Fire Alarms FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Fees for fire alarm plan review are based on the number of initiating and/or signaling devices. to be taken to the Houston Permitting Center’s publications page. Scroll down to Fire Protection Review forms and download form 1047.

For the City of Houston permit fee schedule

The Fire Alarm Permit and Plan Review Procedures must be followed. A minimum of 2 sets of design drawings, drawn to a recognized architects scale must be submitted, stamped, signed and dated with either a Texas Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) registered with the submitting company, or a Professional Engineer registered in Texas whose major discipline is Fire Protection Engineering (FPE).

There is no Grandfather Clause for existing construction. Please refer to 2006 International Fire Code chapter 9 – retroactive in existing buildings and structures.

You may schedule an inspection of your fire alarm system by dialing our main number 832-394-8853. Our professional fire inspectors are waiting to handle your call. Please continue to call us if you get our voice mail.Before you call please look at our

for more information on what is needed when you call to set up an inspection and when the inspector arrives at your location.

Yes. Fire alarm systems required by 2006 IFC or by the 2006 IBC shall be monitored by an approved supervising station in accordance with NFPA 72

For occupancy classifications please refer to chapter 2 of the 2006 IFC, then to chapter 9 of 2006 IFC & 2006 IBC with Houston amendments for fire alarm requirements for that occupancy class.

When there is a change in occupancy type or building size/elevation, the building should be brought up to the current Houston codes.

It depends on the situation. If you are replacing the fire alarm control panel with the exact same system, then it is considered repair/maintenance work and current code compliance is not required.

However, if you are installing a new fire alarm control panel different from the old system in place, then the new installation must meet current code as well as all the associated equipment. If you are replacing the existing FACP with a newer model of the same panel it must meet current code as well.

Rule of thumb: If you have to add new wiring and new devices to a system then you should bring the occupancy up to code.

If you have a project hold for fire alarm and you did not have any fire alarm work performed, then you will need to have a fire alarm company fax or email us a letter on their letterhead to remove the hold.

The letter from the fire alarm company must have the project number, their license number and signature. It must also state “no fire alarm work was performed”. If there is an existing alarm it must state “no fire alarm work was performed and the current fire alarm system was found to be in working order per the City of Houston codes as adopted and amended.

Once we receive the letter we will remove the project hold.

Fax: (832)395-9617

Email: hpcfmo@houstontx.gov

At the present time we do not review electronic plans submitted to us through email. Our teams website was created for informational purposes only.

If you have questions that do not pertain to fire alarm plans, standpipe system plans or field inspection of those plans please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office main number at 832-394-6900.

When you call make sure you have the following information.

• Nature of your call. (Fire department access, hydrants locations etc…)
• Type of Occupancy
• Zip code

The Houston Fire Marshal’s Office has several teams. Ask to speak with the supervisor over the occupancy type related to your fire code issue. The teams are listed below.

• General Occupancy (All occupancies that are not covered below)
• High-rise team
• School team
• Apartment team
• Institutions team (Hospitals, adult care facilities etc…)
• Special Operations (festivals, circus, concerts etc…)
• Haz-Mat and High-Piled storage
• Public Education

Using magnets is fine while you are pretesting a fire alarm system because it lets you know the smoke detector is functioning properly. However it does not test a real fire and smoke situation. It only mimics the signal that tells the fire alarm panel the smoke chamber detects smoke.

We require the use of smoke to test smoke detectors. Using smoke to fill the smoke chamber of a smoke detector is the only way to determine if the smoke detector detects smoke.

Please read the smoke detector failure story in the post “Artificial Smoke vs. Magnets when testing smoke detectors”.

In some cases, you may be eligible for tax incentives or rebates when installing a fire alarm system, especially if it enhances energy efficiency or meets specific safety standards. Check with your local government or a tax professional for details.

It's crucial to test your fire alarm system regularly. Typically, monthly testing is recommended. You can test it by pressing the test button on the control panel or using a smoke detector test spray. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific instructions.

Yes, you can install a wireless fire alarm system in your building. Wireless systems are known for their reliability and ease of installation. They can provide effective fire detection and communication without the need for extensive wiring.

If your fire alarm system repeatedly triggers false alarms, it's essential to address the issue promptly. Contact Fire Alarm Houston to inspect and maintain the system, as false alarms can disrupt emergency services and affect the system's reliability.

Yes, high-rise buildings often have specific fire alarm requirements due to their size and complexity. These requirements may include multiple alarm zones, voice evacuation systems, and regular testing and maintenance.

Integrating your fire alarm system with a security system is a wise choice. It allows for comprehensive protection, as the systems can work together to detect fires, intrusions, and other emergencies.

If your fire alarm system is outdated and no longer compliant with current codes, it's advisable to consult with a fire protection expert. They can assess your needs and recommend an upgrade or replacement to ensure your building's safety.

Selecting the right fire alarm system involves considering factors such as the size of your facility, occupancy type, local regulations, and your specific safety goals. Consulting with a qualified fire protection specialist can help you make an informed decision.

