Get a Fire Suppression Systems Permit

Service overview

You need this permit to do work on a fire suppression system.

This includes:

Sprinkler piping and heads (wet, dry, and chemical systems).
Standpipes.
Fire pumps.
Backflow prevention devices.
Fire department connections.
Fire hydrants.
Associated valves and other controls.

The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues Fire Suppression Systems permits.

EZ permits

Some kinds of work are eligible for EZ permits, which do not require you to submit plans. This includes:

Relocation of sprinkler heads only – both commercial and residential.
Installation of a kitchen hood fire suppression system.

Rough-in Permits

You can get a Rough-in Permit to install fire suppression system piping before the full permit is issued.

To get a Rough-in Permit, you must first submit an application for a Fire Suppression Permit, including plans and the associated fees. You must request and describe rough-in work on the permit application.

Who

Any property owner or their authorized agent can apply for this permit. Authorized agents may include:

Fire suppression system contractors
Design professionals.
Attorneys.
Licensed expediters.

Requirements

Permit application

The permit application must include the complete scope of work and current owner information.

If the property was recently sold, submit a copy of the settlement sheet or deed with the application.
You must apply for all permits under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).

Contractor

A fire suppression systems contractor must perform all work. The contractor must:

Have active license.
Be current on all City of Philadelphia taxes.
Have current insurance on file with L&I.

The contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project before a permit may be issued.

Backflow devices may only be installed by an approved technician.

Plans

If your application requires plans, they must follow plan requirements.

Plans are not required for the following work if it adheres to the EZ Permit Standard.

Forms and other documents

Asbestos Inspection Report, if:
- Installed in an existing building,
- The cost of work exceeds $50,000, and
- The building was constructed prior to December 31, 1980.
Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) Form CP100: For backflow devices
Water Flow Test Data Form: To accompany all applications except for sprinkler head relocation only.
Dry & Wet Chemical Extinguishing System Data Sheet:For chemical extinguishing systems (not required if using the EZ Standard for Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems)
If a new fire pump or jockey pump is included, submit the manufacturer’s specifications for proposed models.

Contact Air Management Services in the Health Department for information on asbestos investigation and abatement.

Related permits

If the project requires a Building Permit (for new construction, additions, alterations), it must be issued prior to a Fire Suppression Systems Permit.
If any component of the system requires electrical power, such as a pump, you will need to get an Electrical Permit.
You need separate permits from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) for connections to the water main or sewer and for water meters. Contact PWD at (215) 685-6271 or email wtr@phila.gov.
All disturbances to the City sidewalk require a Department of Streets footway permit. This permit may be issued by the Water Department with a connection permit.

Required pre-approvals

For historic properties

More +

You need approval from

The Historical Commission

What’s needed

You must have this approval in order to apply. L&I will refuse your permit application without Historical Commission approval. See how to get approval for work to a historic property.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plans with stamped approval from the Historical Commission before you make your application at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Submit your stamped plan as proof of approval when making your application.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Philadelphia Historical Commission when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Historical Commission will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For water service and pressure flow data

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You need approval from

The Philadelphia Water Department – Water Records

What’s needed

Complete the Flow Test Data form. Find more information about the Water Department’s review for flow data, along with the Flow Test Data Form.

In-person submission

You must submit a completed copy of the Flow Test Data form with your permit application.

The Water Department’s Water Records group will receive an electronic notification after you submit your Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) permit at the Permit and License Center in the MSB. Water can then approve Flow Test Data.

Online submission

You must upload a completed copy of the Flow Test Data form when you apply for your permit in eCLIPSE.

The Water Records group will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For any free-standing equipment, such as a Fire Department connection, that will be put in the right-of-way

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You need approval from

The Department of Streets

What’s needed

You’ll need to complete a Streets plan review. See Streets’ plan review requirements and applicable forms for more information.

In-person submission

You’ll need your plan with stamped approval from the Department of Streets before you make your application to L&I.

Once approved, submit your stamped plan with your other application materials when submitting in person at the Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload all plans and materials required by the Department of Streets when you apply for your permit through eCLIPSE.

The Department of Streets will perform its review electronically and provide approval directly to L&I.

For some healthcare and medical care facilities

More +

You need approval from

The Pennsylvania Department of Health

What’s needed

Your plan must be approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Find more information about what’s needed and how to get approval.

In-person submission

You must submit a plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for compliance before applying at the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I). Bring a copy of your permit when you submit your L&I application at Permit and License Center in the MSB.

Online submission

Upload a copy of your approved plan and letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Health when applying for your permit through eCLIPSE.

Where and when

In person

Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Offices close at Noon on the last Wednesday of each month.

Online

You can apply online using eCLIPSE.

Cost

Filing fee

$100

This fee is nonrefundable. It will be credited towards the final permit fee.

Permit fee

Each sprinkler head: $12
Backflow devices, when submitted separately: $125
Standpipe riser (per floor): $60 each
Fire pumps: $275 each
Commercial cooking extinguishing systems: $125 each
Fire hydrants: $60 each
Sprinkler head relocation: $60 for the first 20, plus $4 per each additional
Minimum Fee: $150
One-or-two-family dwellings only
- New system: $150
- Sprinkler head relocation or system alteration: $55

Surcharge fees

City surcharge: $3 per permit
State surcharge: $4.50 per permit

Record retention fee

Per page over 8.5 in. by 14 in.: $4

Rough-in Permit fee

$150

Accelerated Plan Review fee (optional)

Applications for new construction that include plans are eligible for expedited review. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5–10 business days.

Fee: $540
If your plans require more than four hours to review, you will be charged an additional fee of $135 per hour.

To apply, fill out an Accelerated Plan Review application and submit with your permit application. Amount must be paid when you submit your application and will not be credited toward your final permit fee.

How

You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.

In person

Get any prerequisite approvals before submitting your application to L&I.

Bring your completed application, application materials, and payment to the Permit and License Center.

Applications with plans are processed within 20 business days.

The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days.
Applications without plans will be reviewed while you wait.
- You are limited to three applications per ticket.
- Applications without plans must be made by a licensed contractor or include a signed statement on the contractor’s letterhead confirming their involvement with the project.
If you are applying for a Rough-in Permit, it may be issued immediately.

If approved, the applicant will receive notice to pay the balance.

If not approved, the applicant will receive an email stating what is missing or required.

Before a permit may be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.

Once approved, schedule your inspection.

Contact your local inspection office when the contractor is ready to start work. The contact information and required inspections will be noted on your permit.

A Certificate of Approval will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.

Online

If applying as a licensed professional or contractor, you must first associate your license or registration with your online account.

The application will go to L&I and other City departments for review and approval.

Before a permit can be issued, the contractor must be identified and confirm association with the project.
Applications with plans are processed within 20 days business days.
- The applicant can accelerate the application for an additional fee. Accelerated applications are reviewed within 5-10 business days.
Most applications without plans are processed within 5 business days.
Rough-in Permits may be issued immediately when:
- The named contractor has an active license.
- The contractor is tax compliant.
- The contractor has current insurance on file with L&I.