Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Utah County, Utah

Installing fire alarm systems in Utah County requires permits from the Utah County Fire Marshal and proper licensing from the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office. Utah County's Fire Marshal works closely with the Community Development Building Division to ensure fire and life safety code compliance.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm installations require permits. The Utah County Fire Marshal requires permits for all new fire alarm system installations, modifications, and additions. Plans must be submitted and approved before installation begins, and final inspections are required before system activation.

What Fire Alarm Work Requires a Permit in Utah County?

The following fire alarm work requires a permit from the Utah County Fire Marshal:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Additions or expansions to existing systems
• Modifications to system configuration or device layout
• Replacement of fire alarm control panels
• Installation of voice evacuation systems
• Smoke control system integration
• Mass notification system installations
• Carbon monoxide detection systems

When Is a Permit NOT Required?

Some minor fire alarm work may not require a separate permit:

• Replacing like-for-like devices (same model detector, same location)
• Programming changes that don't affect zone configurations
• Routine maintenance and testing
• Battery replacement in existing devices

Always verify with the Utah County Fire Marshal before proceeding with any fire alarm work.

Do You Need a License to Install Fire Alarms in Utah?

Yes. Utah requires fire alarm technicians to be certified by the Utah State Fire Marshal's Office. There are three certification levels:

Basic Fire Alarm Technician

• Entry-level certification for those new to the industry
• Employers have 90 days to prepare new employees for the exam
• Must pass open-book exam with minimum 70% score
• Must complete Manipulative Skills Task Book within 60 days
• Work must be supervised by a higher-level certified technician
• NICET Level I certification waives the exam requirement

Fire Alarm Technician

• Can work on systems in buildings up to four stories
• Must pass all Basic requirements plus written exam on testing and maintenance
• NICET Level II certification is equivalent

Master Fire Alarm Technician

• Can work on any fire alarm system including high-rise buildings
• Qualified for voice alarm/evacuation and smoke control systems
• Can perform annual inspections and tagging
• NICET Level III or IV certification is equivalent

For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Utah County

1. Prepare plans: Include correct owner name, address, and building permit number
2. Submit to Fire Marshal: Contact Utah County Fire Marshal at (801) 851-8348
3. Plan review: Fire Marshal reviews for NFPA 72 and code compliance
4. Permit issuance: Upon plan approval
5. Installation: Work must be performed by licensed contractor
6. Testing: Contractor tests all components per manufacturer specs
7. Statement of compliance: Written statement required before final inspection
8. Final inspection: Fire Marshal inspects and approves system
9. Tagging: System tagged with State-approved fire alarm tag

Plan Submittal Requirements

• Complete floor plans with device locations
• Riser diagrams showing all circuits
• Equipment cut sheets and specifications
• Battery calculations
• Voltage drop calculations
• Owner name, property address, and building permit number
• Contractor information and license verification

What Are the Permit Fees in Utah County?

Permit Type	Estimated Fee
Residential fire alarm permit	$75-$150
Commercial fire alarm permit	$150-$500+
Plan review fee	Additional 50-65% of permit fee
Re-inspection fee	$75+

Fees vary based on system size and complexity. Contact the Utah County Fire Marshal for exact quotes.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Stage	Typical Timeline
Plan review (residential)	3-5 business days
Plan review (commercial)	5-15 business days
Inspection scheduling	1-3 business days
Final inspection	Same day if passed

Code Requirements for Fire Alarm Systems

Utah County enforces the following standards:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• International Fire Code Chapter 9: Fire protection systems
• Utah Administrative Rules R710-4 and R710-11: State Fire Marshal requirements

Circuit Requirements

• Initiating device circuits: Must be Class A per NFPA 72
• Notification appliance circuits: Must be Class A per NFPA 72
• Class A wiring provides redundancy for circuit integrity

Annual Inspection and Tagging Requirements

Fire alarm systems require annual inspection and tagging:

• Inspections must be performed by a Master Fire Alarm Technician
• Systems must be tagged with State-approved fire alarm tags
• Inspection records must be maintained
• Deficiencies must be corrected promptly
• Tag requirements detailed in R710-11 rule

Residential vs Commercial Fire Alarm Permits

Residential Projects

• Simpler systems with fewer devices
• Faster plan review process
• Lower permit fees
• Focus on smoke detectors, CO detectors, and interconnected devices

Commercial Projects

• More complex systems requiring detailed plans
• Voice evacuation systems common in larger buildings
• Integration with sprinkler monitoring, elevator recall, HVAC shutdown
• Smoke control systems in high-rise buildings
• Mass notification system requirements

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Include building permit number: Plans without this information will be returned
• Use licensed contractors only: Utah County maintains a Licensed Alarm Contractors List
• Test before calling for inspection: Complete all contractor testing before final inspection
• Prepare compliance statement: Written statement of compliance required before final
• Plan for annual maintenance: Budget for yearly inspections and tagging
• Keep NICET current: NICET certifications streamline the Utah licensing process

Background Check Requirements

Fire alarm technician applicants must complete background checks:

• Utah BCI (Bureau of Criminal Identification) check required
• If you've lived outside Utah within 5 years, additional state background checks needed
• Bring BCI to testing appointment - applicants without BCIs cannot test
• Background checks available through Utah Criminal Identification website

Utah County Fire Marshal Contact Information

• Phone: (801) 851-8348
• Website: codev.utahcounty.gov/fire-marshal
• Licensed Contractors: View List

Utah State Fire Marshal Contact

• Fire Alarm Licensing: Jana DeMille - jana.demille@utah.gov
• Main Office: (801) 256-2390
• Website: firemarshal.utah.gov
• Exam Center: secure.utah.gov/fmcert

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Utah and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

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