Apply for a Fire Alarm System Permit for commercial buildings and units.

You need a Fire Alarm System Permit in Surrey to install, upgrade, repair, or alter an existing fire alarm system in a building where no other construction activity requiring a permit is taking place.

How to apply

Complete the Building Permit Application Form and submit the required documents, plans, and fees to the City of Surrey's Building Division by email, or in-person by appointment.

Digital permit intakes

Planning & Development permits can be submitted by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca. Before submitting your application, please review the Digital Submission Guideline. You will be contacted once we have reviewed your submission.

All permit application processes will remain the same, apart from receiving the physical document copies. Hard copies of permit application submissions may be necessary and requested depending on the scope of work and project size, upon completion of the digital submission.

Professionals you may need

A Registered Professional (RP) is required to submit sealed, signed and dated firm alarm system drawings with an accompanying Schedule B. 

Prerequisites

Each fire alarm system shall be designed to meet the requirements of the BC Building Code, which will include device layouts, wiring protection, and interconnections with any other building systems that may be affected.

See Installing a New Fire Alarm System for more details.

Required documents

Include the following documents with your Fire Alarm System Permit application:

Required drawings

Include the following plans with your Fire Alarm System Permit application:

  • four (4) sets of plans sealed, signed and dated by a Registered Professional:
    • all applicable site plan(s), fire alarm system drawing(s), and electrical drawing(s).

Cost

The Building Permit fee is due at the time of application for your Fire Alarm System Permit.

After you apply

Electrical permit

An Electrical Permit is required before installing a new fire alarm system and before making modifications to an existing fire alarm system. An Electrical Permit is not required for maintenance of an existing fire alarm system that only involves replacing devices if the types and positions of the devices do not change.

Installation of a fire alarm system

The installation of a fire alarm system shall comply with the requirements of CAN/ULC-S524 “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems” as specified in the BC Building Code and CAN/ULC-S536 “Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems” as specified in the BC Fire Code.

Fire alarm system verification

A fire alarm system is required to be verified by a qualified fire alarm technician as complying with the requirements of CAN/ULC-S537 “Verification of Fire Alarm Systems“ as mandated by CAN/ULCS524 and the Canadian Electrical Code. A copy of the verification report shall be submitted to the Building Official after installation.

Other Permit Information

Code Compliant Fire Alarm Systems

An indoor swimming pool or hot tub can result in conditions where the indoor relative humidity exceeds normal values. This increased humidity must be addressed either through the installation of a mechanical ventilation system or by constructing a wall designed to work under humid conditions. In either case, a design from a registered professional is required.

All doors leading into the pool area must be self-closing, self-latching and lockable doors.

Failure of a Fire Alarm Control Unit

If an existing fire alarm system in an occupied building ceases to function due to the failure of a fire alarm control unit that cannot be repaired, immediately notify the Surrey Fire Service and establish a fire watch. After the fire alarm system has been repaired, it must be verified by a qualified fire alarm technician and may require the involvement of a Registered Professional.