Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, Maryland

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Silver Spring require a fire alarm permit from Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Unlike basic low voltage work, fire alarm permits have additional licensing requirements: contractors must hold both a Montgomery County Fire Alarm Corporate License and employ licensed individual technicians. A low voltage electrical permit is also required for the wiring portion of the work.

When Is a Permit Required for Fire Alarm Systems in Silver Spring?

Montgomery County requires a fire alarm permit for all work involving installations, alterations, or modifications of fire alarm systems. This is more restrictive than typical low voltage work.

Permit Required:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Alterations to existing fire alarm systems
• Modifications of fire alarm panels or devices
• Adding smoke detectors, heat detectors, or pull stations
• Repair work that affects system operation
• System upgrades or replacements
• Annual testing and inspection (requires licensed individuals)

Also Required:

• Low voltage electrical permit: Required for all fire alarm permits for the wiring component
• Approved plans: Must be submitted through ePlans (ProjectDox)
• Fire Code Compliance permit: For commercial occupancies

Important: Fire protection systems (sprinklers) require a separate permit and are not part of the fire alarm permit. Contact Montgomery County DPS at 240-777-0311 for guidance on your specific project.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm work in Montgomery County has stricter licensing requirements than other low voltage work. Both the company and individual technicians must be licensed.

Fire Alarm Corporate License

Any company performing fire alarm system installation, inspection, maintenance, or testing in Montgomery County must obtain a Fire Alarm Corporate License from the Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance.

Requirements:

• Designated Qualified Individual (DQI): Must have a qualified liaison between the contractor and DPS
• Insurance: Proof of adequate liability coverage
• Experience: Documentation of fire alarm system experience
• Application: Submitted through DPS eServices

Fire Alarm Individual License

Each individual responsible for inspection, maintenance, or testing of fire alarm systems must obtain an individual license from Montgomery County DPS.

Requirements:

• Must be associated with an approved Corporate Fire Alarm license
• Must know the DQI and their contact information
• Proof of relevant training or certification (NICET recommended)

Master Electrician Requirement

A low voltage electrical permit is required for all fire alarm work. This requires either:

• Master Limited Electrician License issued by DPS
• Master Electrician License issued by DPS

NICET Certification (Recommended)

While not explicitly required by Montgomery County, NICET Fire Alarm Systems certification is industry standard and demonstrates competency:

• Level I: Entry-level technician work
• Level II: System installation and troubleshooting
• Level III: System design and project management
• Level IV: Complex system engineering

For detailed Maryland contractor licensing information, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Montgomery County

Fire alarm permits are applied for electronically through the DPS eServices system.

Step-by-Step Application Process:

1. Create an account on the Montgomery County DPS ePermits portal
2. Apply for the fire alarm permit through ePermits (Apply Online)
3. Submit plans electronically through ePlans (ProjectDox)
4. Pay the filing fee - Required before plan review begins
5. Await plan review - Regular systems take approximately 2 weeks
6. Receive permit - Work cannot begin until permit is issued
7. Complete installation per approved plans
8. Schedule inspections through eServices or call 240-777-0311

Fast Track Review Option:

Fire alarm plans may qualify for fast track review (within 24 business hours) if:

• Single floor installation
• Less than 20,000 square feet
• Does not involve installation or replacement of the main fire alarm control panel

Important Jurisdiction Note:

Silver Spring is in Montgomery County's jurisdiction. City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg process their own permits. Verify jurisdiction using the Maryland SDAT Real Property Search.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Fire Alarm Permit Filing Fee	Varies	Based on system complexity
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$90+ minimum	Required separately for wiring
Plan Review Fee	Varies	Included in filing fee
Inspection Fee	Included	Additional inspections may have fees
Alarm Registration Fee	$60	Non-residential systems

Processing Timeline:

• Regular plan review: Approximately 2 weeks (varies with workload)
• Fast track review: Within 24 business hours (if eligible)
• Inspections: Generally next day if scheduled before noon
• Overtime inspections: Available by request

Payment Methods:

• Credit card
• Electronic check (e-check)
• Escrow account
• In-person payment at DPS offices

Fire Code Compliance (FCC) Requirements

Commercial buildings in Montgomery County require ongoing Fire Code Compliance permits in addition to the installation permit.

FCC Permit Required For:

• All businesses
• Schools
• Multi-family buildings
• Healthcare facilities
• Places of worship
• All other commercial occupancies

Operational Permit Requirements:

• Required for each fire protection system
• Annual testing, inspection, and maintenance required
• Each fire protection system requires a separate endorsement
• Associated fees apply for each endorsement

Inspection Requirements

Fire alarm inspections are conducted by Montgomery County DPS inspectors.

Scheduling Inspections:

• Schedule electronically through DPS eServices
• Or call 240-777-0311
• Inspections scheduled before noon are generally performed the next day

Inspection Requirements:

• All work must be completed appropriate to the inspection type
• Approved plans must be on site
• Permit must be available for immediate review
• Supporting documentation must be accessible
• System must be installed per approved plans

Alarm User Registration

All fire alarm systems that connect to monitoring must be registered with Montgomery County.

Registration Requirements:

• Register with the False Alarm Reduction Section (FARS) of Montgomery County Police
• Registration must be completed before the system is activated
• Non-residential registration fee: $60 (non-refundable)
• The installing contractor must ensure registration before system activation

Residential vs. Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

Residential Systems

• Simpler permitting for single-family homes
• Smoke detectors and combination detectors most common
• May qualify for fast track review
• Montgomery County has specific smoke alarm requirements for residential properties

Commercial Systems

• More complex permitting requirements
• Fire Code Compliance permit required
• Annual testing and inspection mandated
• Must use UL-listed fire alarm contractor
• Fire alarm certification required on all new installations
• Often integrated with building management systems

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors

Fire alarm work in Montgomery County has more regulatory requirements than other low voltage installations. Here's how to navigate the system:

1. Get Licensed Before Bidding

Montgomery County requires both corporate and individual licenses. Don't bid fire alarm work in the county until your licensing is in place. The application process takes time.

2. Use ProjectDox for Plans

All fire alarm plans must be submitted through ePlans (ProjectDox). Learn the system before your first project - it has a learning curve but is required for all submissions.

3. Consider Fast Track Eligibility

If your project qualifies for fast track review (single floor, under 20,000 sq ft, no new FACP), take advantage of the 24-hour turnaround. This can significantly speed up project timelines.

4. Coordinate with Other Trades

Fire alarm systems often integrate with access control, CCTV, and building automation. Coordinate early to avoid conflicts and ensure proper system integration.

5. Document Everything

Keep detailed records of all testing, commissioning, and programming. Inspectors expect thorough documentation, and it protects you during final inspection.

6. Schedule Inspections Early

Request inspections before noon for next-day availability. Plan your project schedule around inspection availability to avoid delays.

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services

• Address: 101 Monroe St, 9th Floor, Rockville, MD 20850
• Phone: 240-777-0311 (or 311 within Montgomery County)
• Fire Division: DPS Fire Division
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Online Portal: permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov

Fire Alarm Licensing Information

• Corporate License: Fire Alarm Corporate License Process
• Individual License: Fire Alarm Individual License Process

Maryland State Fire Marshal

• Website: State Fire Marshal - Licensing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Maryland Low Voltage License Requirements
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Baltimore, Maryland
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Columbia, Maryland

Last updated: January 2026. Fire alarm requirements are heavily regulated and change. Always verify current requirements with Montgomery County DPS before starting work.