges
- Installation: Complete work per approved plans
- Pre-testing: Contractor completes pre-test requirements
- SFD inspection: Fire Department final inspection
- Certification: Technician certifies NFPA compliance
Fees
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic SDCI Review Fee | Base electrical review and inspection |
| Per Controller Fee | Each fire alarm controller |
| Per Device Fee | Each horn, strobe, speaker, etc. |
| Technology Fee | Additional surcharge on all fees |
Contact SDCI at (206) 684-8950 for current fee schedules.
Monitoring Requirements
Per Seattle Fire Code Section 907.6.6:
- Fire alarm systems required by Section 907.2 must be monitored
- Monitoring by approved supervising station required
- Central station monitoring preferred for commercial occupancies
Fire Watch Requirements
Under SFD Administrative Rule 9.04:
- Fire watch required when fire alarm panels out of service
- Notification required for planned or emergency impairment
- SFD must be notified if system offline more than 8 hours
Pro Tips from Seattle Contractors
- Get NICET certified: Level II minimum for installation, Level III for design review
- Obtain SFD certification: Required for all technicians working in Seattle
- Submit complete plans: NICET III or PE stamp required on all drawings
- Plan for fire watch: Budget for coverage during panel replacements
- Pre-test thoroughly: Complete NFPA 72 Table 14.4.3.2 testing before SFD inspection
- Document everything: Maintain inspection records and certifications
Stay Ahead of Permit Activity
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