Effective immediately The Fort Worth Fire Department (FWFD) no longer accepts paper/hard copy submittals of construction permit applications or plans/drawings due to the current health crisis. To apply for a permit with the FWFD, visit this website and either log in if you already have an account or register as a new user. Then, just click on Fire - Create Application and follow the steps.
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is tasked with overseeing Fire Code compliance to promote fire safety.
The City of Fort Worth has adopted the 2021 set of International Codes, including the 2021 International Fire Code with amendments available at: Ordinance No. 25388-03-2022 amending the Fort Worth Fire code.
The official effective date for such is April 1, 2022; however, the increased construction permit (fire sprinkler, fire alarm, etc.) fees in Appendix I will not take effect until June 1, 2022 to accommodate required software updates.
Some major changes from the current Fire Code include but are not limited to:
- Outdoor pallet storage is now specifically regulated as to building setbacks and height, etc. (Section 315).
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Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS) or radio signal strength test may be required (Section 510) for new construction as follows:
- If your building exceeds 3 stories in height, exceeds 100,000 sq. ft. in floor area, is of Type IA or IB construction (concrete) as per Building Code, or will have RF blocking construction or windows, then a radio signal strength test shall be required to be provided by a NICET-licensed radio contractor. This test must be conducted at construction substantial completion (all interior and exterior walls and windows completed as well as all insulation installed) to confirm no issues with FWFD radio functionality.
- Any high-rise construction shall require installation of an ERRCS via distributed antenna system with BDA.
- Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems are required to be permitted through the FWFD via the attached permit application. Cost for the permit is $275 per building at this time.
- We require a design plan for the system being installed and the contact for the company providing support and installation. The FCC is requiring that signal boosters be registered, we prefer to have both a Class A or Class B devices registered.
- When you are ready to apply for permit, you can just email firepermits@fortworthtexas.gov with pdf of permit application and floor plans identifying approximate wiring routing and antenna location, as well as BDA, etc., and then call 817-392-6840 to pay for permit over the phone.
- Compliance with the 2021 IFC and NFPA 1221 and 1225 is required relative to the design, install, and testing. Note that prior to requesting a Fire Inspection, the FWFD requires submittal of the results of a signal strength test of the system throughout the building, as per the 2021 IFC. Once these results are received identifying passing of the system, Fire Inspection may then be requested using FWFD radios to verify.
Reference the following for additional information pertinent to ERRCS:
- Open parking garages may now require fire sprinklers dependent upon their height, size, etc. (Section 903).
- All dry pipe fire sprinkler systems must meet the trip time requirement, regardless of volume (Section 903).
- Fire hydrant required within 150 ft. of FDC (Section 912).
- Site safety plan and in some cases, fire watch, required for new construction (Chapter 33)
- Carbon Monoxide Alarms are now required retroactively in most Group E, I and R occupancies having gas- or fuel-fired appliances or attached garages (Section 1103).
- Referenced NFPA standards are updated as well (2019 edition of NFPA 13 and 72 for example).
- Increased permit fees as noted in the Appendices. Note that Fire Code-required permit fees have not increased since the 10% increase in 2011.
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Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) are now required as per Appendix L.
Note that the FWFD now requires fire hose stations (2 1/2-inch hose connection allowed to be supplied by adjacent sprinkler systems) in any high-piled storage warehouse having more than 500,000 sq. ft. - part of this requirement is intended to allow installation of FARS panels at interior hose connections for ease of location and use by first responders.
For specific questions relative to Fire Sprinklers, Fire Alarms, Fuel Systems and Tanks, Site Plans Review, or Addressing, please contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 817-392-6840 for assistance.
Location
City Hall, lower level
200 Texas St.
Hours
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
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Phone
817-392-6840
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Services