Frequently Asked Questions

Prevention / Inspections

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Inspections of Existing Locations

  • Please visit our existing facilities page for more information. You must complete the application and apply in person.
  • Please visit our existing facilities page for more information. You must complete the application and apply in person.
  • An EAAP is an Emergency Activation Access Point meaning, the emergency service will be able to access the property or facility at a particular point. This activation access point can be an electronic switch, padlock, lock box or a 911 box secured with a padlock (Knox padlock). It is in a designated location and readily available to emergency response personnel. It shall not exceed 5 feet in height and must be easily accessible from outside the vehicle or pedestrian access gate. All locked access gates at apartments, town homes, condominiums and communities are required to have an HCFMO approved locking device as emergency personnel my need to access the property from more than one gated location. If your gated property already has padlocks, key switches, lock box or 911 lock box with a padlock on the access gate(s), they must be changed out to the countywide locking system. 911 boxes secured with a padlock must change the padlock to the countywide locking system. You may purchase key switches, padlocks or lock box at the KNOX Company only. Go to www.knoxbox.com , enter the zip code at the location the locking device will be installed, select “Harris Co Fire Marshals Office” as your fire department and proceed to purchase the locking device that best fits your application.
  • Initially, only firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to calls for service will have key access. No keys will be provided to gate companies, project personnel or property owners. Selected law enforcement personnel will be issued keys at a later date. Keys will be issued through a key coordinator with the HCFMO only and a strict accountability program will be enforced.

Inspections of New Locations

      • Please visit Harris County Address Lookup. Put your address, and click on the “search” button. If your Law Juris column contains “sheriff,” you are in unincorporated Harris County.
      • If you aren’t ready for the final or initial fire inspection, you may request a preliminary inspection. The application can be found online under the Existing Facilities, General. Email the completed application to fmosupport@fmo.hctx.net. Once we receive the application, we will contact you over the phone to collect payment. This type of inspection will give you an overview of items that may need to be corrected prior to the initial or final inspection. The fee for the preliminary inspection is $130.00.
      • At this time, we do not offer expedited inspections. If you have any questions, please email us at fmosupport@fmo.hctx.net or call (713) 274-1730.
  • Timing will vary depending on availability of inspectors and the schedule of the business owner.

Permits / New Construction

      • You will need to contact Harris County Engineering at: 10555 Northwest Freeway – Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-956-3000 Hours – Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
  • This depends on when you were permitted. Please use the following table:
    Permit Date (IN EFFECT)Code Standard
    September 14, 2004International Fire Code 2003 ed.
    July 1, 2008International Fire Code 2006 ed.
    March 1, 2015International Fire Code 2012 ed.
    July 1, 2019International Fire Code 2018 ed.
      • Yes, all plans are required to be submitted (even on existing facilities) and fire code permits are required. You will need to contact Harris County Engineering at: 10555 Northwest Freeway – Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-956-3000 Hours – Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm
      • You will need to contact Harris County Engineering at: 10555 Northwest Freeway – Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-956-3000 Hours – Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
      • For that determination you will need to contact Harris County Engineering at: 10555 Northwest Freeway – Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-956-3000 Hours – Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
  • You will need to contact Harris County Engineering at: 10555 Northwest Freeway – Suite 120, Houston, Texas 77092 Phone: 713-956-3000 Hours – Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
  • No, a Certificate of Compliance is required to open a facility to the general public.

A pre-cover inspection is required whenever piping, hangers, components, or sprinkler placement will be concealed behind hard ceilings, walls, soffits, chase spaces, or other construction features that restrict access to the inspector at the time of the final inspection.

Example: If a room is constructed with a hard ceiling and the sprinkler piping cannot be visually inspected from an adjacent space (such as a room with an accessible drop ceiling), the installation details, including piping configuration, sprinkler head location, support spacing, and code compliance, cannot be confirmed during the final inspection. In such cases, a pre-cover inspection is mandatory before the area is closed in.

All pre-cover inspections must be scheduled in advance using the online inspection request system: Scheduale Now.

