Commercial Fire Alarm and Sprinkler

The Chelmsford Fire Prevention Office is responsible for the review, inspections, and approvals for any modification or installation of a fire alarm or sprinkler/suppression system. 


A permit is required for any work on or impairment of any fire alarm, fire sprinkler, or fire suppression system. Testing of an existing system will be considered an impairment and requires a permit.

For both permitting for system impairment and fire protection system plan reviews, use the Fire Alarm and Fire Protection System application. Once in the application, an applicant may select from all applicable choices, whether it is for testing and maintenance, or repair and renovation.  


The building department requires a fire department plan review for any proposed modifications to a fire alarm or fire protection system or for the installation of a new system. 


For Fire Alarm system shutdowns (daily work permits), in PermitEyes click on the Fire Department link and select Fire Alarm and Fire Protection System.



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ALL PERSONS SEEKING TO PERFORM WORK OR INSPECT/TEST A SYSTEM MUST HAVE A FIRE ALARM AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION ON RECORD WITH THIS DEPARTMENT BEFORE CALLING DISPATCH TO TAKE A SYSTEM OFF LINE. 

Exceptions may be given for emergency work, however the fire alarm/sprinkler technician must call dispatch at (978) 250-5265 prior to beginning work. At no time is work to be performed without first notifying dispatch. In emergency situations, a permit application shall be submitted by the fire alarm or sprinkler company on the next business day. 

Effective January 1, 2021, the Chelmsford Fire Department is no longer monitoring the master box system. As a condition of any fire alarm or sprinkler permit, an existing master box must be removed from the building.

INSPECTIONS

Contractors can request an inspection for work on or installation of a fire alarm/fire protection system by calling the Fire Prevention Office at (978) 251-4288 or by emailing fireprevention@chelmsfordma.gov.. Please allow 48-72 hours for scheduling, so plan ahead. See the linked guidance documents below for fire alarm and sprinkler system final documentation submittal requirements.  

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BDA Systems

Contractors and Developers are advised that the Chelmsford Fire Department enforces the Massachusetts State Building Code provisions for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (780 CMR 915) for new construction and buildings undergoing Level 3 renovations. Please refer to CFD ERRC System Requirements document below. Contact Capt. Koutsoufis for more information.

You can also click here to learn more about how a BDA system operates.

CFD Local Regulations and Standards

  1. Automatic Sprinkler Requirements v5.1 08-2020
  2. CFD Commercial Plan Review Requirements
  3. CFD ERRC System requirements v3.1 9-2020
  4. Internal Fire Alarm Requirements v4.1 01-06-2021
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