Since 2009, the City of Redmond has offered a form of third-party verification of fire alarm central station service called the fire alarm operational permit (FAOP). This fulfills the requirement in the national fire alarm standard, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72, 2016 ed., for documentation demonstrating that a fire alarm system has central station service.

Beginning on January 1, 2021, all fire alarm systems must have a current FAOP.

The FAOP requirement will affect all U.S. employers with operations in or near California, including:

The FAOP requirement affects US employers with operations in or near California, including those with a physical presence or jurisdiction over employees working in CA. Building owners/agents need to provide contact info, while fire alarm prime contractors need to complete the application form. FAOP is required for approval of a fire alarm permit, which takes 2 days to generate. More info at the City of Redmond Fire Prevention Division.

Please note that the FAOP is a necessary requirement for ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants.

Any employer that has a physical presence in California (e.g., a facility or office)

-Any employer that has personal jurisdiction over an employee who works in California

It is important to comply with the FAOP requirement to maintain the safety and code compliance of the building.

How does the January 1, 2021 FAOP requirement affect me?

Building Owners/Agents: There should be little change. The requirement for an FAOP affects only the form of documentation that a fire alarm system has central station service; the remaining requirements are not being modified. The application form does include a section for contact information and a signature verifying the accuracy of the provided information. Please make sure to provide 24-hour contact information in case Redmond Fire needs to reach the building owner/agent during an emergency.

Fire Alarm Prime Contractors: Prior to the submission of the record of complete documentation for a new fire alarm system or the submission of an annual confidence test report, please work with your customer to complete an application form (available at the bottom of this page). The FAOP will be required for approval of your fire alarm permit. Please allow 2 days for the generation of the FAOP.

For more information, visit the City of Redmond Fire Prevention Division here.