Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Fire alarm installations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina require both a fire protection system permit and alarm registration. Commercial systems must submit plans to the Winston-Salem Fire Department online portal for approval before work begins. All alarm systems must be registered within 10 business days of installation. Contractors need an NC SP-FA/LV license.

When Are Permits Required for Fire Alarms?

In Winston-Salem, permits are required for:

• New fire alarm system installations
• Modifications to existing fire alarm systems
• Fire sprinkler system installations
• Suppression system installations
• Commercial fire protection systems
• Systems monitored by central stations

Alarm Registration Requirement

All alarm systems in Winston-Salem must be registered by applying for an Alarm Permit:

• Includes residential, business, and commercial alarms
• Both monitored and non-monitored systems require registration
• No fee to register
• Must submit within 10 business days of installation

North Carolina Contractor Licensing

Fire alarm contractors must be licensed through the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors:

SP-FA/LV License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2 years, with at least 1 year primary fire alarm experience
• Exam: PSI-administered test covering NEC and NFPA 72
• Fee: $125 examination fee
• Continuing Education: 4 hours approved CE for renewal

For complete licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.

Winston-Salem Fire Alarm Permit Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction

Use the Forsyth Tax Parcel Viewer to verify if your address is within Winston-Salem city limits or unincorporated Forsyth County.

Step 2: Prepare Submittal Package

Required documentation includes:

• Fire protection system plans and specifications
• System calculations
• Equipment cut sheets
• Battery calculations
• Riser diagrams
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit for Review

Submit plans through the Winston-Salem Fire Department online portal:

• Online Portal: GeoCivix Permit System
• Plans Review: Winston-Salem Fire Plans Review
• Alarm Permits: Alarm Registration

Allow 2 weeks lead time before start of work for permit processing.

Step 4: Plan Approval

Plans must be approved before commencing work. Each review fee covers two review cycles plus rough-in and final fire inspections.

Step 5: Inspections

Complete rough-in and final fire inspections as part of the permit process.

Step 6: Register Alarm

Submit Alarm Permit Application within 10 business days of installation.

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Fee	Processing Time
Alarm Registration	Free	Immediate
Fire Alarm System Plan Review	Per fee schedule	Up to 2 weeks
Inspections (rough-in + final)	Included in review fee	As scheduled

Contact the Forsyth County Fee Schedule for current pricing.

False Alarm Ordinance

Winston-Salem has a False Alarm Ordinance effective since April 2003:

• Allowed false alarms: 3 per 12-month tracking period
• Tracking begins with first false alarm response
• Police and fire alarms track separately
• Fines assessed after exceeding allowed false alarms

Audible Alarm Requirements

Alarm owners may not install, maintain, or use audible alarm systems that sound for more than 20 minutes. This does not apply to fire alarms.

Appeals Process

Written appeals for false alarm rulings must be received within 10 business days. No appeal is available for non-registration violations.

NFPA 72 Compliance Requirements

All fire alarm installations must comply with NFPA 72 per NC Fire Prevention Code:

• Automatic fire extinguishing systems must be monitored by building fire alarm
• Sprinkler backflow preventer valves must have tamper switch supervision
• Tamper switches must be separately annunciated
• Proper device spacing and coverage per NFPA 72

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Fire Alarms

• Smoke detectors required per NC Building Code
• Alarm registration required (free)
• Must register within 10 days of installation
• False alarm tracking applies

Commercial Fire Alarms

• Full plan review required before installation
• NFPA 72 compliant design
• Occupancy-specific requirements per NC Fire Code
• Integration with sprinkler monitoring
• Central station monitoring connections
• Record of completion documentation

Forsyth County (Outside City Limits)

For properties in unincorporated Forsyth County:

• Permits: Forsyth County Fire Permits
• Plans Review: Forsyth County Plans Review

County permits cover fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, suppression systems, and above/below ground tanks.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Allow 2 weeks: Submit plans well ahead of project start date
• Register promptly: 10-day registration deadline is strictly enforced
• Verify jurisdiction: City vs. County processes differ - check parcel viewer first
• Create GeoCivix account: Required for online submissions
• Review fee covers inspections: Both rough-in and final included in plan review fee
• Minimize false alarms: Only 3 allowed per 12-month period before fines apply

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Security Camera Permits in Winston-Salem, NC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Greensboro, NC
• Fire Alarm Permits in Raleigh, NC
• North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide