How to Submit Codes to NFPA

Do you Want to Submit Ideas for New Codes and Standards in the Fire Alarm Industry?

We recently submitted a post on our Facebook Group that asked the questions, "If you had the ability to change one code or standard in our industry, what would it be?  The post received nearly 200 comments in a little over 24 hours so we figured it deserved its own follow-up article right here on www.firealarmsonline.com.

Is it Possible to Submit Codes and Standards for Use in the Applicable References?

The answer is YES!  NFPA's Standards Development Process is a full open consensus-based process.  In fact NFPA encourages the public to participate in this process and they understand its a necessity in code/standard evolution.  In this industry, we see changes constantly.  These changes can be construction types, installation techniques, cross-trade integration, technology and the codes and standards themselves.  The technical committee for NFPA understands that they themselves cannot see all of this and rely on you to submit revisions or maybe even new codes.  The NFPA standard's cycle are revised and updated every 3 to 5 years in segments known as revision cycles that take place twice a year and take about 2 years to complete.

Steps to the NFPA Revision Cycle for the Standards Development Process

The revision cycles for the NFPA Standard's Development Process are broken down into 4 fundamental steps:

1. Public Input
2. Public Comment
3. NFPA Technical Meeting
4. Standards Council Action

Above is a Flow Chart for the NFPA Standards Development Process

What is the NFPA Technical Committee?

The NFPA Technical Committee is a panel that is responsible for developing and updating all of the codes and standards fund throughout NFPA's lineup.  These technical committees are appointed by the Standards Council and are around 30 voting members.

You do NOT need to be a paying member of NFPA to participate on the technical code committee.

To become a member of a technical committee, you must first apply and be selected based on you expertise, experience, professional standing, commitment to public safety and most important, be able to express your views and opinions to a category of interested people or groups.

NFPA 72 Technical Committee Personnel

Each technical code committee is made up to contain a balance of interests with no more than one third of the committee be from the same category.  This ensures a fair consensus is reached.  Below is a list of the categories along with their designation (*):

• Manufacturer (M)
• User (U)
• Installer/Maintainer (I/M)
• Labor (L)
• Applied Research/Testing Laboratory (R/T)
• Enforcing Authority (E)
• Insurance (I)
• Consumer (C)
• Special Expert (SE)

You can find each member of a specific Standard/code in the front of the reference.

Step #1 of the NFPA Standard Development Process

Public Input - Right after the publication of the current NFPA standard or code, the Standard Development Process for the next edition begins.  Public Input is a chance for anyone interested to submit input on an existing standard or a new draft standard approved by the technical committee.  The closing date for public input is published in a few places such as NFPA's website, NFPA news, etc.  Once the closing date is reached, the technical committee with conduct a first draft meeting to respond to all of the input submitted by the public.

How do you Submit Public Input?

• Here are the steps to take if you are interested in submitting public input for a specific standard.  First choose the document in which you want to submit input.  For this example, we will be using NFPA 72.  You will need to choose the document form NFPA's website under "List of NFPA codes & Standards" or use the "Documents Accepting Public Input" search feature.

• Once you have reached the page for your standard, click on the link that states "Next Edition"

• Now click on the link that stats "The next edition of this standard is now open for Public Input."  You will need to be signed in to complete this step so make sure to set up a free online account.  Follow the instructions on how to use the submission system.

• Once you have saved or submitted your public input in the system, it can always be located on the "My Profile" page by selecting the "My Public Inputs/Comments/NITMAMs" sections.

What Happens Once the Public Input Closing Date is Over?

As stated above, the technical committee will host a first draft meeting.  This is the time when the committee considers and provides a response to all of the public input that was received.  Some of the input may be used to develop the first draft revisions to the standard however the final position of the committee must be established by a ballot.  To appear in the first draft, a revision must be approved by at minimum 2/3 of the technical committee.  Any revisions that do not make the vote, appear in the first draft report as "Committee Inputs".  Once the revisions are approved by the committee, they are published as the First Draft Report on the NFPA website.  Now the First Draft document is open for Step #2 Public Comments.

Step #2 of the NFPA Standard's Development Process

Now that the first draft is published, anyone can submit comments.  Any objections or changes to the first draft must be completed during the  Public Comment Stage.  After the closing date for public comments, the technical committee will host a second draft meeting.

How do you Submit Public Comments?

• Here are the steps to take if you are interested in submitting public comments to the first draft of a specific standard.  First choose the document in which you want to comment on.  For this example, we will be using NFPA 72.  You will need to choose the document form NFPA's website under "List of NFPA codes & Standards" or use the "Documents Accepting Public Input" search feature.

• Once you have reached the page for your standard, click on the link that states "Next Edition"

• You can access the first draft for use as a background for submitting your comments.  Here are the instructions on how to use the first draft report.

• Now click on the link that stats "The next edition of this standard is now open for Public Comment."  You will need to be signed in to complete this step so make sure to set up a free online account.  Follow the instructions on how to use the submission system.

• Once you have saved or submitted your public comment in the system, it can always be located on the "My Profile" page by selecting the "My Public Inputs/Comments/NITMAMs" sections.

What Happens Once the Public Comments Closing Date is Over?

If there are NO public comments received and the technical committee agrees that there is no need for a second draft meeting, the document is sent directly to the Standards Council for issuance.  This is known as "Consent Standards".

