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 system.
• Extend or modify an existing suppression system.
• Installation of a new suppression system.

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

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 an 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.
• 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.
• applies to the installation of a new or modification to an existing private hydrants.
• 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:

• 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 cover 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 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.