Simplified permitting processes.

(1) As used in this section, the term:

(a) “Alteration” means to add, install, relocate, replace, or remove.

(b) “Component” means valves, fire sprinklers, escutcheons, hangers, compressors, or any other item deemed acceptable by the local enforcing agency. For purposes of this paragraph, a valve does not include pressure-regulating, pressure-reducing, or pressure-control valves.

(c) “Contractor” means a person who:

1. Is qualified to engage in the business of electrical or alarm system contracting pursuant to a certificate or registration issued by the department under part II of chapter 489; or

2. Is qualified to engage in the business of fire protection system contracting pursuant to a license or certificate issued by the State Fire Marshal.

(d) “Fire alarm system project” means a fire alarm system alteration of a total of 20 or fewer initiating devices and notification devices; the installation or replacement of a fire communicator connected to an existing fire alarm control panel in an existing commercial, residential, apartment, cooperative, or condominium building; or the replacement of an existing fire alarm panel using the same make and model as the existing panel.

(e) “Fire sprinkler system project” means a fire protection system alteration of a total of 20 or fewer fire sprinklers in which the sprinklers are of the same K-factor and located in spaces where there is no change of hazard classification or increased system coverage area, or the installation or replacement of an equivalent fire sprinkler system component in an existing commercial, residential, apartment, cooperative, or condominium building. For purposes of this paragraph, a component is equivalent if the component has the same or better characteristics, including electrical, hydraulic, pressure losses, and required listings and spacing as the component being replaced.

(2)(a) A local enforcement agency may require a contractor, as a condition of obtaining a permit for a fire alarm system project or fire sprinkler system project, to submit a completed application and payment.

(b) A local enforcement agency may not require a contractor to submit plans or specifications as a condition of obtaining a permit for a fire alarm system project or fire sprinkler system project.

(3) A local enforcement agency must issue a permit for a fire alarm system project or fire sprinkler system project in person or electronically within 2 business days after submission of a completed application. A contractor may commence work authorized by the permit immediately after submission of a completed application.

(4) The local enforcement agency must provide an inspection within 3 business days after such inspection is requested, to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards. If a fire alarm system project or fire sprinkler system project fails an inspection, the contractor must take corrective action as necessary to pass inspection.

(5)(a) For a fire alarm system project, a contractor must keep a copy of the plans and specifications at the fire alarm system project worksite and make such plans and specifications available to the inspector for an onsite plans review at each inspection. If the local enforcement agency determines that it needs additional documents for recording purposes, the contractor must provide such documentation in paper or electronic form to the local enforcement agency within 4 business days after the inspection or 4 days after the documentation is requested, whichever is later. The local enforcement agency may not require additional plans reviews or documentation of areas or devices outside the scope of permitted work, as needed on permit applications.

(b) For a fire sprinkler system project, a contractor must keep a copy of the plans and specifications at the fire sprinkler system project worksite and make such plans and specifications available to the inspector at each inspection. If the local enforcement agency determines that it needs additional documents for recording purposes, the contractor must provide such documentation in paper or electronic form to the local enforcement agency within 4 business days after the inspection or 4 days after the documentation is requested, whichever is later. The local enforcement agency may not require additional plans, reviews, or documentation of areas or devices outside the scope of permitted work, as needed on permit applications.

(c) For a fire sprinkler system project to install or replace a component, a contractor must keep a copy of the manufacturer’s installation instructions and any pertinent testing instructions needed to certify or accept the component at the fire sprinkler system project worksite and make such documents available to the inspector at each inspection.

(6) A local government that fails to meet a deadline under subsection (3) or subsection (4) must refund the permit fee by 10 percent for each business day after such failure, unless the local government and contractor agree in writing to a reasonable extension of time, the delay is caused by the applicant, or the delay is attributable to a force majeure or other extraordinary circumstances. Each 10-percent refund shall be based on the original amount of the permit fee.

(7) By October 1, 2025, a local enforcement agency must establish a simplified permitting process that complies with this section.