Example of the Second Draft Report for NFPA 72

If there are Public Comments, the following takes place:

Similar to the first draft meeting, the technical committee will now host a second draft meeting.  This is the time when the committee reviews the first draft and may make revisions based on the comments received.  The committee reviews all comments and provides a response/action to each.  The public comments are used to develop the second draft revisions to the standard however the final position of the committee must be established by a ballot.  To appear in the second draft, a revision must be approved by at minimum 2/3 of the technical committee.  Any revisions that do not make the vote, appear in the first draft report as "Committee Comments".  Once the revisions are approved by the committee, they are published as the Second Draft Report on the NFPA website.  Now the Second Draft document is open for public to submit what is known as a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) for further consideration.

Notice of Intent to Make a Motion - Details 

There are a lot of details and regulation regarding the Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM).  We suggest you visit NFPA's website for additional information on who is allowed to submit these and the process and time frames for acceptance.  Here is a link to help you out.  Some Basic Details about NITMAM are noted below:

• NITMAMs are accepted 5 weeks after the posting of the second draft report
• The NITMAMs are reviewed and certified by the committee.  If they are certified, they may be presented at the NFPA Technical Meeting.
• The NFPA Technical Meeting is each June where the membership meets to act on the Standards with certified NITMAMs.
• The committee votes on any successful amendments to the technical committee reports made by the NFPA membership at the NFPA Technical Meeting.

Step #3 NFPA Technical Meeting

This step is ONLY required if there are any Notice of Intent to Make a Motions filed and they are certified.  If this is the case than these motions can be heard at the NFPA technical meeting.  This meeting takes place every June at the NFPA Conference & Expo.

Step #4 Council Appeals an Issuance of Standard

If there are NO NITMAMs filed, then the standard is not placed on the agenda for the NFPA Technical Meeting (Step #3).  At this time, the standard is sent directly to the Standards Council to be issued.  This is known as "Consent Standards".

Issuing the Standard - At the time when the council gathers to issue a standard, it will also listen to any related appeals.  This is a process to ensure fairness and due process have been followed throughout the entire process.  After all appeals are decided, the Standards Council proceeds to issue the standard.  One issued, the decision of the Standards Council is now final and the document has limited review by the NFPA Board of Directors.  The new standard will become effective and official 20 days after the issuance by the Standards Council.

Relationships with Your Local AHJ

Working With AHJs in Fire Alarm System Design and Code Compliance

In the fire alarm industry, system designers and contractors must comply with both national codes and local ordinances. Commonly referenced standards include the International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC), NFPA 72, and the National Electrical Code (NEC).

While some code language is straightforward, other sections are open to interpretation. This is where the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) plays a critical role. AHJs are empowered to interpret and enforce codes, and in some cases, apply local amendments that exceed national minimum requirements.

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Why AHJ Interpretation Matters in Fire Alarm Design

If you’ve worked in fire alarm design or installation long enough, you’ve likely encountered situations where an AHJ’s interpretation feels inconsistent or overly restrictive. When this happens, professionalism and preparation matter.

Fire alarm designers who understand code intent, not just code language, are far better equipped to navigate these discussions and defend compliant designs without conflict.

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Be Prepared Before Submitting Fire Alarm Plans

If you are responsible for fire alarm system design, you will interact with AHJs regularly during plan review, permitting, and inspections. Before submitting any design, make sure to:

• Bring national code references that support your design

• Research local ordinances and amendments adopted by the city or county

• Verify whether the jurisdiction has requirements that exceed IBC, IFC, or NFPA 72

Real-World Example

Early in my design career, I worked on a Business (Group B) occupancy with a warehouse component. Based on national code criteria, only limited occupant notification was required. However, the local jurisdiction had adopted an ordinance requiring full building occupant notification once a specific sprinkler threshold was exceeded.

The issue wasn’t code compliance, it was failure to research local amendments. That experience reinforced the importance of checking local fire codes before finalizing any fire alarm design.

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When AHJ Requirements Go Beyond the Code

In some cases, AHJs may request features or equipment that are not clearly supported by either national or local codes. Fire officials often operate under the philosophy that more protection is better, and from a life-safety perspective, that mindset is understandable.

However, designers and contractors serve as the technical and financial bridge between the AHJ and the building owner. Your responsibility is to deliver a code-compliant, cost-effective fire alarm system without unnecessary scope creep.

Fire alarm contractor and AHJ inspector reaching agreement on NFPA 72 code interpretation during system inspection.

Best Practice When Challenged

If you encounter a questionable requirement, stay calm and ask:

“Can you please reference the code section so I can apply this requirement to future designs?”

This approach is respectful, professional, and effective. In many cases, it encourages clarification or reconsideration without confrontation.

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Use Pre-Application Meetings to Avoid Surprises

One of the most effective tools in fire alarm system design is a pre-application or pre-submittal meeting with the fire prevention office.

These meetings allow you to:

• Present your design intent early

• Address AHJ expectations upfront

• Document agreed-upon interpretations

• Protect your client from unexpected costs

Pre-application meetings demonstrate professionalism and show your client that you are actively advocating for their best interests.

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Designing Fire Alarm Systems the Right Way

Fire alarm system design can be both challenging and rewarding. The key to long-term success is a strong understanding of codes, standards, and local enforcement practices.

To stay ahead:

• Regularly attend code seminars and training

• Track updates to NFPA 72 and the IFC

• Build professional relationships with local AHJs

• Document decisions and interpretations whenever possible

A well-designed fire alarm system doesn’t just pass inspection, it protects lives and builds trust between designers, inspectors, and building owners.