Commercial Suppression Systems Permit

A commercial suppression system permit is required for the following work on a commercial building or structure.

• Renovate and repair existing suppression systems.
• Extend or modify an existing suppression system.
• Installation of a new suppression system.

Please see Permit Home for the definition of commercial structures and work type.

Over the counter applications will require a Commercial Suppression System Permit Application.

New Construction & Addition / Alteration Work Types:

• Clean Agent System: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing clean agent system.
• Cooking Hood Suppression System: applies to the installation of a new and existing cooking hood suppression system or replacement of an existing system if the associated work includes modification of the cooking hood and/or cooking appliances.
• FDC: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing fire department connection.
• Fire Pump: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing fire pump.
• Hydrants: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing private hydrant.
• Riser: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing suppression system riser.
• Standpipe System: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing standpipe system.
• Underground Fire Main: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing underground fire main.
• Water-Based Sprinkler System: applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing water-based sprinkler system.

Minor Alteration Work Types:

Interior minor alterations, items 4-6 below, are only applicable to structures with a valid Certificate of Occupancy. Any applications that are not limited to the items listed below shall require an addition/alteration work type permit.

• Alteration to Existing Cooking Hood Suppression System: applies to the modification or replacement of an existing system if the associated work does not include modification of the cooking hood and/or cooking appliances.
• Relocate Sprinkler Heads That Do Not Affect Cover Area: applies to relocation of existing sprinkler heads where the relocation does not affect the coverage area.
• Replacement In Kind of Underground Fire Main: applies to replacement in kind (same size, location, and configuration) of an underground fire main.
• Replacement of Sprinkler Heads In-Kind: applies to the replacement of existing sprinkler heads in kind (same type of head, same characteristics, and same location).

Permit Process

See these webpages for additional information regarding the permitting process:

• Permit Process
• Application Submission
  • All other work type other than Minor Alteration requires submission of construction drawings to OneStopPGH.
  • Drawings shall be one of the following:
    • Prepared and sealed by a PA licensed architect or engineer.
    • Prepared and sealed by a PA licensed architect or engineer supplemented by shop drawings if accompanied with a statement from the architect or engineer that they have accepted the shop drawings as part of the construction drawings.
    • Prepared and signed by an individual with a Level III Nicet certification for the type of suppression system to be installed.
    • For work scope including underground fire main, the water utility approved tap-in drawings shall be submitted to PLI for review.
    • If the work scope is limited solely to Cooking Hood Suppression System the drawings do not need to comply with the above requirements.

• Application Review
• Permit Issuance
• Permit Inspections
  • Hydrant Flow Test Report - required to be submitted for underground fire mains, new sprinkler systems and private hydrants.
  • Statement of Compliance - required to be submitted for final inspection.
  • Underground Material and Test Certificate - required to be submitted for final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Aboveground Material and Test Certificate - required to be submitted for final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Clean Agent Acceptance Inspection and Test - required to be submitted for final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Wet Chemical Acceptance Inspection and Test - required to be submitted for final inspection if part of permit scope.
• Permit Completion

Please see Other Agency Coordination for processes related to other agencies that may relate to your permit scope.  For commercial suppression system permits:

• Zoning Development Review application (ZDR) submission is required for the following:
  • Any work scope if the property is located in a regulated floodplain.
• PA Department of Health (DOH)
  • Required for a structure regulated by the PA Health Care Facilities Act.
• Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA)
  • Underground Fire Main work scope.
• Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF)
  • FDC work scope.