Fire Alarm System Permit

You need a permit 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 by email, or in-person.

Digital permit intakes

Planning & Development permits can be submitted by email to permitapplication@surrey.ca. 

Before submitting your application, review the digital submission guide. You will be contacted once we have reviewed your submission.

Requesting hard copies for digital application submissions

Hard (physical) copies of drawings and documents may be requested throughout the permitting process. If you submit your application digitally, hard copies may be requested depending on the scope of work and project size.

Staff will communicate directly with the applicant if hard copies are required. If you submit digitally, do not send in hard copies unless requested to do so by staff. 

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 application:

• a Building Permit Application Form;
• a Schedule B to accompany the Registered Professional’s signed and sealed drawings; and
• an Owner Authorization Form (if the Applicant is not the Owner).

Required drawings

Include the following plans with your 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).

Fees

The building permit fee is due at the time of application.

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.