Upper Darby Township requires fire protection permits to ensure that all fire protection systems are installed, modified, and maintained in accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), as adopted under Act 45, and applicable Township ordinances.

It is unlawful to perform regulated fire protection work without first obtaining all required permits and approvals.

Fire protection permits help protect life, property, and public safety by ensuring that systems designed to detect, control, and suppress fires are properly installed, tested, and compliant with applicable codes and standards.

Permit Requirements (Per State Law, Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code)

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), as adopted under Act 45 and enforced by Upper Darby Township, permits are required prior to the commencement of regulated fire protection system work.

Commercial Buildings (All buildings other than single-family and two-family dwellings):
Pursuant to 34 Pa. Code § 403.42(a), an owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any fire protection system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code—shall first apply to the Building Code Official and obtain the required permit.

Residential Buildings (Single-Family Dwellings and Two-Family Dwellings):
Pursuant to 34 Pa. Code § 403.62(a), an owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any fire protection system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code—shall first apply to the Building Code Official and obtain the required permit.

Local Amendments and Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Approvals (2005)

As part of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code adoption process, Upper Darby Township completed the required municipal election and approval process with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry in 2005.

As a result of that process, the Township has adopted the following requirements:

Residential Accessory Structures (120 sq. ft. or more):
A UCC permit is required for all residential utility and miscellaneous use structures with a building area of 120 square feet or greater.

Residential Accessory Structures (Less than 120 sq. ft.):
A building permit is required for residential utility and miscellaneous use structures less than 120 square feet when such structures contain utilities, including fire protection or detection systems.

Residential Alterations and Repairs:
A UCC permit is required for all residential alterations and repairs, including fire protection system work, except for those specifically excluded under Chapter 1 of the International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

These requirements are enforced in addition to all applicable provisions of the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code and Township ordinances.

What is a Fire Protection System

Fire protection systems include equipment and systems designed to detect, alert occupants of, control, or suppress fires, including:

• Fire alarm systems
• Automatic sprinkler systems
• Standpipe systems
• Fire suppression systems (kitchen hoods, special hazard systems, etc.)
• Fire pumps
• Emergency communication or detection systems

Who May Apply for and Perform Work Under a Fire Protection Permit

Fire protection permits may only be applied for and work may only be performed by individuals or entities who are properly qualified, authorized, and licensed in accordance with State law, applicable codes, and Township regulations.

Permits may be obtained by:

Fire Protection Contractors (e.g., NICET-certified or equivalent) experienced in the installation of fire alarm, sprinkler, and suppression systems who are properly licensed and meet all Township and State requirements.

Licensing Requirements (State and Township Law)

In accordance with State law and Township regulations:

Any individual or entity performing fire protection system work as a contractor must obtain and maintain all required licenses, registrations, and approvals from both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Upper Darby Township.

Failure to comply with licensing requirements may result in:

• Permit denial or revocation
• Stop work orders
• Citations and fines
• Legal enforcement action

When a Fire Protection Permit is Required

A fire protection permit is required for, but not limited to, the following:

• Installation of new fire alarm systems
• Installation of new sprinkler or suppression systems
• Modification or expansion of existing systems
• Replacement of system components affecting performance
• Installation of fire pumps or standpipe systems
• Changes to system layout or coverage areas
• New construction requiring fire protection systems
• Change of use or occupancy requiring system upgrades

Any work involving fire protection systems regulated by the UCC requires a permit.

Work That May Not Require a Fire Protection Permit

Certain minor work may not require a permit; however, such exemptions are limited, narrowly defined, and subject to determination by the Township.

Examples may include:

• Minor maintenance that does not affect system operation or coverage
• Replacement of components that do not impact system performance or code compliance

Even if a permit is not required, all work must still comply with applicable codes and safety standards.

The Township reserves the sole authority to determine whether a permit is required. Applicants are strongly encouraged to verify requirements prior to starting any work.

Before You Apply

Before submitting a permit application, applicants should:

• Determine the full scope of work
• Confirm contractor qualifications and licensing requirements
• Ensure that all required plans and system details are prepared
• Verify whether additional permits or approvals are required

Incomplete applications will delay processing.

Application Requirements

A complete fire protection permit application typically includes:

• Completed permit application form
• Detailed system plans and specifications
• Shop drawings (for alarm, sprinkler, or suppression systems)
• Equipment cut sheets and manufacturer specifications
• Hydraulic calculations (for sprinkler systems, if applicable)
• System layout and coverage details
• Any required supporting documentation

Plans must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate compliance with applicable codes.

Plan Review and Approval

Fire protection permit applications are reviewed for compliance with:

• Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC)
• International Fire Code (IFC), as adopted
• Applicable NFPA standards (as referenced by code)
• Township regulations

Once the application is approved, the permit will be issued.

Work may not begin until the permit has been issued.

Inspections and Testing

Fire protection systems are subject to inspection and testing to verify proper installation and operation.

Inspections and testing may include:

• Rough and final inspections of system installation
• Acceptance testing of fire alarm systems
• Flow testing of sprinkler systems
• Verification of system operation and coverage
• Certification and documentation review

All required inspections and tests must be completed and approved prior to system activation and final approval.

Required Documentation and Forms

Depending on the system, applicants may be required to submit:

• Fire Alarm Record of Completion
• Sprinkler Record of Completion
• Inspection and testing reports
• Certification documents

All required documentation must be completed and submitted prior to final approval.

Relationship to Fire Safety Inspections

Fire protection permits are separate from the Township’s Commercial Fire Safety Inspection Program.

• Fire protection permits apply to the installation and modification of systems
• Fire safety inspections ensure ongoing compliance, maintenance, and operational readiness

Both are required to ensure building safety and code compliance.

Permit Expiration

Fire protection permits are valid for a limited time.

Failure to commence or complete work within the required timeframe may result in permit expiration.

Fees and Payments

Permit fees are established in accordance with the Township Fee Schedule.

Payments may be made:

• Online
• By check or money order

Cash is not accepted.

Fees are subject to change. Please contact the Township to verify the most current fee schedule.

Important Reminders

• A permit is required before installing or modifying fire protection systems
• All work must comply with applicable codes and standards
• Inspections and testing are required prior to approval
• Systems must be properly maintained after installation
• The Township reserves the right to require permits, inspections, or additional documentation as necessary to ensure compliance
• Working without a permit may result in stop work orders, citations, and enforcement action

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to install a fire alarm system?
Yes. Installation of fire alarm systems requires a permit.

Do I need a permit to modify an existing sprinkler system?
Yes. Any modification to fire protection systems requires a permit.

Will my system need to be tested?
Yes. Systems must be tested and approved prior to final approval.

Is this the same as a fire inspection?
No. Fire protection permits are for installation and modification, while fire safety inspections ensure ongoing compliance.

Contact the Buildings Division

For questions regarding fire protection permits, please contact the Buildings Division.

Email: LI@UpperDarby.org
Phone: 610-734-7613

Residents may also report concerns through the Township One Center.

To submit a concern, email One@UpperDarby.org or call the One Center Request Line at 610-734-7625.