Winter Weather Alert: Sprinkler System Draining Information for Contractors

OPERATIONAL PERMITS

INSPECTION/PREVENTION

Operational permits are mandated by the 2021 International Fire Code, Section 105, as adopted by Harris County. These permits allow businesses to operate legally for a specified period, contingent on a properly completed application and required documentation. Some permits necessitate passing an inspection, and all applications must be submitted electronically—no paper submissions are accepted.

The application process involves:

Submission of general information about the business owner and operation.
A written statement describing the business.
Selection of the appropriate permit type, with potential need for multiple permits for certain businesses.

After submission, the Fire Code Official reviews the application and may schedule an inspection. Applicants will be notified upon permit issuance and given renewal duration details. Additional information may be requested during the review process.

Contact Us At:

713-274-1720

fmooperationalpermit@fmo.hctx.net

Frequently Requested Services

COMPRESSED GASES

Required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases.

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FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

Required to operate a pipeline for transportation within flammable facilities, store, handle, or use Class I...

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HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials...

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HIGH PILED STORAGE

Required to use a building or portion thereof with more than 500 sqft, including aisles, of high-piled storage.

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LP-GAS

Required for the storage and use of LP-gas or operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas...

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MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES

Require to operate in unincorporated Harris County, including those vehicles operate in a fixed or mobile location.

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MOBILE FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES

Required for the operation of automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities...

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PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

Required to operate a place of assembly.

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Required for any organized outdoor event with an estimated number of 100 or more participants...

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All Operational Permits

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Aerosol Products

Aerosol Products operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products more than 500 pounds net weight.

Amusement Buildings

Special Amusement Building operational permit is required due to the safety concerns as they pertain to the ability of occupants to readily exit in the event of an emergency.

Aviation Facilities

Special Amusement Building operational permit is required due to the safety concerns as they pertain to the ability of occupants to readily exit in the event of an emergency.

Additive Manufacturing

An operational permit is required for any facility performing industrial / nonindustrial additive manufacturing.

Battery Exchange Operations

An operational permit is required to for facilities providing battery exchange operations programs, or equipment provided for exchange of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries.

Battery Powered Devices, Trucks, Equipment and Appliances

An operational permit is required for the use of a battery powered device, truck, equipment or appliance with a battery capacity greater than 300 Whs.

CARNIVALS AND FAIRS

An operational permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair. Carnivals and Fairs will be permitted as a Special Event.

CELLULOSE NITRATE

An operational permits is required to store, handle, or use cellulose nitrate film in a Group A occupancy, Cellulose nitrate film permits shall be renewed every two years.

COMBUSTIBLE DUST-PRODUCING OPERATIONS

An operational permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined.

COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS

An operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3). A permit is not required for agricultural storage as defined by this code.

COMPRESSED GASES

Required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases.

COVERED AND OPEN MALL BUILDINGS

An operational permit is required for: The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly. The display of liquid- or gas-fired equipment in the mall. The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall.

CRYOGENIC FLUIDS

An operational permit is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.10 of this code.

Commercial Rental and Warehouse Complex

An operational permit is required for any commercial rental or warehouse complex. The owner of the property is required to obtain an operational permit for a single tenant or multiple tenant retail center, or multi-tenant office warehouse centers that share any fire and life safety systems or emergency service access.

Cutting and Welding

A Cutting and Welding operational permits are required for cutting, welding, brazing, and soldering.

DRY CLEANING

Dry Cleaning operations require an operational permit to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry-cleaning equipment.

EXHIBITS AND TRADE SHOWS

An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows. Exhibits and trade shows will be permitted as a Special Event.

EXPLOSIVES

An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 56 of the adopted code.

Energy Storage Systems

An operational permit is required for stationary and mobile energy storage systems regulated by section 1207 of the currently adopted IFC.

FIRE BRIGADES

Texas Local Government Code 233.062 (b), states that the fire code does not apply to those industrial facilities which have a fire brigade conforming to the requirement of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The certificate of exemption allows for Harris County to comply with this statute and allow for industrial facilities with a compliant fire brigade to be exempt from the fire code as it pertains to construction and operations of an industrial facility.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

Required to operate a pipeline for transportation within flammable facilities, store, handle, or use Class I...

FLOOR FINISHING

A Floor finishing operational permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing operations exceeding 350 square feet using Class I or Class II liquids. Floor finishing permits shall be issued to a company every two years and not for each job in the jurisdiction.

FRUIT AND CROP RIPENING

An operational permit is required to operate a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas.

FUMIGATION AND INSECTICIDAL FOGGING

An operational permit is required to operate a business of fumigation or insecticidal fogging, and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.

HPM FACILITIES

An operational permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

Required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials...

HIGH PILED STORAGE

Required to use a building or portion thereof with more than 500 sqft, including aisles, of high-piled storage.

HOT WORK OPERATION

Hot work operational permits are required for cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, thawing pipe, and installation of torch-applied roof systems. Permitting is for the use of open flame and in some cases LP-Gas (Roofing).

INDUSTRIAL OVENS

An operational permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 30 of the adopted fire code. Industrial ovens operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis.

LP-GAS

Required for the storage and use of LP-gas or operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas...

LIQUID-OR-GAS-FUELED VEHICLES OR EQUIPMENT IN ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS

An operational permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings. Liquid-or-gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings shall be permitted as a Special Event.

