Plans & Permits FAQ

What’s required to obtain a fire sprinkler, fire alarm or fire extinguishing system permit? The San Angelo Fire Marshal's Office does not have an application form to obtain a permit. Instead, all registered companies or individuals seeking a construction (installation) permit shall provide the following information on their company letterhead along with the associated construction (installation) permit fee as noted on our fee schedule:

• Company name, address, state-issued license number.
• Scope of project work, i.e., sprinkler installation, fire alarm installation, fire extinguishing installation, etc.
• Two sets of engineered plans with engineer or RME signature.
• One copy of spec sheets for related equipment. This includes wiring diagrams, fire alarm devices and control units, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors.
• Hydraulic calculation sheets showing k-factors for all sprinkler installations.

Plans are reviewed in the order they are received by our office. Once completed, the reviewer will contact the company to let them know that the reviewed plans and permit are ready. One copy of the submitted/reviewed plans will be returned. The construction permit will be stamped with any applicable comments and made available at our office to pick up at 301 W. Beauregard, Suite 208. We will not provide a permit without payment. All other fees located in the fee schedule will be allocated during follow-up inspections of installed systems. A copy of the permit and one plan set must remain on the job until the work is completed.

Is a permit required by a licensed fire sprinkler company to move or change fire sprinkler heads? Changing sprinkler heads due to expiration, head failure, corrosion or repair does not require a permit. Relocating or adding fire sprinkler heads does require a permit to include a floor plan, specific scope of work and associated installation fee. Sprinkler heads are most often relocated due to construction where walls are relocated to make offices, corridors or other areas. In this instance, the Permits office should also be notified of the changes.

Does the Fire Marshal's Office handle the final inspection for a building? Requests for ALL building finals have to be made to the Permits office at 325-657-4210. A final inspection completed by our office is only for the purposes of egress and related fire protection purposes. This inspection is in conjunction with the Permits Office at their request. A confirmation of passing the final inspection by the Fire Marshal's Office should not be considered an overall clearance to occupy a building and open for business. The final Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Permits office.

Do fire protection companies have to contact the Permits office for acceptance testing? No, acceptance testing and final approval on fire protection systems can be requested directly through our office at 325-657-4358.

Is a permit required for switching out a panel or device on a fire alarm system? If an existing panel or device is being switched out with a panel or device that is exactly the same or has the same function, a permit is not required. If the panel or device is newer technology with more capabilities, then a permit will be required. This includes upgraded systems. Installing additional devices to an existing system also requires a permit. All permits must include a plan set showing the alterations or additions.

How long does it take to get an inspection once requested? All inspection requests are on a first-come, first-served basis. On average, an inspection can occur within 72 hours of the request, depending on staffing and available resources. Additionally, emergencies such as high volume fire calls may consume staff time and delay the time to get to an inspection. It’s best to contact the office at 325-657-4358, check our availability and make an appointment with a fire inspector.