Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Westchester County, New York

Quick Answer: Westchester County requires fire alarm permits through local municipal building departments. You'll need a NYS Fire Alarm Installer License (81-hour training + state exam) and a Westchester County Low Voltage License. Systems must comply with NFPA 72 and connect to the local fire department. Requirements vary by municipality within the county.

When Is a Permit Required?

Fire alarm permits in Westchester County are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Commercial fire alarm systems
• Multi-family residential buildings
• System modifications and expansions
• Fire alarm upgrades and replacements
• Integration with sprinkler monitoring

Smoke and CO Detector Requirements

• Smoke alarms required in all residences
• Must be installed within each sleeping area
• Must be installed immediately outside sleeping areas
• CO detectors required where fuel-fired appliances exist

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Westchester County requires multiple licenses for fire alarm installations:

NYS Fire Alarm Installer License

Required by NYS Department of State. Requirements:

• Training: 81-hour course (four 15-hour modules + one 21-hour module)
• Modules:
  • Module 1: Installations - Standards, Codes and Techniques
  • Module 2: Control Panels and Alarm Transmissions
  • Module 3: Security Systems
  • Module 4: Fire Technology
  • Module 5: Service and Maintenance of Alarm Systems
• Examination: Pass NYS state exam
• Fees: $185 (after exam) or $200 (without exam)
• Term: 2-year license

For complete state licensing information, see our New York Low Voltage License Guide.

Westchester County Low Voltage License

Required by the county for electrical work. Contact Consumer Protection at (914) 995-2155.

NICET Certification (Recommended)

Per NFPA 72, personnel should hold at least NICET Level 2 in Fire Protection Engineering Technology, Fire Alarm Systems.

Municipal Variations

Westchester County contains multiple municipalities with different permit requirements:

City of Yonkers

Per Yonkers Fire Department:

• Permits filed with Building Department
• Two copies of original signed/sealed drawings required
• Plans reviewed by Fire Commissioner before installation
• NFPA 72 Record of Completion form required
• Manufacturer cut sheets needed for device verification

Other Major Municipalities

Contact building/fire departments for:

• City of White Plains
• City of New Rochelle
• City of Mount Vernon
• Town of Greenburgh
• Town of Mamaroneck
• Village of Scarsdale

NFPA 72 Compliance

New York State Fire Alarm Code is based on NFPA 72. Key requirements:

Design and Installation

• System design per NFPA 72 standards
• Device spacing calculations
• Notification appliance coverage
• Battery and power calculations

Fire Department Connection

Commercial fire alarm systems must connect to the local fire department. This is a code requirement in Westchester municipalities.

Documentation Requirements

• NFPA 72 Record of Completion
• As-built drawings
• Device schedules
• Battery calculations
• Sequence of operations

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

Per NFPA 72, fire alarm systems require ongoing:

• Annual inspections
• Testing per schedule
• Maintenance documentation

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Contact Local Building Department

Identify which municipality has jurisdiction and contact their building department for specific requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Submittals

Typical requirements (example from Yonkers):

• Two copies of signed/sealed drawings
• Fire alarm system layout
• Device schedules and locations
• Riser diagrams
• Battery calculations
• Manufacturer cut sheets
• NYS Fire Alarm Installer License copy

Step 3: Fire Commissioner Review

Plans and specifications reviewed by Fire Commissioner before installation approval.

Step 4: Inspections

• Rough-in inspection
• Final inspection with system test
• NFPA 72 Record of Completion

Contact Information

Westchester County Consumer Protection (Licensing)
Phone: (914) 995-2155
Website: consumer.westchestergov.com/trade-licenses

NYS Department of State - Licensing
Phone: (518) 474-4429
Address: 1 Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor, Albany, NY 12231

Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
NYS Fire Alarm License (after exam)	$185	2-year term
NYS Fire Alarm License (without exam)	$200	2-year term
County Low Voltage License	Varies	Contact Consumer Protection
Building permit	Varies by municipality	Per project

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

For homes in Westchester County:

• Smoke alarms required per NYS code
• CO detectors where fuel appliances exist
• Monitored systems require alarm permit
• NYS license required for contractor installations

Commercial Fire Alarms

Commercial installations require:

• NYS Fire Alarm Installer License mandatory
• Westchester County Low Voltage License
• Building permits from local municipality
• Fire Commissioner plan review
• NFPA 72 full compliance
• Fire department connection
• Annual inspection documentation

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

1. Contact the municipality first. Westchester County has many cities, towns, and villages with different requirements. Yonkers differs from White Plains differs from Scarsdale. Call the local building department before bidding.

2. Complete the NFPA 72 Record of Completion. This form is required in most Westchester municipalities. Have it ready for final inspection along with all supporting documentation.

3. Include manufacturer cut sheets. Building departments want to verify device specifications. Include cut sheets for all fire alarm devices in your submittal package.

4. Plan for Fire Commissioner review. In some municipalities like Yonkers, plans go to the Fire Commissioner before installation. Factor this review time into your project schedule.

5. NICET certification adds credibility. While not always required, NICET Level 2 certification in Fire Alarm Systems demonstrates competency and may be required for some commercial projects.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Resources

• New York Low Voltage License Requirements
• NYS Fire Alarm Installer License
• NYS Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72)
• Yonkers Fire Department Permits

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements vary by municipality—always verify with your local building and fire departments before beginning work.