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.

Starting March 17, 2023, the Duluth Fire Department will require that all new and upgraded sprinkler systems that require a plan review be sent to the State Fire Marshal Office. Questions should be directed to Ryan Kunst, supervisor for the Fire Protection Systems Program, at ryan.kunst@state.mn.us​, or ​by phone at 651-201-7204. 

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

General Process for Fire Sprinkler Permitting Process

After receipt of completed sprinkler plans has been received from the State Fire Marshal Office, a complete permit application, including necessary supporting documentation and payment may be submitted to Construction Services. Construction Services is located in City Hall 411 W 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 room 100. Once the application is submitted to Construction Services, the process takes approximately 2 weeks from the time a complete application has been received to permit approval. Please allow more time for plan review by the State Fire Marshal Office.

In summary, the process will work as follows:

1. A Fire Suppression System contractor/designer will submit the necessary set of plans to the State Fire Marshal Office.
2. Once confirmation of plan receipt has been made from the State Fire Marshal Office, you may apply for a Fire Suppression System permit at City of Duluth Construction Services.
3. This includes the application, permit fee, State Fire Marshal receipt letter, a digital set of plans and any supporting documentation. This will include, but is not limited to, a copy of the designers license, cut sheets on equipment to be installed, product information, and hydraulic calculations.
4. 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. 
5. One set of submitted plans should remain on site for the duration of the project.
6. Inspections that are not canceled within a reasonable amount of time prior to the pre-determined meeting time or are not pre-tested/ready will 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 Marshal Office at 218-730-4398.

General Process for Fire Alarms and Hood Suppression Permitting Process

Once a complete permit application, including necessary supporting documentation and payment have been submitted to Construction Services, located in City Hall 411 W 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 room 100, the plan review process will begin. 

In summary, the process will work as follows:

1.  A Fire Alarm System contractor/designer will submit the necessary permit and plan review fee, applications and checklist to Construction Services along with one digital set of plans and supporting documentation. This will include, but is not limited to, a copy of the designers license, cut sheets on equipment to be installed and product information.
2.  A plan review letter will be compiled by the plans examiner and returned to the designer, noting any necessary changes.
3.  If approved, the submitter will be notified of approval. The submitter will receive a digital set of approved plans and the plan review letter upon permit issuance. NO WORK SHALL BE CONDUCTED PRIOR TO PLAN APPROVAL AND PERMIT ISSUANCE.
4.  If denied, plans and the plan review letter will be returned to the contractor/designer with instructions. Changes will then be re-submitted directly to the Fire Marshal. Additional plan reviews will be billed at a rate of $62.50 per hour per plan review.
5.  Once the plans have been reviewed and the permit has been issued, work may begin. Inspections will be needed a certain point of progress. Most jobs will need at least a rough in, hydrotest or pump test and final inspection to approve the work. 
6.  One set of approved plans should remain on site for the duration of the project.
7.  Inspections that are not canceled within a reasonable amount of time prior to the pre-determined meeting time or are not pre-tested/ready will 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 Marshal Office at 218-730-4398.