Subject: Plant Extraction Systems  

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: Plant extraction operations require permits. Plant extraction is the processing and extraction of oils and fats form various plants. This process includes extraction by use of solvent, desolventizing the raw material, production of the miscella, distillation of the solvent from the miscella and solvent recovery.  

Fees: $300.00 Annually 

Requirements: A Plant Extraction Systems 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 Plant Extraction Systems 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 a Plant Extraction Systems operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information:  

• Written statement certifying compliance with Chapter 39 of the adopted fire code and all other applicable chapters, codes, and standards; 

• Written explanation of the process utilized for extraction; 

• Site/Floor plan including all exits, locations of all extraction processes, location of any required emergency shutoffs; 

• Copy of emergency plans for Fire Code Official approval; 

• Information on any gas detection systems, the designed operation of the detection system, and the last date of testing/maintenance. 

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.