These permits cover the installation, modification, or enlargement of automatic fire sprinkler systems including wet, dry, pre-action or deluge systems, fire pumps, and standpipes. All plans must be reviewed by the Fire Prevention Bureau to ensure they meet applicable fire and building codes.

Example Projects:

• Installing a new sprinkler system in a commercial building or warehouse
• Expanding or modifying an existing system to cover a larger area or new occupancy type
• Installing sprinklers in specific areas such as high-piled storage, repair garages, or attics
• Protecting assemply occupancies, schools, care facilities, or multi-unit residential buildings

Get Ready

Contractors or building owners submitting a fire sprinkler permit should prepare complete plans and system specifications. Plans must be submitted through the permit portal before installation, modification, or enlargement of any sprinkler system.

Required documentation includes:

• Detailed floor and site plans showing all areas to be protected
• Equipment cut sheets and system specifications
• Hydraulic calculations for the sprinkler system
• Occupancy information and fire load for the building

Note: Plans may need to be prepared by a licensed fire protection engineer or certified designer depending on system type and building occupancy.

System Requirements

Automatic fire sprinkler systems must be provided in accordance with occupancy type and building use:

• Assemby Occupancies (Groups A-1 to A-5): theaters, arenas, concert halls, and assembly spaces on roofs
• Care Facilities (Groups I-1, I-4): nursing homes, rehab facilities, day cares, ambulatory care facilities
• Educational (Group E): schools and day cares more than 20,000 sq. ft.
• Commercial (Groups F-1, M, S-2): factories, retail stores, high-piled storage, parking garages, repair garages
• Residential (Groups R-2, R-3, R-4): multi-family units, congregate housing, care facilities
• Special Hazards (Group H, Attics, Specific Operations): chemical storage, fuel-fired equipment, woodworking operations, commercial kitchens

Inspection Requirements

Fire sprinkler systems require both a rough inspection and a final inspection. The rough inspection verifies piping, hangers, sprinkler heads and FDC placement before system completion. The final inspection confirms the full system functions correctly, alarms are operational, and all documentation is complete (TMC 1512.08). To complete an inspection, the fire contractor must be licensed and registered, there must be a permit, and plans must be on site.

Rough Inspection

Before the system is completed.

Evaluates:

• Piping type and size
• Hangers and riser supports (NFPA 13)
• Piping installation and hydrostatic test
• Backflow deevice installation and orientation
• Sprinkler heads, temperature, and clearance
• Sprinkler spacing and coverag
• Hydraulic information plates
• Fire Department Connection placement, signage, and clearance

Final Inspection

After the system is installed and ready for use.

Evaluates:

• Proper signage an riser components
• Sprinkler head cabinet installed with correct number of heads, wrench, and list of installed sprinklers
• Piping seals
• Main drain test

Fees

The fee schedule below applies to systems with standpipes. Systems with fire pumps will be an additional $200 for the review fee.

Other Fees:

• Standpipe only system reviews are $100
• Fire pump reviews are $200

Alternative Fire Suppression Systems

Wet Chemical Systems Review Fees

• $140 for a single tank
  
• +$60 for each additional tank

Dry Chemical Systems Review Fees

• $140 for the first 30 lbs.
  
• + $.50 per lb. over 30 lbs.
  

Clean Agent Systems Review Fees

• $200 for first 10,000 cu. ft.
• + $30 for each additional 5,000 cu. ft.

Carbon Dioxide Systems

• $140 for first 175 lbs.
  
• +$.50 per lb. over 175 lbs.