Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tenant Fit-Out Sprinklers and Fire Alarms (Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement)

Are sprinkler/fire alarm drawings to be submitted with the Building Permit with Use & Occupancy (U&O) application, or are they submitted separately by the vendor contractor?

The sprinkler/fire alarm drawings are submitted in a separate building permit application for approval of sprinklers/alarms.

Can the Sprinkler/Fire Alarm Building Permit application be submitted at the same time as the Building Permit with U&O application and reviewed in parallel?

No, the building permit has to be issued first. For more information and requirements, visit DPIE’s website page on Third Party Review Program for Fire & Life Safety.

For the Building Permit with Use & Occupancy (U&O) (type CU Commercial with Use) Tenant Fit-Out Application, is a separate submittal to the Fire Department required or is it part of the Building Permi

No, a separate submittal is not required. It is part of the building permit review; however, separate building permits will be issued for sprinklers/alarms.

If the sprinkler/fire alarm drawings are submitted separately by the vendor contractor, does any of the information need to be shown on the Tenant Fit-Out drawings?

Just information regarding existing/proposed fire protection systems should be included on the building permit drawing. A separate building permit needs to be obtained as per question #2.

Is the Sprinkler/Fire Alarm Building Permit application submitted to DPIE, the Fire Department, or another department?

The Sprinkler/Fire Alarm Building Permit application should be submitted to DPIE.

What is the estimated timeframe for processing and issuing the sprinkler/fire alarm building permit?

The estimated timeframe for processing and issuing sprinkler/fire alarm building permits is approximately 5 business days.