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 types. Please see work not requiring a permit for work that can be performed without a PLI permit. Please visit our Contacts page for the Construction Inspector's contact information.

New System Work Scopes:

The new system work type applies to the installation of new systems. The applicant shall identify one or more of the following work scopes: 

• Alt. Extinguishing System: installation of an alternative extinguishing system per Section 904 of the International Building Code.
• Cooking Hood Suppression System: installation of a cooking hood suppression system. 
• Standpipe System: installation of a standpipe system.
• Special Hazard System: installation of a special hazard suppression system. 
• Water Based - Above Ground System: installation of a water based system including portions. 
• Water Based - Dry System: installation of dry-pipe water based system.
• Water Based - Preaction System: installation of a preaction water based system. 
• Water Based - Underground Fire Main: installation of an underground fire main for a water based system. 
• FDC: installation of a fire department connection. 
• Fire Pump: installation of a fire pump. 
• Hydrants: installation of private hydrants. 
• Phased Work – Core & Shell: installation of systems associated with a phased building permit with a core and shell work scope. Work associated with the fit-out is not permitted. Selected in addition to one or more other work scopes.
• Phased Work – Fit-out: installation of systems associated with a phased building permit with fit-out work scope. Work associated with the core and shell is not permitted. Selected in addition to one or more other work scopes. 

Addition / Alteration Work Scopes:

The addition/alteration work type applies to the alteration of an existing system. The applicant shall identify one or more of the following work scopes: 

• Alt. Extinguishing System: alteration of an alternative extinguishing system per Section 904 of the International Building Code.
• Cooking Hood Suppression System: alteration of a cooking hood suppression system. 
• Standpipe System: alteration of a standpipe system.
• Special Hazard System: alteration of a special hazard suppression system. 
• Water Based - Above Ground System: alteration of a water based system including portions. 
• Water Based - Dry System: alteration of dry-pipe water based system.
• Water Based - Preaction System: alteration of a preaction water based system. 
• Water Based - Underground Fire Main: alteration of an underground fire main for a water based system. 
• FDC: installation of a fire department connection. 
• Fire Pump: installation of a fire pump. 
• Hydrants: installation of private hydrants. 
• Phased Work – Core & Shell: installation of systems associated with a phased building permit with a core and shell work scope. Work associated with the fit-out is not permitted. Selected in addition to one or more other work scopes.
• Phased Work – Fit-out: installation of systems associated with a phased building permit with fit-out work scope. Work associated with the core and shell is not permitted. Selected in addition to one or more other work scopes.
• Emergency Repair/Replacement: repair and/or replacement of elements condemned by PLI and/or damaged elements required to maintain safe occupancy of an occupied building. 
• Removal of System: removal of a system and/or equipment that is not replaced. 

Minor Alteration Work Types:

The minor alteration work type applies to the alteration of existing systems in an existing building with a valid certificate of occupancy. The applicant shall identify one or more of the following work scopes:

• Existing Cooking Hood Suppression System: alteration or replacement of an existing hood suppression system associated with an existing PLI-approved cooking hood if the cooking equipment has not changed.  
• Relocate Sprinkler Heads: relocation of existing sprinkler heads if the relocation does not affect the coverage area.
• Replacement In Kind of Underground Fire Main: replacement in kind (same size, location, and configuration) of an underground fire main.
• Replacement of Sprinkler Heads In-Kind: replacement of existing sprinkler heads in kind (same type of head, same characteristics, and same location).

Permit Process

See these web pages for additional information regarding the permitting process:

• Permit Process
• Application Submission
  • All other work types 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 by 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.
    • Water Based - Underground Fire Main and Replacement of Sprinkler Heads In-Kind work scopes, 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 prior to a final inspection.
  • Underground Material and Test Certificate - required to be submitted prior to final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Aboveground Material and Test Certificate - required to be submitted prior to final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Clean Agent Acceptance Inspection and Test - required to be submitted prior to final inspection if part of permit scope.
  • Wet Chemical Acceptance Inspection and Test - required to be submitted prior to 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 Code Regulations: :
  • Development of a property in a regulated floodplain requires a PLI Floodplain permit.
• 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.