Fire Alarm System Permit: Boston restaurant guide

Boston Fire Department — Fire Prevention

What it is

Needed to install, renovate or modify fire alarm devices. Plans are reviewed and the system is witness-tested before occupancy.

When a restaurant needs it

When your build-out adds or changes fire alarm devices (common with change of use and larger restaurants).

How to apply

The fire alarm designer/installer submits online with a fire-alarm-only plan layer, riser diagram, cut sheets, battery calculations, narrative and sequence of operations.

Documents you’ll need

Fire alarm plans with device locations and riser diagram
Manufacturer cut sheets
Battery calculations
Narrative (occupancy per 780 CMR ch. 3, codes)
Sequence of operations

Fee

$50 plus $2 per device (BFD fee schedule effective 9/22/2016); confirm current fee with Fire Prevention

Processing time

Varies; permits are valid for 1 year after approval

Renewal

None

Who files

Filed by the fire alarm designer or licensed installer.

Good to know

Schedule the witness test early (617-343-3628); it's needed for the CO and the Place of Assembly permit.

Official source

BFD — fire alarm system permitting

Get your personalized Boston permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.