Fire Alarm Permit

The following is intended to help any applicant better understand the process and expectations in preparing, constructing and finalizing a residential or commercial Fire Alarm Permit, as required in the City of Renton.

Prepare

Submittal Requirements

Documents to submit (each as an individual file):

  • Fire Alarm Application: Completed and signed.
  • Plans: Complete floor plan of building/area indicating partitions, stairways, exits, ceiling heights and roof detection, confirmation that systems are fully addressable and provide full detection, and confirmation that buildings over 3,000 sq ft have an approved system. 
  • Manufacturer's Cut Sheets: for all new fire alarm equipment. 
  • Battery Calculations: Required with Plan Submittal.
  • Fire Alarm Permit and Building Electrical Permit Number: Fire Alarm systems require both a fire alarm permit and an electric permit. Electrical permits may be applied for online. 
  • All new work must comply with WA Disabilities Act: WAC 51-30-1106.15.
  • A requirement of: 75 decibels in sleeping areas and 60 decibels or 15 above ambient in other areas.
  • Systems shall be monitored by a UL listed central station: Or separate plans and permits for central station transmittal equipment.

Questions Regarding Guidelines

Contact Renton Regional Fire Authority at: 425-276-9580
Website: www.rentonrfa.com


Resources

Apply & Review

Fire Alarm Permit Application Process

No paper documents will be accepted. When you are ready to submit your application and required documents, follow the steps below to have city staff supply you with a secure file share link

STEP 1. Email the Project Name, Address and Scope of Work to: permittech@rentonwa.gov
STEP 2.
A Permit Specialist will reply with an FTP link to upload the required files
STEP 3.
Allow 5 days for the application to be screened. 
STEP 4. IF COMPLETE
, you will be notified of acceptance and given payment instructions. IF INCOMPLETE, you will be notified of incomplete requirements and instructions to proceed.

Tip: Review decisions may be significantly delayed by incomplete or inaccurate submittals. Closely follow the Submittal Requirements to prevent delays!


Review Response Times

Residential first review decisions: Typically 2-3 weeks
Residential revision decisions:
Typically 1-2 weeks
Commercial first review decisions:
Typically 3-4 weeks
Commercial revision decisions:
Typically 1-2 weeks


Need Additional Help?

Schedule a Virtual Appointment,
Email a Permit Specialist: Permittech@rentonwa.gov, or 
Call a Permit Specialist:
425-430-7215

Inspect & Complete

Once your permit is approved, you may begin work and scheduling inspections. Please print a copy of your permit to keep on-site for when your inspector arrives.


Scheduling Inspections

Fire Alarm Permit Inspections and Field Tests must be scheduled through Renton Regional Fire Authority by calling 425-276-9580 a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Appointments will be subject to the availability of personnel and a contractor must be present for all field tests. 

Electrical Permit Inspections can be scheduled for the following business day online or by phone at: 425-430-7202.
Telephone Scheduling Help Guide


Day of Inspection - Electrical Permits

While we are unable to provide you a time window when scheduling, we are happy to assist on the day of the inspection:

STEP 1: Using our Permit Portal, select "Today's Inspections".
STEP 2: Locate your inspector's name and number by locating your permit (listed alphanumerically).
STEP 3: Phone your inspector to request a time window for arrival.

Tip: See our "What to Expect from your Inspection"(PDF, 957KB)  help sheet to prepare for a successful inspection. 


Review Inspection Status and Notes - Electrical Permits

To see your inspection status and/or notes from a completed inspection:

STEP 1. Log into our Online Permit Portal
STEP 2. Using the search button, enter your permit number and select search.
STEP 3. Your permit results will appear listing the status of the permit. Click on the blue permit number.
STEP 4. Select "inspections" (center screen).
STEP 5. Select the blue inspection number you wish to review.
STEP 6. Select "Checklist" from the mid-screen menu.

Check out our "Check Inspection Status Online" tip sheet for screenshots and additional help accessing your permit details.