Fire Department

Starting January 6, 2020, the Duluth Fire Department will be requiring that all new and upgraded fire alarm systems be permitted, reviewed and inspected. The process will also ensure that systems are being installed in accordance with NFPA 72 standards as well as to the approved plans.

Questions should be directed to Chris Kibler, Fire Systems Plans Examiner, at ckibler@duluthmn.gov, or ​by phone at 218-216-5398.

Forms and Handouts

Fire Protection Systems Permit Application and Intake Checklist

Fire Alarm Permitting Process Information

Fire Sprinkler Permitting Process Information

Hood Suppression Permitting Process Information

NFPA 241 Checklist

General Process for Fire Systems Applications (sprinkler suppression, hood suppression, or alarm systems):

Please submit a complete permit application, including necessary supporting documentation and payment, online through our permitting portal located here: https://duluthmn.gov/eplace.  For materials required for an application, review the submission checklist linked above.  Once the application is submitted, the Fire Systems Plans Examiner will reach out if additional information is required.

In summary, the process will work as follows:

1. Once an application is submitted, the Fire Systems Plans Examiner will review the application for completeness and contact the applicant if additional information is needed.
2. The review will generally take less than two weeks for a typical permit, but completeness of the application, complexity of the project, and responsiveness of the applicant may extend this review time.  NO WORK SHALL BE CONDUCTED PRIOR TO PLAN APPROVAL AND PERMIT ISSUANCE – WORK PERFORMED WITHOUT A PERMIT MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL FEES.
3. Once the plans have been reviewed and the permit has been issued, work may begin.  Inspections will be needed at certain points of progress.  Most jobs will need at least a rough in, hydrotest or pump test and final inspection to approve the work. 
4. If a plan review is denied, specific concerns will be noted by the Fire Systems Plans Examiner and resubmission will be required.  Resubmission may be billed at a rate of $62.50 per hour for plan review.
5. One set of stamped and approved plans, along with any plan review comment sheets shall remain on site for the duration of the project. 
6. Inspections shall be scheduled with as much warning as possible, ideally at least 24-48 hours prior to the inspection.  For sprinkler suppression permits, most jobs will require a rough in inspection, final installation inspection, a hydrotest and/or pump inspection, and a final acceptance inspection.  Alarm inspections often require a final layout inspection and a final operational test.  All inspections should be completed prior to Life Safety inspections by the building inspector and Fire Marshal.  Inspections that are not canceled within a reasonable amount of time prior to the pre-determined meeting time or are not pre-tested/ready for inspection may be subject to a re-inspection fee per the Fee Schedule.

If at any point in the process there are questions, please contact the Fire Systems Plans Examiner at 218-730-5398 or the Fire Marshal’s Office at 218-730-4398.