FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT

The Howard County Fire Protection Engineer reviews permits required under Title 3, Subtitle 1 of the Howard County Code for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.

WHAT IS A FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT

A fire protection permit is required for the installation of fire sprinkler systems, commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems, fire alarm systems, medical gas systems, etc., throughout the County. It provides the means for code officials to review and inspect installations to ensure that minimum standards are met and appropriate equipment used.

WHEN IS A FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT REQUIRED

Fire protection permits are required for the installation or relocation of the following:

• Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Medical Gas Systems
• CO2 Systems
• Fire Alarm Systems
• Commercial Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems
• Other Fixed Fire Suppression Systems

PROCESSING

Applications are available from the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits. Submit four (4) sets of plans and the completed permit application for the following:

• AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER – Hydraulic calculations and information on the type of equipment to be installed.(Note: When modifying a fire sprinkler system by adding and/or replacing up to 20 sprinkler heads, no plans are required).
  
  
• FIRE ALARM - Battery load calculations, information on the devices/equipment to be installed, and a description of the system’s intended operation when activated.
  
  
• OTHER FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS – copy of the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

Submittals are reviewed by the Fire Protection Engineer, Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits, Plan Review Division. Sprinkler system modifications having 10 or less sprinklers are processed in 1 or 2 days. Processing time for other work ranges from 5 to 10 business days. Included with each fire protection permit is an inspection information sheet outlining the steps required to obtain the necessary inspections and approvals. When requesting fire system tests one must contact the fire protection inspector 24 hours in advance (between 8:00 am – 9 am), in addition to using the automated system after consulting with the inspector.

TIME LIMITATION OF FIRE PROTECTION PERMIT

A fire protection permit, once issued, will become invalid if the authorized work is not started within one year or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year after the work has begun. The Department may grant us to a six month extension if requested in writing by the applicant prior to the permit expiring.

WHO TO CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

• Automated Inspection and Permit Request and Information
  410-313-3800 (Dial-up System)
• Fire Protection Engineer
  410-313-2436 (Plan Review)
• Fire Protection Inspection Test Appointments
  410-313-1810 (between 8:00 am and 9:00 am)
• General Information regarding Inspections
  410-313-1810
• Fax 410-313-3298
• TTY 410-313-2323