When to use this process

Use this process to apply for permits to install or expand a fire sprinkler system.

Similar processes:

• Fire suppression systems
• Fire alarm systems

Get ready

Start the State review process

If the system is new or has 12 or more new heads, submit plans to the South Carolina Fire Marshal's office for review. The State's plan review process can take 30 days or more. You may submit the application materials to us for review simultaneously with the State Fire Marshal Office’s review, but we cannot issue a permit until you also submit any required approval letters from the State. 

• State Fire Marshal Forms

Required documents for City review

State law requires these documents to be sealed and signed by a professional engineer licensed in South Carolina unless the building is exempted by S.C. Code of Laws Section 40-22-280

1. Sprinkler drawings
2. If the system is new or will have more than 12 heads added:
   • Fire Protection Sprinkler System Specification Sheet 
   • Certificate of Compliance that the system was designed in accordance with the Fire Sprinkler System Specification Sheet
   • Approval letters from the SC State Fire Marshal:
     • Aboveground piping
     • Underground piping

We will verify that the fire sprinkler system design matches the approved civil construction plans and/or building plans for the project, if applicable. Please coordinate with the civil engineer and architect to ensure that your sprinkler design matches the approved plans. 

Required licenses

1. Business licenses are required for all design professionals, contractors and subcontractors before a building permit can be issued.
   •  Business license webpage
2. The contractor must hold the appropriate State of South Carolina license for the specified scope of work.
   • Contractor Licenses webpage

Apply

1. Apply Online using the button above
   • Click on "New Applications"
   • Click on "Trade Permits"
   • Click on "Fire Systems"
   • Click on "Fire Sprinkler System" and follow the prompts from there
2. City staff will review your plan and send comments back to the designated contact person on the application within approximately 10 business days.
3. After the above has been completed, we will process your permit, which may take another couple of days.
4. At this time, we will email you an invoice for the development fees, which will be paid through our online portal. Beware of scammers trying to obtain false payment through wire transfer or other mechanisms.

When the system is completed, prior to requesting acceptance testing from the City of Rock Hill Fire Marshal, upload these two documents into our online permit software. They must be completed by the licensed fire sprinkler contractor. 

1. Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate for Aboveground Piping 
2. Contractor’s Material and Test Certificate for Underground Piping

To submit these documents: 

1. Click on the "Apply Online" button above
2. Click on "My Permits"
3. Click on the specific permit in the list
4. Click on "Upload Document"

Change orders

Change orders webpage