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1. When is a permit needed for a fire alarm or a sprinkler system?

Any proposed new systems, expansion to existing systems, a reduction in the number of devises, or any other modification to a fire alarm or sprinkler system requires a permit. The only activities that do not require a permit are minor repair, replacement of battery back-up, and maintenance of systems.

2. Who can prepare plans for a fire alarm or sprinkler system?

Only a Fire Protection System Designer licensed by the State of Ohio or an architect or engineer licensed by the State of Ohio may prepare drawings and provide manufacturers’ product information as part of the permit application process.

3. How do I apply for a fire alarm or a sprinkler system permit?

The process begins by submitting a Building/Zoning Permit Application to the Building Inspection Division along with supporting documents. Those documents often include drawings showing a layout of the project, details of proposed demolition and installation, engineering design data, plan drawings and schematics.

View Building Permit Forms

4. How many copies of plans are required for permit review of fire alarm and sprinkler systems?

Drawings for fire alarm and fire suppression system need only be provided in duplicate (two copies).

5. What code(s) does the City of Dayton use for fire alarm and sprinkler systems and where can I find a copy?

The City of Dayton uses the codes adopted by the Ohio Board of Building Standards as listed below. 

Fire Alarm Code: 2016 National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) 

Sprinkler Code: 2016 National Sprinkler Code (NFPA 13) 

Commercial Building Code: 2017 Ohio Building Code 

Plumbing Code: 2017 Ohio Plumbing Code 

Mechanical Code: 2017 Ohio Mechanical Code 

Electrical Code: 2014 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) 

For links to online versions of the codes, go to

Building Codes

6. What is an over-the-counter permit and how can I get a permit in that manner?

For a fire alarm system modification involving 5 or fewer devises and for a sprinkler system modification involving 20 or fewer sprinklers, a permit can be obtained on a same-day basis. On every Tuesday between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, review of projects meeting the described criteria is being provided. Two sets of plans and supporting information plus a completed permit application must be provided. Projects are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. All review and permit fees must be paid to obtain the permit.