Subject: Open Flames and Candles 

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: 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 candles operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis. The use of fireworks, pyrotechnics, or flame effects is not included in this operational permit. Those devices are permitted under pyrotechnics special effects operational permits. This operational permit includes champagne/birthday sparklers. 

Fees: $125.00 Annually  

Requirements: An Open Flames and Candles permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded, reviewed, and approved. 

Applications will be completed electronically, and all required documentation shall be uploaded electronically. There shall be no paper submissions. Permit application shall be completed and submitted through the approved Harris County software program. Once the application is received along with all required documentation, the Fire Code Official will conduct a review. When the permit process is complete, and authorization is given, the applicant will be notified that the permit is issued, and the duration of the permit will be indicated.  

All Open Flames and Candles permit applications will begin with generalized information requirements. This information will pertain to the property information/property owner’s information/application information/project name.  

When applying for an Open Flames and Candles operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information:  

• Identify the type of candles or open flame to be used;  

• Written plan detailing: 

• Candles shall be secured in a nonflammable solid holding device and protected by an enclosure, 

• How to protect public from accidental contact (measures shall be taken to prohibit and limit the holding device from being tipped over), 

• When used as part of a decoration or centerpiece, the flame of the candle shall not be within 6 inches of cut fresh foliage, or within 12 inches of dry foliage or other combustibles at any time, 

• Candle wicks shall be trimmed to ¼ inch or less; 

• Copy of evacuation plan and written statement certifying training for all employees. Training records shall be available upon request of the Fire Code Official for review; 

• Emergency plan and written statement certifying training for all employees. Training records shall be available upon request of the Fire Code Official for review; 

• A site/floor plans of building including all entrance and exits, location of exit routes, locations of fire protection equipment; 

• Information on the installed sprinkler system and last inspection date; 

• Information on the installed fire alarm system and last inspection date; 

• Listing of all Occupant Load for the entire building, or individual rooms. 

If one or more of the requested documents does not apply to your location, please submit in writing a reason for not submitting. 

Denial: If it is determined that an application fails to meet the requirements as set forth in this standard or the applicant refuses to provide all required documentation, the fire code official shall not issue a permit, but shall return the application to the applicant with explanation for refusal.  

Revocation: The fire code official is authorized to revoke a permit where it is found that there has been false statements or misrepresentation as to the material facts in the application or supporting documentation on which the approval and issuance was based, the permit was issued to a different person or firm than named on the permit, the permittee failed, refused or neglected to comply with orders or notices duly served in accordance with the provisions of this code within the time provided therein, or the permit was issued in error or in violation of an ordinance, regulation or this code.