The Houston Fire Department's Permit Office is located at 1205 Dart Street, Houston, Texas 77007 and may be reached during normal business hours at 713-247-8557.
Instructions: In order to obtain a Fire Permit or Fire Alarm Permit; customers must complete an application form and an affidavit. Also, if the permit is for a hazardous material or activity an additional form must be completed. Affidavit must be notarized. When customers come to the permit office (1205 Dart Street, Houston, 77007), notary service is available free of charge.
When required by inspection personnel a hazardous materials inventory statement may be required. A hazardous materials inventory statement is no longer required for permit applications. Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (.xls) HMIS Instructions (.doc)
False Fire Alarms
The City desires to reduce the number of false fire alarm notifications by encouraging the proper design, installation, operation and maintenance of the alarm systems. An annual Fire Alarm Permit and False Fire Alarm Fees were enacted July 1, 2002.
FEES for new permit $50.00 + $5.00 administration fee, renewals (Renewal and fees must be presented ten business days before permit expiration) $25.00 + $5.00 administration fee.
Classification of Alarm Systems
Group A- an alarm system with no more than 10 alarm actuating devices.;
Group B- an alarm system with not less than 11 nor more than 100 alarm actuating devices; and Group C- an alarm system with 101 or more alarm actuating devices.
False Fire Alarm Fees:
$300.00 for each false fire alarm response by the fire department in excess of the following, during each permit period: A notice of each false alarm shall be mailed to the permit holder, or person in control if there is no valid permit. Fees are due within thirty days following the date that the city places the false alarm confirmation notice in the mail, unless a hearing has been requested.
Group A- five false fire alarms, Group B- fifteen false fire alarms, Group C- thirty false fire alarms.
If the permit holder, or the person in control if there is no valid alarm permit, may request a hearing within 30 days following the date that the city places the false alarm confirmation notice in the mail. The sole purpose of the hearing is to ascertain whether or not the disputed alarm was false. The requests for hearing shall specify facts and have documents and records attached that prove the alarm was not false.
Violations: When an act is prohibited or is made or declared to be unlawful or an offense or misdemeanor or the doing of any act is required or the failure to do anything or act is prohibited the violation of the provision shall be and constitute a misdemeanor punishable, upon conviction, by a fine of not less that $250 nor more than $2000. Each violation shall constitute and be punishable as a separate offense.
In addition to prohibiting or requiring certain conduct of individuals, it is the intent to also hold a corporation, partnership, association, limited partnership, limited liability corporation or other such entity criminally responsible for acts or omissions performed by an agent acting on its behalf.
Revocation of permit:
Failure to make payment in full to the city of any fees due within 30 days of the date the city has mailed a notice to the permit holder that the fees are due and owing or within 15 days following the date of mailing of the decision notice where an appeal has been timely filed; or
The permit holder accrues more that twice the number of false fire alarms for the applicable group during the permit period; or
Or the existence of any fact or circumstances that would be a basis for denial of an application for issuance or renewal of a permit, or the permit was otherwise obtained or issued in error.
APPEALS: A person may appeal the denial or revocation of a permit by delivering a written request for an appeal to the Fire Chief (1205 Dart Street, Houston, TX 77007) not more than 15 days after the first sate of mailing written notice of denial or revocation. The notice of denial or revocation shall be sent to the permit holder or applicant by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the permit holder or applicant at the alarm site address, or to such other address specified by them in writing to the fire department.
General:
Permit term - permits are issued for a year and expire a year from date of issue.
Permits are not transferable
City Ordinance exempts Single Family Residential Dwellings from obtaining a Fire Alarm.
False alarms occurring during a three-month period commencing on the date of the first operation of a newly installed alarm system, the permit holder shall not be charged the fee nor shall the false alarm count against the number of allowable false alarms.
For more information see the Frequently Asked Questions . Otherwise, please contact the Fire Department Permit office at 1205 Dart Street Suite 113, Houston, TX 77007 or call 713-247-8557 .
Civil Service Exam for Classified Recruiting : Please be informed that the Civil Service Commission will administer the Civil Service Examination for Firefighter Trainees. For more information visit the Classified Recruiting Web page (CLICK HERE).
Adopt-A-Fire Station : The Adopt-A-Fire Station Program was created to give citizens and civic, professional and business groups a formal vehicle by which they may make tangible donations to the fire stations of their choice. Its purpose is similar to other city programs whereby such groups are permitted to adopt parks and esplanades. For more information visit the Adopt-A-Fire Station Web page (CLICK HERE).
EMS Payment Plan Form - No Penalty - No Interest - Use this form to agree to an extended payment arrangement with the City of Houston to pay your ambulance billing. Complete every field on this form, sign it and mail the form to the above address or fax it to 1-866-503-7263.
Insurance Submittal Form - Use this form to submit your insurance documentation so that we may bill your insurance company. We accept medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Please complete each field and then mail this form to the above address or fax toll free to 1-866-503-7263. If possible, include a front and back copy of your insurance card. You may also call us and submit your information over the phone.
