Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Sedgwick County, Kansas

Installing fire alarm systems in Sedgwick County, Kansas—including the City of Wichita—requires permits, NICET certification, and compliance with the Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Building and Trade Code. The Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) handles permits and inspections, with specific contractor certification requirements. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about permits, licensing, and the approval process.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, always. Fire alarm system installations in Sedgwick County require permits from MABCD. All fire alarm work must be performed by a NICET Level II (minimum) certified, licensed Fire Protection Contractor. Permits can be obtained online through the MABCD Portal or in person.

Fire Alarm Contractor Certification Requirements

The Wichita-Sedgwick County Unified Code has strict requirements for fire alarm contractors:

NICET Certification Required

Installation and alterations to fire detection, alarm, and extinguishing systems must be performed by:

• NICET Level II Fire Alarm Systems (minimum), OR
• IMSA certification, OR
• Approved equivalent certification

Contractors must also hold a Wichita/Sedgwick County Licensed Fire Protection Contractor license.

Alarm Technician Certificate

To obtain an Alarm Technician Certificate from MABCD:

• Submit application to the Electrical & Alarm Division
• Provide documentation of certification by an approved nationally recognized testing agency

State Fire Marshal Registration

While Kansas does not license fire alarm companies at the state level, registration with the Kansas State Fire Marshal's Office is required.

For more details on Kansas contractor requirements, see our Kansas Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit?

Fire alarm permits can be obtained through:

1. Online: MABCD Portal
2. In-person: 271 W. 3rd St. N., Wichita, Kansas 67202

Permit Application Process

1. Create account: Register on the MABCD Portal
2. Submit plans: Provide fire alarm system plans and specifications
3. Include documentation: Device layouts, battery calculations, product data sheets
4. Pay permit fees: Per the fee schedule in Article 1, Section 2 of the Unified Code
5. Schedule inspections: Request rough-in and final inspections

Contact: MABCD at 316-660-1840 for permit questions.

Fire Alarm Monitoring Requirements

The Wichita-Sedgwick County code requires specific monitoring for fire alarm systems:

• Supervised monitoring required: Fire alarm systems required by Section 907.2 must be monitored by an approved supervising station per NFPA 72
• Automatic sprinkler monitoring: Sprinkler systems must be monitored by an approved supervising station
• NFPA 72 compliance: All monitoring must comply with current NFPA 72 standards

Testing and Inspection Records

Important documentation requirements:

• 30-day submission: Test and inspection records must be submitted within 30 days to the fire code official
• Third-party management: A third-party vendor manages records
• Data management fees: Any fees charged by the third-party administrator are the contractor's responsibility

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarms in Sedgwick County?

Sedgwick County has adopted the following codes (view current adopted codes):

• International Fire Code: 2024 IFC (effective January 16, 2025 for Sedgwick County Fire District)
• International Building Code: 2024 IBC
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Electrical: 2023 NEC (effective January 1, 2025)

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarm Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

Kansas Statute 31-160 (Smoke Detector Act) requires every single-family residence to have at least one smoke detector on every story, including the basement.

• Standalone smoke detectors typically don't require permits
• Monitored residential fire alarm systems require licensed contractors
• Interconnected hardwired systems may require electrical permits

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial installations require:

• NICET Level II minimum: All work by certified contractors
• Plan review: Submit plans to MABCD for approval
• Central station monitoring: Required per code
• NFPA 72 Record of Completion: Required documentation
• Annual testing: Required inspections per NFPA 72

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors in Sedgwick County

Based on experience working in the Wichita area, here are practical recommendations:

• NICET Level II is mandatory: You cannot perform fire alarm work without at least NICET II certification or equivalent.
• Get your MABCD license: Apply for your Alarm Technician Certificate through the Electrical & Alarm Division.
• Use the online portal: MABCD Portal streamlines permit applications and inspection scheduling.
• 2024 IFC is current: Effective January 16, 2025, the 2024 IFC is in effect for the Fire District.
• Submit records within 30 days: Don't miss the deadline for test and inspection records.
• Plan for third-party fees: Budget for data management fees charged by the records administrator.
• Register with State Fire Marshal: Complete state registration even though it's not a license.

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Related Permit Guides for Sedgwick County, Kansas

• Security Camera Permits in Sedgwick County, KS

Contact Information

For permit and licensing questions:

• MABCD: sedgwickcounty.org/mabcd | 316-660-1840
• MABCD Portal: mabcdportal.sedgwickcounty.org
• Electrical & Alarm Division: Electrical & Alarm Division
• Address: 271 W. 3rd St. N., Wichita, Kansas 67202
• Kansas State Fire Marshal: firemarshal.ks.gov | 785-296-3401

Last updated: January 2026. Fire alarm requirements change periodically. Always verify current requirements with MABCD before beginning work.