Fire Engineering

Permit Process

1. Online Permits

   Each contractor must register in order to use PAULIE, the City of Saint Paul's new online system for permits, licenses, inspections, complaints, and more. Only one person per company may be registered and must hold a current license. Once registered, you can use the system for any permit. If plans are required, the contact listed on the permit will receive an email to upload plans to the City’s Electronic Plan Review platform. Most file types are accepted. Permit fees will be accepted prior to plan review.

   You may apply for the following permits:

   • Fire Alarm Permit - 100 or Fewer Devices
   • Fire Alarm Permit - Over 100 Devices
   • Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe - 25 or greater heads/New Systems
   • Fire Sprinkler/Standpipe < 25 heads
   • Smoke Control
   • Special Extinguishing System

   Your online fire alarm permit application will automatically be created when you fill out your electrical permit application.

   After filling out the required information, our staff will ensure the correct documents have been received before approving the application. The contact on the application will receive a notification once the application has been accepted. The review will not begin until the application has been accepted. You must receive an approved permit before commencing work.

   Once work is complete, request an inspection through PAULIE. An inspector will respond to the request within two working days to get an inspection scheduled.

   Questions? Email us at DSI-EG@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

2. Paper Permits

   Contractors are encouraged to submit plans electronically, but paper plans will still be accepted for the time being.

   Permits not requiring a plan review will still be accepted in hard copy. Click on the links below to obtain a paper permit application. The application, along with any plans or submittals, can either be mailed, faxed, or dropped off in person at the DSI office (375 Jackson Street, 2^nd floor).  At least two copies of the plans are required. The City keeps one set of plans and returns the rest to you. Only provide one set of submittals or hydraulic calculations as we do not return any copies to you. Please make checks out to City of Saint Paul. You must receive an approved permit before commencing work.

   To request an inspection, click on the Inspection Request in the forms below and fill out the online form. An inspector will respond to the request within 2 working days to get an inspection scheduled.

   Fax: 651-266-9124
   Email: DSI-EG@ci.stpaul.mn.us

   To obtain a fire alarm permit when apply with a paper permit, please submit both an electrical permit and a fire alarm permit application.

   Alterations to Existing Fire Alarm Systems

   Existing fire alarm system panels and components will eventually become obsolete.  Because fire alarm requirements have changed throughout the years, replacing existing systems can present a challenge in existing buildings.  The 2020 Minnesota State Fire Code is silent regarding the replacement of existing fire alarm systems.  It is the intent of this guide to provide a clear path for contractors and inspectors when determining what and how much of the system to replace.

   1. Fire Alarm Control Panel Only Replacement
      1. This section shall only apply to systems requiring a fire alarm control panel to be replaced.
      2. When replacing a control panel, if all other initiation and notification devices are compatible, then nothing else is required to be upgraded.  The installation of the new fire alarm control panel shall be installed to current code under permit.
         1. If singular initiation or notification devices are found to be nonfunctional, they may be individually replaced without bringing all of the initiation and notification up to current code.
         2. If there is not currently a smoke detector above the fire alarm control panel, a new one shall be installed.  The rest of the existing initiation devices shall not be required to be brought up to current code.
   2. Initiation Device Replacement
      1. If initiation devices are being changed due to a building modification, alteration, or a fire alarm system failure; fire alarm system initiation devices shall meet and be approved to current code requirements.  This may mean additional smoke detectors and/or other devices are required.  It also could mean the removal of devices depending on the makeup of the building and other fire protection features present in the building.
   3. Notification Device Replacement
      1. If notification devices are being changed due to a building modification, alteration, or a fire alarm system failure; the fire alarm system notification shall meet and be approved to current code requirements.  This may mean additional horns/strobes, low frequency sounders, and/or speakers are required.  It also could mean the removal of devices depending on the makeup of the building and other fire protection features present in the building.
   4. Unique situations which are not covered by the above scenarios shall be approved, in writing, on an individual basis.  Considerations for approval include but are not limited to: building type, building use, demographics of building occupants (children, elderly, ambulatory), other fire protection features, previously approved alternate methods of compliance, or planned future construction.