Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Travis County, Texas

Quick Answer: Fire alarm permits in Travis County involve two separate processes: the Fire Marshal's Office handles construction permits and plan review for fire alarm installations, while the Sheriff's Office manages alarm system monitoring permits. Austin has its own permit process using The Compliance Engine (TCE). All fire alarm contractors must be licensed through the Texas State Fire Marshal's Office.

Understanding Travis County Jurisdiction

Travis County includes Austin and surrounding communities. Permit requirements vary based on location:

• Unincorporated Travis County – Permits through Travis County Fire Marshal and Sheriff
• City of Austin – Permits through Austin Fire Marshal's Office
• Other municipalities – Contact local fire department

Review the Sheriff's District Map to verify which jurisdiction applies to your project location.

Travis County Fire Marshal Requirements

The Travis County Fire Marshal's Office handles fire alarm construction permits for unincorporated areas.

When Permits Are Required

A permit is required before beginning construction for:

• New commercial and public buildings
• Existing facilities where use has changed
• Facilities undergoing 50% or greater construction alteration
• Any fire alarm or fire suppression system installation

Important: Fire alarm and fire suppression plans must be submitted even on existing facilities. You cannot open a business before being inspected by the Fire Marshal—a Certificate of Compliance is required.

Code Enforcement

Effective January 1, 2026, Travis County implements the 2021 Fire Code for countywide standardization.

Plan Review Process

1. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office to schedule a pre-application meeting (optional but recommended)
2. Submit fire alarm plans for review
3. Pay applicable permit fees
4. Receive permit approval
5. Complete installation
6. Schedule final inspection
7. Receive Certificate of Compliance

Contact Information

Travis County Fire Marshal's Office
314 W. 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701
Phone: (512) 854-4621
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Meetings with plan reviewers are by appointment only.

Travis County Sheriff Alarm Permits

The Travis County Sheriff's Office manages alarm monitoring permits under Chapter 68 of Travis County Procedures.

Permit Requirements

Item	Details
Valid period	Date of issuance to December 31
Renewal deadline	January 1 each year
Transferable	No
Fees prorated	No
Permit location	Must remain on-site

False Alarm Policy

• Five (5) free false alarms per permit period
• $75 fine for each false alarm after five
• Alarm must have 30-minute automatic shut-off feature
• Permit holder (or designee) must be able to deactivate or reset the alarm

Permit Holder Responsibilities

• Maintain the alarm system in working order
• Train all persons in proper alarm use
• Ensure designee can respond to deactivate alarms

Violations

Violating permit rules is a Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500.

City of Austin Requirements

Properties within Austin city limits follow separate permit processes through the Austin Fire Marshal's Office.

Fire Protection System Compliance

Fire protection systems in commercial buildings must comply with City ordinances. Austin uses The Compliance Engine (TCE) for verification:

• Acceptance tests submitted through TCE
• Annual inspection reports submitted through TCE
• 6-month reports (kitchen hoods only) through TCE
• Deficiencies and repairs documented through TCE

Note: FPS applications are no longer required—compliance is verified through TCE submissions by third-party inspection companies.

Austin Fire Plan Review

The Austin Fire Prevention Division reviews fire alarm plans for new construction and renovations. Engineers enforce the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) and associated NFPA standards.

Features reviewed include:

• Fire alarm systems
• Smoke alarms
• Fire sprinklers and fire pumps
• Smoke control and ventilation
• Egress systems
• Fire access roads and hydrant placement
• Special extinguishing systems

Austin Alarm Permits (Monitoring)

The City of Austin requires an alarm permit for each alarmed location within Austin Full Purpose jurisdiction. Application must be received before the alarm system is enabled.

Apply through:

1. Alarm Administration Portal (recommended for faster processing)
2. Alarm Permit Registration Web Form

Austin Contact Information

Austin Fire Marshal's Office
6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr., 3rd Floor
Austin, TX 78752
Email: fireprevention@austintexas.gov

Texas State Fire Alarm Contractor Licensing

All fire alarm contractors must be licensed through the Texas Department of Insurance, State Fire Marshal's Office (SFMO).

Company Requirements

Companies that plan, certify, lease, sell, service, install, monitor, or maintain fire detection devices must have an Alarm Certificate of Registration (ACR).

The SFMO cannot register a company without a licensed employee holding:

• Fire Alarm Technician license
• Fire Alarm Planning Superintendent license
• Residential Fire Alarm Superintendent license

Note: A Residential Fire Alarm Technician license alone is not sufficient for an ACR.

Individual Certification

Technicians must hold NICET Level II or ESA Level II certification, or pass the State Fire Marshal qualifying exam.

SFMO Contact: (512) 676-6800 (press 1)

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

Residential vs. Commercial Fire Alarms

Residential Projects

Residential fire alarm systems in Travis County typically include:

• Smoke detectors in bedrooms and hallways
• Carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas
• Heat detectors in garages
• Monitoring service connections

Texas Building Code requires smoke alarms in all bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level.

Commercial Projects

Commercial fire alarm systems have stricter requirements:

• Addressable fire alarm control panels
• Duct smoke detectors for HVAC systems
• Manual pull stations at exits
• Horn/strobe notification per ADA requirements
• Fire department connection and annunciator
• Elevator recall integration
• Smoke control systems (high-rise)

Fees and Timeline Summary

Item	Travis County	Austin
Fire alarm construction permit	Contact Fire Marshal	Plan review required
Alarm monitoring permit	Through Sheriff	Alarm Administration Portal
Plan review time	By appointment	Varies by complexity
False alarm allowance	5 free per year	Contact Alarm Admin
False alarm fee	$75 each after 5	Varies
Inspection requirement	Certificate of Compliance	TCE submission

Pro Tips from the Field

Experienced fire alarm contractors in Travis County recommend:

• Schedule pre-application meeting – Travis County Fire Marshal offers appointments to review plans before formal submission
• Register for TCE training – Austin requires third-party inspectors to use The Compliance Engine
• Know your jurisdiction – Austin vs. unincorporated Travis County have very different processes
• Keep SFMO license current – Permits will not be issued to unlicensed contractors
• Plan for 2021 Fire Code – Travis County standardized on this code effective January 2026
• Apply for monitoring permit early – Submit before alarm system is enabled
• Train customers on false alarms – $75 fees add up quickly after the first five

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

• Houston, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Dallas, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• San Antonio, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Tarrant County, Texas Fire Alarm Permits
• Texas Low Voltage License Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Permit requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction before starting work.