Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Vancouver, Washington

Installing or modifying fire alarm systems in Vancouver, Washington requires permits from the Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office and compliance with Washington State NICET certification requirements. This guide covers everything contractors and property owners need to know about fire alarm permits, licensing, and inspections in Vancouver and Clark County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, always for fire alarm work. All fire alarm system installations and modifications in Vancouver require permits. The permit type depends on project scope:

• Fire Alarm Major Permit: New panels or installations with 11+ devices and central station connections
• Fire Alarm Minor Permit: Smaller modifications and device additions

Permit Types and Requirements

Fire Alarm Major Permit

Required for:

• New fire alarm panel installations
• Systems with 11 or more devices
• Central station monitoring connections

Requirements include:

• Stamped plans by licensed designer
• Calculations and device layouts
• Equipment listing sheets

Fire Alarm Minor Permit

For smaller scope modifications not meeting major permit thresholds.

Electrical Permit Coordination

Important: Fire alarm wiring may be installed under the building's general electrical permit. However, any devices or connections must be made under a separate fire alarm permit from the Fire Marshal's Office.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Vancouver has specific requirements that go beyond the standard Washington EL06 Limited Energy License.

Fire Alarm System Contractor Endorsement

A permit to install or modify a fire alarm system will only be issued to a contractor possessing a Fire Alarm System Contractor endorsement.

Division of Responsibilities

• Wiring: An electrician properly licensed by WA State L&I can run wiring and connect line voltages to panels without an endorsement
• Fire Alarm Equipment: Connection of detectors, horn/strobes, NACs, circuits, programming, and testing must be made under direct supervision of someone holding an endorsement

Designer of Record Requirements

Per Administrative Policy 9.01, to obtain a Fire Alarm System Designer of Record endorsement requires:

• NICET Level III certification in Automatic Fire Alarm Systems Design, OR
• CFAD Level III or higher certification

Washington State NICET Requirements

The Washington State Building Code Council mandates NICET certification:

• All fire alarm systems must be certified/inspected by NICET II and/or NICET III personnel
• Effective July 1, 2018 with no grace period
• Important: Having a low voltage license does NOT grandfather you—NICET certification is still required

Vancouver Permit Application Process

1. Submit Application: Construction permits are processed through the City of Vancouver Community Development Department
2. Include Required Documentation:
   • Stamped plans (for major permits)
   • Calculations and listing sheets
   • Contractor endorsement verification
   • NICET certification credentials
3. Pay Fees: Submit applicable permit fees
4. Receive Permit: Begin installation after approval
5. Schedule Inspections: Contact Fire Marshal's Office

Contact Information

• Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office: 7110 N.E. 63rd St., Vancouver, WA 98661
• Phone: 360-487-7260
• Website: Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

Vancouver enforces strict NFPA 72 compliance:

Detection Spacing

• Building smoke/heat detection or area fire detection must meet minimum NFPA 72 spacing requirements
• Limited area detection is allowed and may not need full spacing compliance
• Tenant improvements in fire areas with detection must bring systems into current NFPA 72 compliance

Signal Types

• Duct detectors (NFPA 72 17.7.5.3): Transmit as "supervisory" signals, not general alarm
• CO detection and fire extinguisher monitoring (NFPA 72 17.16): Also transmit as supervisory signals

Low Frequency Alarm Requirements

Per NFPA 72 Section 18.6, audible appliances for sleeping areas must:

• Produce low frequency alarm signal at 520 Hz ± 10%
• Be listed for producing low frequency waveform
• Note: Piezo horns in sleeping rooms are no longer acceptable

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Estimated Cost
Fire Alarm Minor Permit	$100-$250
Fire Alarm Major Permit	$200-$500+
Plan Review	Additional fees
Inspection Fee	Often included

Process Step	Typical Timeline
Minor Permit Review	3-5 business days
Major Permit/Plan Review	1-3 weeks
Inspection Scheduling	1-3 business days

Inspection Forms

The Vancouver Fire Marshal's Office accepts contractor-provided inspection forms (including paperless systems) as long as forms include all pertinent information required by the appropriate standard:

• NFPA 72 for fire alarm systems
• NFPA 25 for sprinkler systems
• Other applicable NFPA standards

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Smoke alarms must comply with NFPA 72 and WAC requirements
• Low frequency alarms required in sleeping areas (520 Hz)
• Simpler permit process for single-family homes

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full NICET certification requirements apply
• Fire Alarm System Contractor endorsement mandatory
• Designer of Record with NICET III or CFAD III required
• Comprehensive plan review for major installations

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Get endorsed before bidding: You cannot pull fire alarm permits without the Fire Alarm System Contractor endorsement
• NICET is mandatory: Low voltage license alone doesn't qualify—get your NICET certification
• Know the sleeping room rules: Piezo horns are out—use listed low frequency devices at 520 Hz
• Coordinate wiring permits: General electrical permit covers wiring, but fire alarm permit covers everything else
• Signal types matter: Duct detectors and CO monitoring go to supervisory, not alarm
• Bring TIs into compliance: Tenant improvements trigger NFPA 72 spacing updates in the affected area

Verify Your Contractor

Before hiring a fire alarm contractor in Vancouver, verify:

• Washington L&I License: L&I Contractor Verification
• NICET Certification: NICET Certification Lookup
• Fire Alarm Endorsement: Contact Vancouver Fire Marshal at 360-487-7260

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Guides

• Washington Low Voltage License Requirements
• Security Camera Permits in Vancouver, WA
• Fire Alarm Permits in Seattle, WA
• Fire Alarm Permits in Tacoma, WA