Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Tacoma, Washington

Installing or modifying fire alarm systems in Tacoma requires permits from both the Tacoma Fire Department and compliance with Washington State Building Code Council NICET certification requirements. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about fire alarm permits, licensing, and inspections in Tacoma and Pierce County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, always. All fire alarm system installations and modifications in Tacoma require permits from the Tacoma Fire Department. This includes:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing systems
• Adding or relocating notification appliances
• Fire alarm transmitter installation or replacement

When Permits Are Required vs. ePermit Eligible

Full Fire Permit Required

• New fire alarm system installations
• Major modifications to existing systems
• Systems with more than 6 new notification appliances
• Integration with fire sprinkler or suppression systems
• Mass notification systems

ePermit Eligible (Limited Scope)

Tacoma offers streamlined ePermits for smaller projects:

• Modifications where not more than 6 notification appliances are added or relocated
• Installation or replacement of fire alarm system transmitters

Note: ePermit fees are nonrefundable, so verify your project qualifies before applying.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Tacoma has specific licensing requirements for fire alarm contractors that go beyond the standard Washington EL06 Limited Energy License.

Required Licenses

1. City of Tacoma Business License: Annual license required for all businesses operating in Tacoma
2. Washington State Contractor License: General or Specialty Contractor license from L&I
3. City of Tacoma Fire Protection License (6B.90): Regulatory license specifically for fire protection work

Important: Fire protection systems permits must be issued to a contractor with a City of Tacoma Fire Protection License. No exceptions for fire alarm work.

Washington State NICET Requirements

The Washington State Building Code Council mandates NICET certification for fire alarm work. These requirements took effect July 1, 2018, with no grace period or grandfathering.

Design Review Requirements

All fire alarm construction documents must be reviewed by one of the following before permit submission:

• NICET Level III certified professional
• ESA/NTS Certified Fire Alarm Designer (CFAD) Level III
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Washington

The reviewer must submit a stamped, signed, and dated letter verifying compliance.

Installation Requirements

All fire alarm plans must include:

• Valid Washington State low voltage specialty electrical contractor's license number
• Identification of minimum NICET Level II certified personnel supervising the installation
• Or stamped approval from a registered fire protection engineer

Alternative Certification

ESA/NTS CFAT Level II Certification is recognized as equivalent to NICET Level II for installation supervision.

Tacoma Permit Application Process

Standard Fire Alarm Permits

1. Submit Online: Apply through the Tacoma Permits Portal
2. Include Design Review Letter: Attach NICET III or PE verification letter
3. Provide Documentation: Submit plans showing device locations, wiring, and specifications
4. Contractor Verification: Include Fire Protection License number and NICET II installer credentials
5. Pay Fees: Submit applicable permit fees
6. Receive Permit: Once approved, receive project-specific list of applicable fire permits

ePermit Process

For limited scope modifications (6 or fewer notification appliances):

1. Verify project meets ePermit scope limitations
2. Apply online through Tacoma Permits portal
3. Pay fees (nonrefundable)
4. Receive expedited approval

Contact Information

• Fire Prevention Division: 253-591-5740
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Permit Portal: www.tacomapermits.org

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Fire Alarm System Permit	$150-$500+
ePermit (limited scope)	$75-$150
Plan Review	Included or additional
Inspection Fee	Often included
Fire Protection License (annual)	Contact city

Process Step	Typical Timeline
ePermit Review	1-3 business days
Standard Permit Review	1-3 weeks
Complex System Review	2-4 weeks
Inspection Scheduling	1-3 business days

Code Compliance Requirements

All fire alarm work in Tacoma must comply with:

• International Fire Code (IFC): As amended by Washington State and City of Tacoma
• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Washington State Building Code: Including NICET requirements
• Local Tacoma Amendments: City-specific requirements

Knox Box Requirements

During building permit review, the Tacoma Fire Department may require a Knox™ box or Knox™ vault outside the main building entrance. The Knox box must contain keys to access:

• All building entry points and gates
• Fire sprinkler riser room
• Fire alarm control panel room
• Electrical and mechanical rooms
• All rooms with fire protection equipment or controls
• Elevator machine room

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Smoke alarms must comply with NFPA 72 and WAC requirements
• Must be listed per UL 217
• Simpler permit process for single-family homes
• NICET requirements may apply for monitored systems

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full NICET certification requirements apply
• Fire Protection License mandatory
• Comprehensive plan review process
• Fire marshal inspection required
• Coordination with suppression and egress systems

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Get your Fire Protection License first: You cannot pull fire alarm permits in Tacoma without the 6B.90 license
• NICET certification is non-negotiable: There's no grandfathering—EL06 alone doesn't qualify you for fire alarm work
• Use pre-development meetings: For complex projects, request project-specific guidance before applying
• Keep documentation current: Have your NICET credentials and design review letters ready for every project
• Consider ePermits for small jobs: But verify scope carefully—fees aren't refundable if you don't qualify
• Plan for Knox box: Factor this into commercial project timelines and budgets

Verify Your Contractor

Before hiring a fire alarm contractor in Tacoma, verify:

• Washington L&I License: L&I Contractor Verification
• NICET Certification: NICET Certification Lookup
• Tacoma Fire Protection License: Contact Fire Prevention Division at 253-591-5740

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Tacoma before they reach bid boards?

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Related Guides

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• Fire Alarm Permits in Seattle, WA
• Fire Alarm Permits in Spokane, WA
• Security Camera Permits in Tacoma, WA