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1. Do I need a permit if I am modifying less than 10 sprinkler heads in commercial buildings and 6 or less in residential buildings?

Yes, you do need to obtain a permit; however, you do not need to provide plans for review in accordance with Section 4-157(a), Subtitle 4. Plans are not required for automatic sprinkler system modifications or installations in commercial buildings involving 10 sprinkler heads or less, and not involving the shifting of any cross mains or risers. Plans are not required for automatic sprinkler system modifications in single family dwellings for adding or relocating sprinkler heads on the basement level or grade level involving 6 sprinkler heads or less, and not involving the shifting of any cross mains or risers or creating a more hydraulically demanding remote area. Inspection and testing shall still be required after completion of the work.

2. Do you review plumbing drawings?

No, all plumbing requirements are handled by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). Plumbing drawings can be provided for reference. For more information, visit the WSSC website.

Commission.

3. What are the fees for a fire alarm or sprinkler system?

The cost of fire alarms and sprinkler systems can be found on the DPIE Fee Schedule.

Current Fees page.

4. What are the current editions being used for applicable NFPA standards and adopted codes?

2018 IBC, 2018 NFPA 101, 2018 NFPA 1, Maryland Fire Prevention Code, Prince George’s County Subtitle 4 Building and Subtitle 11 Fire Safety. View adopted codes and amendments:

Refer to Subtitle 11, Section 11-253

The following are current editions of our most frequently used NFPA standards: 

• 2018 NFPA 1 Fire Code - 2018 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code 
• 2016 NFPA 13/13R/13D Sprinkler Systems 
• 2016 NFPA 14 Standpipe and Hose Systems 
• 2016 NFPA 20 Fire Pumps 
• 2018 NFPA 30/30A Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code 
• 2016 NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code 
• 2017 NFPA 1142 Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting

County Legislative/Zoning Information System page.

5. What is the maximum distance allowed from the Fire Department connection to the nearest fire hydrant?

A fire hydrant is required within 200 feet of any required Fire Department connection, in accordance with Section 4-167, Subtitle 4.

6. How do I schedule a Fire Inspection?

Fire Inspections are handled by the Fire/EMS Department. To schedule an appointment, contact the Office of the Fire Marshal at 301-583-1830.

7. Do single family homes (one- and two-family dwellings) require automatic sprinklers?

Yes. The Fire System shop drawings are required to be reviewed and approved by a DPIE-certified, third-party plan review agency. Visit DPIE’s website to view a current list of Third-Party Reviewers for Fire Protection Systems.

Third Party Reviewers for Fire Protection Systems.

8. Do I need to file plans for a sprinkler monitoring system?

Yes, fire alarm shop drawings are required to be submitted for automatic sprinkler monitoring systems. Once you receive approval by a Certified Third-Party Reviewer for Fire Protection Systems, submit the plans and booklets through DPIE’s ePermits Online Portal.

9. Do I need to file fire alarm shop drawings to change a fire alarm panel?

If the change is only for the fire alarm panel with no changes to associated field devices, then fire alarm plans need not be submitted. However, an Electrical Permit is still required for the fire alarm panel changes.

10. What adjustment to the water supply is required?

According to Subtitle 4, Section 4-158 (k), The system supply shall be based upon the low hydraulic grade shown on the Hydraulic Information Sheet, as determined by the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) or lowest hydraulic point per the water authority in areas not served by WSSC. The demand for the automatic sprinkler system must be below the available water supply curve, as follows:

1. Automatic sprinkler demand plus 10% or 10 psi, whichever is greater for commercial systems under NFPA 13 and NFPA13R
   
2. Automatic sprinkler demand plus 5% or 5 psi, whichever is greater for residential systems under NFPA 13D.

Commission.

11. When do I need to request a water test from Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) for my automatic sprinkler system?

All plans that require hydraulic calculations must verify all water supplies. All new buildings and additions require that the water test be provided from Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). Learn more information on the Automatic Sprinkler System page.

Automatic Sprinkler System page.

12. Is the International Fire Code (IFC) adopted by the County?

Subtitle 4, Section 4-106 (e) Subsection 101.4.5, Applicability. Whenever this Code makes reference to the International Fire Code, the requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1 and Subtitle 11 of the Prince George's County Code shall apply except where referenced in Section 413, 2018 IBC Combustible Storage, 2018 Section 426, 2018 2015 IBC Combustible Dusts, Grain Processing and Storage, Section 427 Medical Gas Systems, and Section 428 Higher Education Laboratories.

13. Can the fire protection systems be reviewed under the Building Permit application?

No, the fire protection systems require a separate permit and a third-party review process. The Building Permit and any revisions to the Building Permit must be permitted before obtaining a Fire Protection Systems Permit. Visit DPIE’s website page on Fire & Life Safety for more information on the Third-Party Review Program.