Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Washington County, Oregon

Installing fire alarm systems in Washington County requires coordination with Building Services and compliance with Oregon Fire Code. As home to the Silicon Forest tech corridor, Washington County has significant commercial development requiring professional fire alarm installations. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about permits and compliance.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm installations require permits. A low voltage electrical permit is required for all commercial fire alarm and detection scope of work as well as all emergency alarm scope of work. Washington County Building Services processes these permits for unincorporated areas and some cities.

Understanding Permit Jurisdictions in Washington County

Washington County contains multiple jurisdictions for fire alarm permits:

• Washington County Building Services - Handles unincorporated areas
• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) - Fire code enforcement for most of county
• City of Hillsboro - Has its own fire and building departments
• Other cities - Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin have their own processes

What Is a Fire Alarm System?

Fire alarm systems requiring permits include:

• Conventional and addressable fire alarm panels
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Manual pull stations
• Notification appliances (horns, strobes, speakers)
• Duct smoke detectors
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Emergency alarm systems
• Integration with sprinkler systems

When Are Permits Required?

Washington County requires permits for fire alarm work:

Permit Required

• All commercial fire alarm installations
• All emergency alarm scope of work
• New fire alarm system installations
• Replacing fire alarm control panels
• Adding devices to existing systems
• System alterations or modifications
• Tenant improvement projects affecting fire alarm

May Be Exempt

• Battery replacements
• Minor repairs and maintenance
• Annual testing (no modifications)

Contact Washington County Building Services at (503) 846-3470 to confirm requirements.

Oregon Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm contractors must hold multiple credentials.

Required Licenses

• CCB License - Oregon Construction Contractors Board registration
• Limited Energy (LE) Endorsement - Required for low-voltage systems
• OSFM Fire Alarm License - Oregon State Fire Marshal certification
• NICET Certification - Industry standard for fire alarm technicians

For complete licensing details, see our Oregon Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

How to Apply for Fire Alarm Permits

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

Fire alarm permit applications require:

• Complete fire alarm system drawings
• Device layout and floor plans
• Riser diagrams showing system architecture
• Equipment cut sheets and specifications
• Battery calculations and voltage drop analysis
• Sequence of operations
• CCB and fire alarm license numbers

Step 2: Submit Application

Washington County Building Services
155 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 350, MS 12
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-3470
Email: lutbldg@washingtoncountyor.gov
Inspection Requests: (503) 846-3699
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8am-4pm (Closed Friday for in-person)
Online: washingtoncountyor.gov/lut/building-services

Step 3: Plan Review

Fire alarm plans are reviewed for compliance with:

• 2022 Oregon Fire Code (OFC)
• NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Local amendments and requirements

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

After permit approval and installation, call (503) 846-3699 for inspections:

• Rough-in inspection - Wiring and device boxes before concealment
• Final inspection - Complete system testing

What Are the Fees for Fire Alarm Permits?

Permit Type	Fee Range	Notes
Fire Alarm Permit	$150-$500+	Based on system size
Plan Review	65% of permit fee	Required for commercial
Re-inspection	$75-$100	Per failed inspection

Contact Washington County Building Services for current fee schedules.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Phase	Timeline
Application submission	Same day (online available)
Plan review (simple systems)	1-2 weeks
Plan review (complex commercial)	2-3 weeks
Permit issuance	1-2 days after approval
Inspection scheduling	48-72 hours notice

Special Considerations for Washington County

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R)

TVF&R serves most of Washington County and portions of surrounding counties:

• Fire code enforcement and inspections
• Fire alarm plan review coordination
• Annual ITM requirements

Silicon Forest Tech Facilities

Washington County's tech industry has specific fire alarm needs:

• Cleanroom smoke detection requirements
• Data center fire suppression integration
• Corporate EHS coordination
• 24/7 monitoring requirements

Multiple Jurisdictions

Check project location carefully:

• Unincorporated areas use County Building Services
• Hillsboro has its own fire and building departments
• Other cities have their own processes

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first - County vs city makes a difference
• Online services available - Most services available 24/7 online
• Friday closure - County office closed Friday for in-person
• Coordinate with TVF&R - Fire code enforcement agency
• NICET certification helps - Demonstrates competence to inspectors
• Plan for acceptance testing - Budget time for complete functional testing

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Washington County

• Security Camera Permits in Washington County, Oregon

Additional Resources

• Washington County Building Services
• Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
• Oregon Construction Contractors Board
• Oregon Low Voltage License Requirements