Subject: Private Fire Hydrants  

Revised April 2025 

Purpose: Private fire hydrants operational permit is required for the existence, 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. Private fire hydrants operational permits shall be issued each time that a hydrant on a private fire loop is removed from service or any utilization other than use during an emergency or when being inspected or tested. When the hydrant is tested or inspected and is found to need repair or service, an operational permit is required. Exception: A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments, to maintain, test and use private hydrants. 

Fees: $300.00 Annually 

Requirements: A Private Fire Hydrants 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 Private Fire Hydrants 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 Private Fire Hydrants operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information:  

• An overall site map identifying the layout of all fire hydrants on-site, and water supply; 

• Information for the: 

• • Company performing service work on any hydrant or using hydrant for purpose other than an emergency, along with contact information for responsible person, 

• • Detail for all repairs or service needed or the purpose for use of hydrant, 

• • Details on proposed time of out of service; 

• An up-to date record of all maintenance performed for a 12-month period. 

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.