101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Harris County Fire Code, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

This Code is adopted as a fire code by the Commissioners Court of Harris County, Texas, acting in its capacity as the governing body of Harris County. The authority of Harris County to adopt this Code and the contents hereof is derived from Chapter 233, Subchapter C, Texas Local Government Code, Section, §233.061 et seq., as amended. The Harris County Fire Code as adopted on September 14, 2004 and which became effective on January 1, 2005 shall continue to apply to the construction of buildings for which construction begins prior to the effective date of this new Code. This Code shall apply to all buildings for which Construction or Substantial Improvement, as defined in this Code, begins after the effective date of this Fire Code. Further, pursuant to Texas Local Government Code 352.016, as amended, any inspection completed shall be to the standard set forth in this Code. This Code may be amended at any time by a majority of Commissioners Court.

101.2 Scope. This code establishes regulations affecting or relating to structures, processes, premises and safeguards regarding all of the following:

1. The hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices.
2.  Conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises.
3.  Fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation.
4. Matters related to the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire protection systems.
5. Conditions affecting the safety of fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
6. New construction, substantial improvements, alterations, relocations, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.
7. Existing single-family dwellings converted for the use of a Boarding or Lodging House as defined in this code and in compliance with Local Government Code 233 Subchapter F “Residential Building Code”.

Exceptions:

1.  One-and-two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not
   more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress,
   and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane height,
   shall comply with Local Government Code 233 Subchapter F “Residential Building Code”.
2. Industrial facilities having a fire brigade that conforms to requirements of the
   Occupational Safety and Health Administration and receives a Certificate of Exemption
   from the Fire Code Official.

101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. Appendices B, C, D, H and I are adopted as part of the Harris County Fire Code.

101.3 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements consistent with LGC. 233.062 and nationally recognized best practices for providing a reasonable level of life safety and property protection from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in new and existing buildings,
structures and premises, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this code.

101.5 Validity. In the event any part or provision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall not have the effect of making void or illegal any of the other parts or provisions hereof, which are determined to be legal; and it shall be presumed that this code would have been adopted without such illegal or invalid parts or provisions.

101.6 Abrogation and greater restrictions. This code is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing laws, regulations, easements, covenants, or deed restrictions.