To view plan rejection notes or to view field inspection history. You will be taken to the City of Houston’s online permits website. Use the following instructions:

• After clicking on the link above scroll down to “Schedule Inspections”
• Click on Schedule Inspections and Inspections History” or “For questions about SCHEDULING INSPECTIONS please Click Here”
• Enter your 8 digit project number and press the submit button.
• Select permit type: FP – Sprinklers plan review, UF – Dedicated Underground fireline, OL – fire alarm etc… press the submit button.
• Look in the upper right corner of the table and click on “Display Project / Inspection Comments”
• There you will find the comments.

At the present time our team only review fire alarm and standpipe system plans. If you need assistance with fire department access please dial the Houston Fire Marshal’s Office main number at 832-394-6900.

When you call make sure you have the following information.

• Nature of your call. (Fire department access, hydrants locations etc…)
• Type of Occupancy
• Zip code

The Houston Fire Marshal’s Office has several teams. Ask to speak with the supervisor over the occupancy type related to your fire department access question. The teams are listed below.

• General Occupancy (All occupancies that are not covered below)
• High-rise team
• School team
• Apartment team
• Institutions team (Hospitals, adult care facilities etc…)
• Special Operations (festivals, circus, concerts etc…)
• Haz-Mat and High-Piled storage
• Public Education

Fire department connections shall be located on the street front side of buildings, fully visible and recognizable from the street or nearest point of fire department vehicle access or as otherwise approved by the fire code official.

It is our policy not to allow FDC’s to be located out of sight from responding fire crews. We do not want fire crews to have to look for your FDC’s by following arrows posted on signage.

Wouldn’t you want fire crews to have immediate access to a buildings fire protection systems if the building was on fire?

We will allow a FDC to be located in the rear or side of a building if it is a second FDC. The first FDC must be located on the property address side of the building.

The number of standpipe risers determine the number of fire department connections needed. If a building has more than three (3) risers it will need two (2) FDC’s.

At least one of the FDC’s must be located on the street front side fully visible to responding fire crews. The other FDC may be located in an approved location.

If you have questions that do not pertain to fire alarm plans, standpipe system plans or field inspection of those plans please contact the Fire Marshal’s Office main number at 832-394-6900.

When you call make sure you have the following information.

• Nature of your call. (Fire department access, hydrants locations etc…)
• Type of Occupancy
• Zip code

The Houston Fire Marshal’s Office has several teams. Ask to speak with the supervisor over the occupancy type related to your fire code issue. The teams are listed below.

• General Occupancy (All occupancies that are not covered below)
• High-rise team
• School team
• Apartment team
• Institutions team (Hospitals, adult care facilities etc…)
• Special Operations (festivals, circus, concerts etc…)
• Haz-Mat and High-Piled storage
• Public Education

2006 International Fire Code and 2006 International Building Code with Houston Amendments, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R, NFPA 13D

A building is required to have sprinklers dependent upon several factors such as occupancy classification, size and construction. Also, minimum fire department access requirements must be satisfied if sprinklers are not required.

Refer to 2006 International Building Code as adopted and amended by City of Houston Chapter 9 – Section 903

You may schedule an inspection of your sprinkler system by dialing our main number 832-394-8853. Our professional fire inspectors are waiting to handle your call. Please continue to call us if you get our voice mail. We do not get a chance to check voice mails due to the high number of calls we receive.

Before you call please look at our Field Inspections page for more information on what is needed when you call to set up an inspection and when the inspector arrives at your location.

The City of Houston’s fire protection engineer reviews fire sprinkler systems. Refer to 2006 IBC as amended and adopted by the City of Houston Chapter 9 – Section 903 for sprinkler requirements.

You can check the status of plans by going to the City of Houston’s website online permits section. Scroll down to check permit status and click on the link“Plan Review Status (Real Time Pages).

You must have the project number to check the status of plans.

If you have a project hold for fire sprinkler and you did not have any fire sprinkler work performed, then you will need to have a fire sprinkler company fax or email us a letter on their letterhead to remove the hold.

The letter from the fire sprinkler company must have the project number, their license number and signature. It must also state “no fire sprinkler work was performed”. If there is an existing sprinkler system it must state “no fire sprinkler work was performed and the current fire sprinkler system was found to be in working order per the City of Houston codes as adopted and amended.

Once we receive the letter we will remove the project hold.

Fax: (832)395-9617

Email: hpcfmo@houstontx.gov

To view plan rejection notes or to view field inspection history. You will be taken to the City of Houston’s online permits website. Use the following instructions:

• After clicking on the link above scroll down to “Schedule Inspections”
• Click on “Schedule Inspections and Inspections History” or “For questions about SCHEDULING INSPECTIONS please Click Here”
• Enter your 8 digit project number and press the submit button.
• Select permit type: FP – Sprinklers plan review, UF – Dedicated Underground fireline, OL – fire alarm etc… press the submit button.
• Look in the upper right corner of the table and click on “Display Project / Inspection Comments”
• There you will find the comments.