Frequently Asked Questions

During the development and building permit processes, it will be determined if fire-protection system permits (fire alarms and/or fire suppression) are required for the project. These requirements are specified in the locally adopted Fire and Building codes. Fire-protection system requirements from the 2018 IFC based on Occupancy Types (PDF).

LFRA will specify on building-permit comments when new construction is required to have fire-protection systems and permits; for building remodels or additions, the applicant contacts licensed fire-protection contractors to conduct a site visit and determine if system modifications are required.

Fire-protection system permits are required whenever a new system is installed or when an existing system is modified. The permit application is made directly to the LFRA Community Safety Division. The contractor submitting the application must have a current contractor license with LFRA.

Fire-protection systems include fire sprinklers, fire alarms, spray (paint) booth suppression, cooking extinguishing systems, clean-agent suppression, fire pumps, etc.

State Suppression Requirements

In 2016, the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) implemented a state registration process for four types of Fire Suppression System Contractors: Fire Suppression Systems, Residential Fire Suppression Systems, Underground and Backflow. Licenses are required for any individual or company that employs individuals who physically work on, design, test, inspect, or install any part of a fire suppression system in commercial, civil, or residential occupancies.

Additionally, Fire Sprinkler Fitters are required to be registered with DFPC to perform work on fire suppression systems. Sprinkler Fitters may only work under the employ of a registered Fire Suppression System Contractor or be self-employed and registered as a Fire Suppression System Contractor.

The Colorado Fire Suppression System Rules can be accessed by visiting the Code of Colorado Regulations page.

Fire-protection system permit applications must be submitted to LFRA by a licensed fire-protection contractor. After the review is completed, the contractor's designated employees are the only people authorized to pick up the fire permit, LFRA-approved drawings, and written Conditions of Approval.

All submittals must include the permit application. The application is available in person from the Community Safety Division or you can download the permit application (PDF).

Permit plan submittals must be digital. There are three methods to submit digital drawings:

• Via email Eplan Fire
• Via DropBox: Send your file-sharing link via email Eplan Fire.
• In-person: Bring the digital drawings on a USB drive to the Community Safety Division at 410 E 5th Street, Loveland, CO 80537

For more details on how to submit (PDF).

Hydrant Fire-Flow Testing

Where a hydrant water-flow test is used for the purposes of fire-sprinkler system design, the test must be conducted no more than 12 months prior to working plan submittal, unless otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction (NFPA 13 4.6.1.1, 2019 edition).

LFRA is served by five water districts. To schedule hydrant flow testing, contact the water district that serves the property. Approved documentation of the test shall be provided to LFRA before final approval of the water supply system.

• City of Loveland Water - Phone: 970-962-3000
• Town of Johnstown Utilities - Phone: 970-587-4664
• Little Thompson Water District - Phone: 970-532-2096
• Fort Collins-Loveland Water District - Phone: 970-226-3104
• North Carter Lake Water District - Phone: 970-776-8212

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Fire alarm permit submittals shall include the following:

• Valid LFRA contractor's license
• Completed permit application with correct address and valuation
• Digital shop drawings (minimum 1/8" scale)
• PE or NICET Level III or IV stamp on all drawings
• Full occupant notification is required.
• The exception is core and shell submittals; full notification is not required until Tenant Finish Alarm permit submittal.
• Digital material cut sheets
• Voltage drop calculations
• Battery calculations
• Symbol list
• Riser diagram

Please Note: LFRA is not currently accepting or approving VoIP communications systems (Voice over Internet Protocol)

Fire sprinkler permit submittals shall include the following:

• Valid LFRA contractor's license
• State Suppression License
• Completed permit application with correct address and valuation
• Digital shop drawings (minimum 1/8" scale)
• PE or NICET Level III or IV stamp on all drawings
• Water supply information
• Digital material cut sheets
• Hydraulic calculations
• State of Colorado Registered Fire Suppression System Contractor number, issued by the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

The above list is not intended to be inclusive of all requirements for a fire-protection submittal, but rather a guide to indicate the minimum requirements.

If a fire sprinkler contractor is proposing to make modifications to an existing fire sprinkler system that are limited to affecting 10 or fewer sprinklers, the permit submittal may include the LFRA permit application and a "Letter of Scope" describing the modifications. This applies to 10 or fewer sprinklers that will be added, relocated and/or removed. The Letter of Scope must be submitted on the business letterhead of the fire sprinkler contractor.

If proposed modifications will affect more than 10 sprinklers, a full permit submittal is required (see submittal list above).

Plans typically are reviewed within 15 working days.

Once LFRA reviews and approves the plans, they will be emailed to the applicant. The applicant comes to LFRA to pay for and pick up the permit, and receive the written Conditions of Approval for the permit.

The applicant is responsible for having a copy of the stamped, approved drawings on site for all LFRA inspections, in either paper or electronic form (via a "tablet" device, PC, etc.). The permit and Conditions of Approval also must be on-site at all times.

It is imperative that fire-protection system installers read and comply with all Conditions of Approval and any redlined directions on the drawings. By meeting all the Conditions, the contractor will be prepared for LFRA's rough and final inspections.

Fire sprinkler rough and hydrostatic inspections are required. The fire sprinkler contractor calls LFRA to schedule rough/hydrostatic inspections, at 970-962-2537, at least 48 hours in advance of the requested inspection time.

Final inspections consisting of general construction and fire-protection systems (sprinkler, alarm, commercial kitchen suppression, flammable finish operations) must be scheduled for the same time and all contractors must be present for testing and inspecting. The general contractor is responsible for scheduling this final inspection and he/she must provide the project address and all permit numbers when requesting inspections. Inspections must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance by calling LFRA at 970-962-2537. Contacting LFRA further in advance will allow more flexibility in scheduling for the contractor(s).

Final inspections for only fire suppression systems (there is no associated building permit) may be scheduled by the fire-protection contractor. Inspections must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance by calling LFRA at 970-962-2537.

All LFRA inspections must be passed and approved prior to closing the permit and the applicable Building Department issuing a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.