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When a Fire Sprinkler Job Requires a State Permit

The Fire Sprinkler Law requires that:

"…prior to construction of any fire sprinkler system, or prior to an addition involving more than 20 new sprinkler heads to a fire sprinkler system.a fire sprinkler system contractor shall obtain a permit…"

The Fire Sprinkler Technical Policy requires in

• Part 2, Item 6 that "Prior to construction of any new fire sprinkler system over 6 heads for any isolated hazardous area, or prior to an addition to an existing fire sprinkler system of more than 20 heads, a fire sprinkler permit shall be required in accordance with 32 M.S.R.A. sub-section 1371-1382. [Relocated heads count toward the 20 heads]."
• Part 2, Item 9 that: "Fire pumps and standpipes shall be considered part of the sprinkler system and subject to review and permitting."

Replacing sprinkler heads with new heads is maintenance and does not require a permit, regardless of the number of sprinkler heads. But once extra heads are added, or pipe is added, removed or relocated, then a permit will be required when more than 20 heads are involved.

If you are about to start a job that is borderline in requiring a permit, and suspect that it is possible that once on the project, the scope of the project may expand to where a permit is required, then mail or fax an application form to me in advance, with a note on it, "Informational Only at This Stage." No check, plans or calcs would be required. If the job then expands to where a permit is required, then you will not be caught installing without notification to our office. If the job expands to where a permit is required, then call and let me know that the check and plans/job description will follow shortly.

Renovation jobs do not always require a set of plans. Sometimes a typical detail and brief description of the job are adequate. It is not the intent of the office to bog the industry down on "day-work jobs." However, new jobs always require plans and sometimes calcs too, even if there are only 7 heads involved.

Please call on renovation jobs that are difficult to design. When time allows, I will be happy to do a walk-through site inspection before you begin, and then suggest how much design detail is required for the job. It could save you a lot of design time. Renovation jobs that have typical detail and brief description of the project in lieu of the plans are jobs that I prioritize for field inspection.

When in doubt about whether or not a job requires a permit, or on how much design is required, please call 207-626-3889 or email eric.j.ellis@maine.gov. I want us to work together, making things efficient for all of us. Thank you for asking when in doubt.

[Last updated 1-1-08]

 

 

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