Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas

Quick Answer: Yes, Houston requires an annual fire alarm permit for any system capable of automatically summoning the Houston Fire Department. The permit costs $111.81 for new systems and $83.86 for renewals. Contractors must hold either a Texas DPS Private Security Bureau Class B license or a TDI Alarm Certificate of Registration.

Do You Need a Fire Alarm Permit in Houston?

Under Houston City Ordinance, it is unlawful to operate, cause to be operated, or allow the operation of any alarm system unless a valid permit is in effect. This applies to any fire alarm system that can summon the Houston Fire Department automatically—whether through direct monitoring, your alarm company, or a fire panic button.

When a Permit IS Required

• Commercial buildings with fire alarm systems
• Multi-family residential properties (apartments, condos)
• Any system monitored to dispatch Houston Fire Department
• Systems with automatic fire detection and notification
• Buildings required by code to have fire alarm systems

Exemptions (No Permit Required)

• Single-family residential dwellings are exempt from fire alarm permits per City Ordinance
• Open buildings without enclosed spaces
• Occupancies with a load of less than 50 people (certain conditions)
• Buildings fully protected by automatic sprinklers with local-only alarms

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Before you can install fire alarm systems in Houston, you need proper state licensing. Texas has two regulatory pathways depending on the type of alarm work:

Texas DPS Private Security Bureau (PSB)

Most alarm contractors obtain a Class B Security Contractor License from the Texas Department of Public Safety. This license covers alarm systems including fire alarms, burglar alarms, and camera/CCTV systems.

Requirements include:

• Two years of consecutive licensed experience (or hire a qualified Company Representative)
• Pass the PSB Manager examination
• Complete Alarm Level I training (16 hours) within first 12 months for installers
• 8 hours continuing education including 1 hour NEC low voltage for renewal
• Background check clearance

Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) / State Fire Marshal

For fire detection devices specifically, you may also need an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR) from TDI. This requires a designated employee with a Fire Alarm Technician, Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent, or Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license.

For complete licensing details, see our Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Fire Alarm Permit Classification

Houston classifies fire alarm systems by the number of actuating devices:

Group	Device Count	Typical Applications
Group A	1–10 devices	Small retail, offices, restaurants
Group B	11–100 devices	Mid-size commercial, warehouses
Group C	101+ devices	Large facilities, high-rises, hospitals

Permit Fees and Costs

Fee Type	Amount	Notes
New Fire Alarm Permit	$111.81	$83.86 base + $27.95 administrative fee
Renewal Permit	$83.86	$55.91 base + $27.95 administrative fee
False Alarm Fee	$402.55	Per false alarm exceeding allowance

Important: Permits are valid for one year from issue date and must be renewed at least 10 days before expiration.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Design Documents

Submit a minimum of 2 sets of design drawings that are:

• Drawn to a recognized architect scale
• Stamped, signed, and dated by a Texas Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) registered with your company, OR
• Stamped by a Professional Engineer registered in Texas with Fire Protection Engineering (FPE) discipline

Step 2: Submit Application

Applications can be submitted through the Houston Permitting Center. You will need:

• Completed fire alarm permit application
• Design drawings per requirements above
• Proof of contractor licensing
• Permit fee payment

Step 3: Plan Review

The Fire Marshal Office reviews submitted plans for compliance with:

• NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code)
• Houston Fire Code (adopted from International Fire Code with local amendments)
• Local ordinance requirements

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

After permit approval:

• Install system per approved plans
• Schedule inspection with Houston Fire Department
• Obtain final acceptance before system activation

Contact Information

Houston Fire Department Fire Alarm Office
1002 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
Phone: 832-394-8811

Houston Permitting Center
Fire Permits Office

Commercial vs. Residential Requirements

Commercial Properties

Most commercial buildings in Houston require fire alarm systems and permits. The Houston Fire Code (based on IFC 2021) mandates automatic or manual fire alarms in:

• Assembly occupancies (A-1 through A-5)
• Educational facilities
• High-rise buildings
• Healthcare facilities
• Certain mercantile and business occupancies

Residential Properties

Single-family homes: Exempt from fire alarm permits. Standard smoke detectors are required by code but do not need permits.

Multi-family (apartments, condos): Fire alarm systems in common areas and per building code requirements need permits.

False Alarm Reduction Program

Houston enacted its false alarm program on July 1, 2002 to reduce unnecessary fire department responses. Key points:

• New systems get a 3-month grace period for false alarms (with valid permit)
• Excess false alarms incur $402.55 per occurrence
• Proper installation, maintenance, and user training reduce false alarms
• Systems must be maintained per NFPA 72 standards

Code Compliance

Houston follows the International Fire Code with local amendments. Key standards include:

• NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
• Houston Fire Code 2021: Local adoption of IFC
• Chapter 11 Houston Code of Ordinances: Burglar and Fire Alarm Protective Services

Violations can result in misdemeanor charges with fines ranging from $250 to $2,000 per offense.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Get licensed first: Never install systems without proper PSB or TDI credentials—fines are significant
• Budget for permit time: Plan review can take 2-4 weeks depending on complexity
• Use a licensed APS: Having a Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent on staff speeds up approvals
• Document everything: Keep copies of permits, inspections, and maintenance records
• Train end users: Proper training reduces false alarms and protects your client relationships
• Renew early: Set reminders for 30 days before permit expiration to avoid lapses

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Houston, Texas
• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas

Official Resources

• Houston Fire Department Forms and Permits
• Houston Permitting Center - Fire Permits Office
• Texas Department of Insurance - Fire Alarm Licensing
• Houston Code of Ordinances