Fire Alarm System

Fire Alarm System

 

As of September 2024, the Express Permit Program is the process to obtain a permit to install, alter, or repair a fire alarm system or devices, such as electronic locks, that are integrated with a fire alarm system. For new installations and alterations, this permit is required in addition to a building permit for non-fire-alarm work.

Eligibility Summary

Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.

Eligible

  • Installing a new fire alarm system in a new construction building (separate building permit is required for non-fire alarm work)
  • Installing a new fire alarm system in an existing building in connection with a building rehabilitation project (separate building permit is required for non-fire alarm work)
  • Altering an existing fire alarm system in an existing building in connection with a building rehabilitation project (separate building permit is required for non-fire alarm work)
  • Repairing (including in-kind replacement) of an existing fire alarm system

Not Eligible

  • Installing or altering a fire alarm system without an associated non-fire alarm building permit (only repairs can be done without an associated non-fire alarm permit)
  • Adding circuits to an existing electrical panel
  • Replacing an existing electrical panel
  • Replacing or upgrading an existing electrical service
  • Work involving emergency lighting or exit signs
  • Electrical work that is not directly associated with the permitted fire alarm system work, without a separate permit

When is a building permit not required?

Before beginning an Express Permit Program application for electrical work, please review:

What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? : Electrical Work

Important Considerations

Terms and conditions

See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Fire Alarm System for further limitations on this type of permit.

Before You Apply

A permit for a new or modified fire alarm system is only available in connection with permitted building construction or rehabilitation work. You must obtain your construction or rehabilitation permit before you apply for a fire alarm system permit through the Express Permit Program. Only fire alarm system repair work can be done without an associated building permit.

Before you start the online application, you should have:

  • Property address (exact address used on associated construction/renovation permit, if any)
  • Property owner: name and contact information
  • Designated emergency contact
  • Basic info about the main building on the property (number of stories, number/type of units)
  • Associated construction/renovation permit number (not required for existing system repair)
  • Details of the proposed fire alarm system work
  • Required documents (see below)
  • Required contractor (see below): exact name or Chicago license number

Required Documents

Fire alarm drawings

For all projects:

  • Fire alarm drawings system prepared in accordance with industry standards by a qualified employee of the contractor who will be installing the fire alarm system or an Illinois-licensed professional engineer

You will receive an invitation to upload these drawings to the City of Chicago’s E-Plan (ProjectDox) system after paying a $25 review fee.

Project owned by a government entity

If the work to be permitted in being undertaken by or for a local, state, or federal government entity (such as Chicago Public Schools) you must upload:

  • Government ownership or funding letter

If the government entity has a permit fee waiver ordinance, include a copy of that ordinance as part of this upload.

Required Contractor

A licensed electrical contractor (general) may perform any fire alarm system work.

A licensed electrical contractor (low voltage) may perform fire alarm system work that is limited to low voltage or communication work.

An Illinois-licensed private alarm contractor with an email address on file with the City of Chicago may perform fire alarm system work but may not perform other electrical work.

If more than one contractor is identified as part of the application, the application materials must clearly define the scope of work to be performed by each contractor.

Ordinances and Rules

Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-4-404.9.3 (Fire alarm systems)

Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-12-1204.2 (Stand-alone permit fees)

2019 Chicago Building Code, Section 14B-9-907 (Fire Alarm and Detection Systems)

2018 Chicago Electrical Code, Article 760 (Fire Alarm Systems)

Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings, Section 14X-5-504.6 (Fire Alarm Systems)