Please note that each inspection visit requires a separate pre-cover inspection request. Coordinating work so that larger portions of the system can be inspected during a single visit is strongly recommended, as this benefits both the contractor and the Fire Marshal’s Office by reducing delays and ensuring code compliance prior to concealment. Lear more.

Secondary Power Compliance

The elderly and other vulnerable populations are adversely affected during power outages caused from incidents like Winter Storm Uri. Hurricane Beryl, and other natural disasters. During Hurricane Beryl alone, there were around 200 cases of heat-related illnesses and 11 deaths among the elderly population associated with the impacts of power failure.

Due to nursing homes and assisted living facilities housing these vulnerable populations, considerations of backup power to essential systems like heating, air conditioning, fire alarms, and emergency lighting are critical to stopping the creation of additional life-threatening situations. These measures are designed to prevent such tragedies and keep residents and staff safe during emergencies while minimizing the use of 911 and impacts on public safety.

Local Government Code 233, IFC 2021 Chapter 1 Section 102.9, and IFC 2021 Chapter 11.

LGC 233.061 & 233.062 

Grants the authority for a county to adopt a fire code in the unincorporated area.  IFC 2021 – Chapter 1, Section 102.9 states, “Matters not provided for.  Requirements that are essential for the public safety of an existing or proposed activity, building or structure, or for the safety of the occupants thereof, that are not specifically provided for by this code, shall be determined by the fire code official.

IFC 2021 Chapter 11:

Authority to enforce the fire code on existing buildings.

Institutional Group I-1

 

occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised environment and receive custodial care.

  • Assisted living facilities

Institutional Group I-2

 

occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hour basis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation.

  • Nursing homes

**NOT REQUIRED: Residential Group R-4

 

occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof for more than five but not more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a 24-hour basis in a supervised environment and receive custodial care.

  • Assisted living facilities

 

By January 1, 2026, all facilities must have one of the below options completed:

  • Option 1: Standby Power Options: 

    A shoreline connection point installed and a plan in place for a standby generator, fuel cell, or mobile power supply that can be delivered, connected, and running within three hours of a power outage.

  • Option 2: Permanent On-Site Power Backup:

    Install a power backup system that can power all essential systems during an outage.

These measures are essential to protect vulnerable residents and prevent life-threatening situations during power outages.

If you have any questions please contact: FMOSupport@fmo.hctx.net.

According to Section 1203.2.21 of the Harris County Fire Code, backup power must support the following critical systems:

  • HVAC for all occupied areas at a reasonable life safety temperature
  • Fire alarm systems (if provided)
  • Fire pumps (if provided)
  • Emergency exit signs and egress lighting
  • Electrically operated locks or latches on egress doors (if provided)
  • Power-operated doors (if provided)
  • Smoke control systems (if provided)
  • Emergency responder communication systems (if provided)
  • Refrigeration for food and medication preservation
  • Potable water booster pumps (for buildings 3 stories or more)
  • Elevators for egress in buildings 4 stories or more
  • Other equipment necessary to preserve critical systems related to life.

Business owners and facility managers are encouraged to work with the HCFMO to develop plans that ensure a safe space for all residents and staff while meeting the intent of the code. 

Facilities that fail to comply by the deadline will not face immediate resident displacement. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (HCFMO) is committed to working with facilities to achieve compliance, recognizing the financial and logistical challenges some may face. 

Yes, residential assisted living facilities may use locally purchased power generation equipment. It is required that all critical systems are powered and comply with the specified safety standards. Facility managers or owners are encouraged to consult with licensed electricians to identify specific needs.

HCFMO is offering direct support through:

  • On-site Visits:
     

    Informing facilities of new requirements and addressing concerns.

  • Emergency Backup Power Plans Review:

    Assisting with the review and refinement of emergency backup power plans.

    • HCFMO can host various meetings for facilities to come and ask questions related to this standard.

  • Compliance Support:

    Providing resources and guidance to ensure facilities meet the required standards.

 

If you have any questions please contact: FMOSupport@fmo.hctx.net  

Facilities’ compliance will be monitored through annual fire inspections, which will now include assessments of backup power capabilities. 

Progress will be verified through follow-up inspections and additional reviews to ensure facilities are implementing the required improvements and safety plans effectively.

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