Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Harris County, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, Harris County requires permits for fire alarm system installations in unincorporated areas. Contractors must hold a valid Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) State Fire Marshal's Office license. Harris County has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code and requires both construction permits (through County Engineering) and alarm registration permits (through the Sheriff's Office). Note: Projects within Houston city limits follow different requirements.

Understanding Harris County Jurisdiction

Harris County permit requirements apply to unincorporated areas of the county—areas outside city limits. If your project is within Houston or another incorporated city, contact that city's permitting department instead.

• Unincorporated Harris County – Follow this guide
• City of Houston – See our Houston Fire Alarm Permit Guide
• Other cities in Harris County – Contact that city's permit office

When Is a Permit Required?

Harris County requires permits for fire alarm work under Section 105.6.6 of the adopted fire code:

Construction Permit Required

• Installation of new fire alarm and detection systems
• Modification to existing fire alarm systems
• Related equipment installations
• Fire alarm system component replacements

Alarm Registration Required

Per Harris County regulations, no person shall operate an alarm system in unincorporated Harris County without a valid and unrevoked permit. Any residence or business with an alarm system must register to obtain a Harris County Alarm Permit through the Sheriff's Office.

Operational Permits

Operational permits are mandated by the 2021 International Fire Code, Section 105, as adopted by Harris County Commissioners Court. These permits allow businesses to operate legally for a specified period.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Fire alarm work in Harris County requires state licensing through the Texas Department of Insurance:

State License (Required)

The Texas Department of Insurance – State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO) registers and licenses people and businesses that sell, install, certify, or service fire alarm systems. You must hold one of these licenses:

• Fire Alarm Technician (FAT) – Install, service, and maintain systems
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) – Design and certify system plans
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent (RAS) – Residential systems only

Company Registration

To register a company, your designated full-time employee must hold a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license. A firm cannot be registered without a licensed employee.

For comprehensive information on Texas low voltage contractor licensing, see our Texas Low Voltage License Guide.

Branch Office Requirements

You must have an Alarm Branch Office Certificate of Registration (ACR – Branch Office) for each separate office location that does the same business as the company with the ACR.

License Changes (Effective January 2026)

All SFMO licenses are now sent by email only—no paper licenses or pocket cards. If your license has expired and you don't have another active license on file, you must submit new fingerprint information before renewal.

Application Process

Step 1: Obtain State Licensing

Ensure your company has a valid Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) from SFMO before applying for Harris County permits.

Step 2: Submit Construction Permit Application

A property owner or authorized agent who intends to install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace fire alarm systems must make application to:

• Harris County Engineer – For construction permits
• Harris County Fire Marshal – For operational permits

Step 3: Submit Plans

Fire alarm system permits are handled as deferred plan submittals. Plans must comply with NFPA 72. Submit plans to Harris County Engineering Office of Permits.

Step 4: Early Work Option

Fire protection contractors who wish to start work before plans are approved may install:

• Wiring and cables
• Hangers
• Stub outs
• Boxes
• Piping
• EMT and cabinets

Important: These installations are allowed with the understanding that corrections or modifications may be required by Harris County Fire Code Review or Fire Marshal's Office.

Step 5: Register Alarm System

Register the completed alarm system with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Alarm Detail for operational use.

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
HC Engineering - Permits	oce.harriscountytx.gov	Construction permits
HC Fire Marshal's Office	hcfmo.net	Fire code, operational permits
Fire Protection Email	fireprotection@oce.harriscountytx.gov	System impairments/documentation
Director of Permits	(713) 274-3776	Permit questions
Sheriff's Office Alarm Detail	hcsoalarmpermit.com	Alarm registration
TDI State Fire Marshal	tdi.texas.gov	State licensing

Fees and Timeline

Alarm Registration Fees

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
Residential Alarm Permit	Varies	Annual registration
Commercial Alarm Permit	Varies	Annual registration
False Alarm Fees	Escalating	After grace period

Application Requirements

• All permit applications must be submitted electronically—no paper submissions accepted
• Some permits require passing an inspection
• Properly completed application and required documentation needed

Adopted Codes

Harris County has adopted the following codes for fire alarm installations:

2021 International Fire Code (IFC)

Section 105 covers permit requirements. Fire alarm systems must comply with all applicable sections as adopted by Harris County Commissioners Court.

NFPA 72

All fire alarm plans must comply with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code). Commercial fire alarm systems include:

• Fire alarms and all components
• Components that feed into the alarm
• Components set off by the alarm (sprinklers, kitchen hood systems)

Texas Administrative Code

State Fire Marshal rules under Texas Administrative Code Section 34.600 apply to all fire alarm installations.

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Fire Alarm Systems

• Alarm registration permit required through Sheriff's Office
• Can be installed by contractors with Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license
• Must still comply with NFPA 72 requirements
• False alarm fees apply after grace period

Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

• Full construction permit required through County Engineering
• Plans must be submitted and comply with NFPA 72
• Requires full Fire Alarm Technician or Planning Superintendent license
• Operational permit may be required from Fire Marshal
• Integration with sprinkler and hood systems requires coordination

Pro Tips from the Field

Verify Jurisdiction First: Harris County is large and includes many incorporated cities. Before quoting, confirm whether the project is in unincorporated Harris County or within city limits.

Use the Early Work Option: If you're on a tight schedule, take advantage of the early work provision to install wiring and infrastructure while plans are under review. Just be prepared for potential modifications.

Electronic Submissions Only: Harris County doesn't accept paper applications. Have all your documentation in digital format before starting the permit process.

Coordinate with Fire Marshal: For commercial projects, you may need both a construction permit (County Engineering) and an operational permit (Fire Marshal). Plan for both in your timeline.

Register Before Activation: Don't forget the Sheriff's Office alarm registration. Operating without registration can result in fines for false alarm responses.

Keep Licenses Current: With the email-only license distribution, ensure your email address is updated with SFMO. Monitor for renewal notices.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when fire alarm projects hit permits in Harris County before they reach bid boards?

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Related Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Austin, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in San Antonio, Texas

Last updated: January 2026. Information is subject to change. Always verify current requirements with Harris County and the Texas Department of Insurance before beginning work.