Fire Suppression and Fire Alarm Systems

Plan Review

Plan review is required for commercial, industrial, and other public buildings 25,000 cubic feet or larger. Review is also needed for any size of school, high-hazard occupancy, and three-unit or larger residential building.

Plans are required for alarm, fire detection, and fire suppression ​​systems.

When submitted plans are compliant with the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code, you will be issued a conditional approval letter which gives you permission to start construction of the project, pending local permitting requirements.

Where do I submit my plans?

If the project is in a municipality with delegated authority to conduct plan review for buildings of that size, and the project does not involve a state-owned building or land, you may be able to submit to the municipality directly.

Use the FSFA Delegated Agent list to determine if your municipality has authority to perform plan review for your project.

If your municipality does not have the proper authority, submit your plans to DSPS via esla.wi.gov.

What is needed for plan review to DSPS?

1. Owner information

2. Designer/Supervising professional information

3. Site location

4. Building information

5. Plan set (signed, sealed, and dated)

6. SBD-8128, Checklist for Fire Suppression and Fire Alarm Plan Review

7. SBD-8102, Statement of Special Inspections and Testing, as applicable

8. Supporting documentation (for fire suppression):

   1. Hydraulic Calculations (signed, sealed, and dated)

   2. Material Product Data Sheets

   3. Worksheets, as applicable

   4. Copies of any previous correspondence with the Department regarding this application/project

   5. Other documents as directed in the checklist

9. Supporting documentation (for fire alarm)

   1. Voltage Drop and/or Battery Calculations, as applicable

   2. Material Product Data Sheets

   3. Copies of any previous correspondence with the Department regarding this application/project

   4. Other documents as directed in the checklist

10. Supporting documentation (for underground private fire service)

    1. Complete underground fire service main plans

    2. Thrust block calculations, as applicable

    3. Material Product Data Sheets

    4. Copies of any previous correspondence with the Department regarding this application/project

    5. Other documents as directed in the checklist

11. Plan review fee payment.

See the FSFA guideline documents on the Reference Material page for more information.

See the eSLA Information page for user guides and general instructions. 

Permit

DSPS does not issue fire suppression or fire alarm permits. See the local municipality and/or local Fire Department covering your project location. However, note that a local permit is conditional on an approved plan review.

Inspection

Inspection of fire protection system construction and installation is required in accordance with the local building permit and plan review conditional approval letter.