LUMBER YARDS AND WOODWORKING PLANTS

An operational permit is required to store lumber in excess of one hundred thousand board feet or to store fire wood in excess of ten cords...

LP Gas Storage and Usage Associated with a Special Event

An operational permit is required for the storage and use of LP Gas associated with a special event. The storage and use of LP gas shall not exceed 100lbs in each vendors area.

Licensed facility

An operational permit is required for any facility that holds a state license where the licensing agency requires a fire and life safety inspection to initiate or renew the license.

Lithium Batteries

An operational permit is required for an accumulation of more than 15 cubic feet (0.42 m3 ) of lithium-ion or lithium metal batteries, where required by section 322.2 or 324.3

MAGNESIUM

An operational permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium. Magnesium will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

MISCELLANEOUS COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

An operational permit is required to store in any building or on any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, combustible pallets, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar

MOBILE FOOD PREPARATION VEHICLES

Require to operate in unincorporated Harris County, including those vehicles operate in a fixed or mobile location.

MOBILE RE-FUELING

Mobile re-fueling or On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations shall be approved and permitted annually. Operational permits for this operation shall be issued to the company performing the operation at approved locations.

MOBILE FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES

Required for the operation of automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities...

MULTIPLE TENANT/GUESTROOM HOUSING

An operational permit is required to own or operate a multiple tenant or guestroom facility. This shall include but not be limited to lodging houses, alternative living facilities, flophouses, and halfway houses.

Massage Establishment

An operational permit is required for any facility that advertises or offers licensed massage therapy or other massage services.

Mobile Home Community

An operational permit is required for any mobile home park, mobile home community, manufactured home community, or built to rent communities. This includes properties used on a temporary basis.

OPEN FLAMES AND CANDLES

An Open flames and candles operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.

OPEN FLAMES AND TORCHES

Open flames and torches operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area.

ORGANIC COATINGS

An operational permit is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an organic coating in one day. Organic coatings will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY VENUE

An operational permit is required to operate open land as a business for assemblies, recreational activities, or gatherings. This shall include but not be limited to ATV parks, outdoor concert venues, outdoor auditoriums, etc.

PLACES OF ASSEMBLY

Required to operate a place of assembly.

PLANT EXTRACTION SYSTEMS

An operational permit is required to use plant extraction systems.

PRIVATE FIRE HYDRANTS

Private fire hydrants operational permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants. Any of these factors raise safety concerns as they pertain to life safety for occupants in the event of an emergency.

PYROTECHNIC SPECIAL EFFECTS MATERIALS

A Pyrotechnic special effects material operational permit is required for the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays, 1.4G with an audience of 50 or more spectators, and firework displays using 1.3G fireworks.

PYROTECHNICS SPECIAL EVENTS MATERIALS

Required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material.

PYROXYLIN PLASTICS

An operational permit is required for storage or handling of more than 25 pounds (11 kg) of cellulose nitrate (pyroxylin) plastics, and for the assembly or manufacture of articles involving pyroxylin plastics.

REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENT

An operational permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6 of the adopted fire code. Refrigeration equipment will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

REPAIR GARAGES AND MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITIES

Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities operational permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities...

ROOFTOP HELIPORTS

A Rooftop heliports operational permits are required for the operation of a rooftop heliport. Rooftop heliports operational permits shall be renewed every five years.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARK

An operational permit is required for any RV park with two or more rental sites for the purpose of overnight stay for any length of time.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Required for any organized outdoor event with an estimated number of 100 or more participants...

SPRAYING OR DIPPING

An operational permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24 of the adopted fire code.

STORAGE OF SCRAP TIRES AND TIRE BYPRODUCTS

An operational permit is required for Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts to establish, conduct or maintain outdoor storage of tires, scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds one thousand cubic feet of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts.

TEMPORARY MEMBRANE STRUCTURES AND TENTS

An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2).

TEMPORARY OUTDOOR ASSEMBLY EVENT

An operational permit is required to conduct a temporary outdoor assembly event where planned attendance exceeds 100 persons and is intended to operate for less than 180 days. All temporary event permits shall be valid for no more than 90 days.

TIRE-REBUILDING PLANTS

An operational permit is required for the operation and maintenanceof a tire-rebuilding plant. Tire-rebuilding plants operational permits shall be renewed every two years.

TIRE STORAGE

An operational permit is required for indoor or outdoor storage of tires for sales, service, maintenance, or any other business purpose.

TRANSIENT Living FACILITIES

An operational permit is required for any transient living facility that has 4 or more units available for rent including but limited to: Hotel, Motel, Extend Stay, Resorts

VENDOR PARK

An operational permit is required to utilize any outdoor area for the purpose of housing vendors operations, both food and/ or merchandise sales, of three or more vendors, for more than or equal to one hundred and eighty days. Less than one hundred and eighty days, see Special Events.

WOOD PRODUCTS

Wood Products operational permit to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood more than 200 cubic feet (6 m3).

Email: FMOSupport@fmo.hctx.net

Phone: (713) 274-1700

Fax: (281) 436-8005

Our offices no longer offer walk-in services. Please call to schedule office visits.

7701 Wilshire Place Drive, Houston, TX 77040
2318 Atascocita Rd., Humble, TX 77396

Winter Weather Alert: Sprinkler System Draining Information for Contractors

OPERATIONAL PERMITS

Contact Us At:

Frequently Requested Services

All Operational Permits

FILTER

Inspections Info

Service Requests

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