Subject: Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material  

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: 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. This includes the use of any product which produces heat, spark, flames, or smoke of any kind for entertaining an audience.  Pyrotechnic special effects material operational permit is for single event and each usage shall require an additional permit.  

Fees: Fees may be singular or combined based on the type of display 

Requirements: A Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded. If the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material display is in conjunction with a special event the special event permit shall be applied for prior to the Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material being issued.  

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 Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material permit applications will begin with generalized information requirements. This information will pertain to the property information/property owner’s information/application information/project name.  

All permit applications for the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays 1.4G with an audience of 50 or more spectators and 1.3G shall be submitted no later than 15 business days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the scheduled day of use, 30 business days if in conjunction with a special event. A failure to turn in a completed Pyrotechnic Special Effects application 15 days prior to the display, or 30 days if in conjunction with a special event will result in double permit fees. Pyrotechnic Special Effects applications submitted 5 days prior to the display, or 10 days if in conjunction with a special event shall not be authorized. 

All application packets for use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays 1.4G with an audience of 50 or more spectators and 1.3G shall be completed by a Texas Licensed Shooter or the representative company to be considered for review. 

If flame effects or pyrotechnics are used inside of a building, the building shall be equipped with a fully functional, automatic fire sprinkler system. If the building is not equipped with a fire sprinkler system, personnel shall be provided to conduct an approved fire watch acceptable to the Fire Code Official. The description of the fire watch personnel shall be listed in the written description of the on-site operation and shall include the names and affiliation of each fire watch personnel. 

When applying for a Pyrotechnic Special Effects Material operational permit all applications for the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays 1.4G with an audience of 50 or more spectators and 1.3G shall provide the following information: 

• Fully completed Event Emergency Contact form, provided by the fire code official.  

• Detailed written description of the on-site operation, 

• Date of the display, including exact anticipated start and end times. (Date and time of the display shall not be before 8:00 AM or after 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and not before 8:00 AM or after 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. The Fire Code Official has the discretion to approve additional times for holidays or special circumstances), 

• Written statement certifying that the responding fire department has be notified of the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays 1.4G or 1.3G. Written statement shall include: 

• • Date Fire Department was contacted 

• • Name of the Fire Department 

• • Number called to make notification 

• • Fire Department Officials first and last name that was notified  

• Site plan indicating the discharge area, fall out radius/area, and spectator area, 

• Copy of the proof of insurance compliant with Occupation Code 2154, 

• Identifiers for all shooters, assistants, name (first and last), contact numbers, and e-mail address, 

• Written description of all products to be used and the Safety Data Sheets for each product, 

• Copy of State Licenses for all shooters and proof of identification. 

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.