Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Washoe County, Nevada

Installing fire alarm systems in Washoe County, Nevada requires permits from the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and specific contractor licensing from the Nevada State Fire Marshal. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know about permits, licensing, fees, and the application process for fire alarm installations in unincorporated Washoe County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, fire alarm permits are required. Fire alarm installations in Washoe County require permits through the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Fire Prevention Division. Additionally, fire alarm contractors must hold a license from the Nevada State Fire Marshal. All fire protection systems must be designed and installed by State Fire Marshal licensed contractors.

When Are Fire Alarm Permits Required in Washoe County?

The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District requires permits for all fire alarm work, including:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Additions to existing fire alarm systems
• Modifications to fire alarm system components
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Integration with sprinkler systems
• Fire alarm system corrections
• Residential fire alarm systems in certain occupancies

What Fire Alarm Work May Be Exempt?

Very few fire alarm activities are exempt from permitting. The following may not require permits:

• Routine maintenance and testing of existing systems
• Battery replacement in existing devices
• Simple device cleaning without modification

When in doubt, contact the TMFPD Fire Prevention Division at (775) 326-6000, option 2.

Who Has Jurisdiction in Washoe County?

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD)

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue serves unincorporated areas of Washoe County. The Fire Prevention Division provides plan review services for new construction, existing businesses, and fire protection systems. They enforce the 2018 International Fire Code with Washoe County amendments.

North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

Properties in Incline Village and Crystal Bay fall under the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District jurisdiction, which has specific requirements including Knox Box requirements for monitored fire alarm systems.

What Contractor Licenses Do You Need for Fire Alarms in Nevada?

Fire alarm work in Nevada requires multiple licenses:

Nevada State Fire Marshal License

The Nevada State Fire Marshal issues licenses for fire alarm system contractors. This is separate from business licenses or security alarm licenses issued by local jurisdictions. Fire protection systems must be annually serviced by a State Fire Marshal licensed provider.

Nevada State Contractors Board C-2C Fire Detection License

The C-2C Fire Detection license from the Nevada State Contractors Board is required for contractors installing fire alarm and detection systems. This is a subclassification under the C-2 Electrical category covering:

• Fire alarm panels and control equipment
• Smoke and heat detectors
• Manual pull stations
• Notification appliances (horns, strobes)
• Fire alarm monitoring connections
• Duct smoke detectors

To obtain the C-2C license:

• Minimum 4 years experience as journeyman, foreman, or supervising employee
• Pass the Contractor Management Survey Exam
• Pass the C-2C Fire Detection Contractor Exam
• Post a surety bond and provide proof of insurance
• Application fee: $300 | License fee: $600 for 2 years

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

How Do You Apply for a Fire Alarm Permit in Washoe County?

Fire alarm permits in Washoe County require TMFPD Fire Prevention Division plan review.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Design the fire alarm system per applicable codes (2018 IFC with Washoe County amendments)
2. Prepare Fire Protection Report including system design, device locations, and riser diagrams
3. Submit application and plans to TMFPD Fire Prevention Division
4. Pay Fire Permit Fee upon submission
5. Pay Fire Technology (Fire Tech) Fee - 4% of Fire Protection Permit Fee for Accela Program support
6. Respond to plan review comments if corrections are required
7. Receive permit approval before beginning installation
8. Schedule inspections during and after installation
9. Obtain final approval upon successful inspection

Contact Information

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
Fire Prevention Division
Phone: (775) 326-6000, option 2
Website: tmfpd.us

Nevada State Fire Marshal
fire.nv.gov/bureaus/FPL/Licensing/

What Are the Fees for Fire Alarm Permits?

Fire alarm permit fees in Washoe County include:

Fee Type	Description
Fire Permit Fee	Based on plan review and inspections
Fire Tech Fee	4% of Fire Permit Fee (Accela support)
Fire Protection System Permit	Per fee schedule
System Correction Permit	For modifications to existing systems
Re-inspection Fee	Per fee schedule

Contact TMFPD for the current Permit and Service Fee Schedule, or visit tmfpd.us/fire-code/ for fee information.

What Codes Apply to Fire Alarm Systems in Washoe County?

Fire alarm installations must comply with:

• 2018 International Fire Code with Washoe County amendments
• 2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (for WUI areas)
• NFPA 72 - National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Washoe County Code Chapter 60 - Fire Code Amendments

What Are the Monitoring Requirements?

Washoe County Code Section 903.4 requires that control valves in buildings equipped with any fire alarm or protection system must be monitored by a central control station fire alarm company. This means:

• Fire alarm systems must be connected to approved monitoring
• Monitoring must be by a licensed central station company
• System valve supervision is required for sprinklered buildings

What About Knox Box Requirements?

Properties with monitored fire alarm or fire sprinkler systems may require Knox Boxes for fire department access. This is especially important for:

• Short-term rental properties in Incline Village/Crystal Bay
• Commercial buildings with fire protection systems
• Properties in North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District

What Are the Differences Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Projects

Residential fire alarm systems in Washoe County:

• May require permits depending on occupancy type
• Short-term rentals require fire inspection and compliance
• Knox Box required if monitored system is installed
• State Fire Marshal license required for contractor

Commercial Projects

Commercial fire alarm installations require:

• Full TMFPD Fire Prevention plan review
• State Fire Marshal licensed contractor
• C-2C contractor license
• Central station monitoring per WCC 903.4
• Integration with building fire protection systems

Pro Tips for Fire Alarm Contractors in Washoe County

Based on contractor experience in Northern Nevada:

• Get State Fire Marshal licensing first - Required for all fire alarm work
• Contact TMFPD early - Fire Prevention can answer code questions before design
• Know your jurisdiction - TMFPD vs North Lake Tahoe FPD have different requirements
• Budget for the 4% Fire Tech Fee - Added to all fire permit costs
• Plan for monitoring - Central station monitoring is required by code
• Document Knox Box installations - Required for many monitored systems
• Annual service contracts - Fire protection systems require licensed annual service

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Permit Guides in Northern Nevada

• Security Camera Permits in Washoe County, Nevada
• Fire Alarm Permits in Reno, Nevada
• Fire Alarm Permits in Sparks, Nevada

Additional Resources

• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District
• TMFPD Fire Code, Amendments & Permit Fees
• Nevada State Fire Marshal - Licensing
• NRS Chapter 477 - State Fire Marshal
• Nevada Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements