Fire Marshal Office Guidelines for Construction Projects and Commercial Properties
For questions about fire protection systems, contact us at 806-378-4238.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- firemarshalreview@amarillo.gov
-
Fire Inspection Hotline:
806-378-9092 -
Fire Marshal Admin:
806-378-4238 -
Fax:
806-378-9308 -
821 S Johnson St
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 12:00 pm
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
1. Fire Protection System Submissions
Who Must Submit Plans:
- Licensed installers or licensed engineers (certified by the Texas Department of Insurance)
Systems Requiring Plan Submission:
- Automatic fire extinguishing systems
- Fire alarm and detection systems
- Fire pumps and related equipment
- Private hydrants/fire mains
- Vent hood systems
- Standpipe systems
- Clean agent systems
- Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES)
- Any other fire-related systems
Submission Requirements:
- Completed Construction Application
- At least two sets of legible plans (18″ x 24″ paper)
- All related fees and corresponding paperwork
How to Submit:
- Mail or Drop-off:
- Address: Fire Marshal Office, 821 S Johnson St, Amarillo, TX 79101
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – Noon and 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
2. Fees and payments
- Fee Structure: Varies based on system type and complexity
- Payment Methods: Cash, check, or money order
Construction Fee Schedule
Fire Protection System Permit | Additional Information | Fee |
Construction Permit Fee | *All other inspections fees are in addition to the initial construction permit fee *Per submittal of same type systems for the same occupancy | $100 |
Fire Alarm (per panel) | 25 devices or less | $100 |
| 26-100 devices | $150 |
| 101-300 devices | $200 |
| 301 or more devices | $250 |
Fire Sprinkler (per riser) | 1-19 heads (New System only) | $100 |
| 20-100 heads | $150 |
| 101-300 heads | $225 |
| 301 or heads | $350 |
| Wiring and sprinkler diagrams (thump drive or blueprints shall be accessible in the panel) |
|
Fire Pumps and Related Equipment (per pump) |
| $100 |
Private Hydrants/Fire Main and PIV (per hydrant) |
| $100 |
Underground (Hydro) | Per inspection, no additional application fee | $100 |
Standpipe System (Standalone) (per system) |
| $100 |
Vent Hood Systems (per system) |
| $100 |
Clean Agent Suppression System | *Only applies to systems covering 2500 sq ft. *Anything greater than 2500 sq ft will be calculated under a Fire Sprinkler | $100 |
Paint Booth |
| $100 |
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERCES, BDA, DAS) | 1-10,000 sq ft | $100 |
| 10,001-50,000 sq ft | $150 |
| 50,001-100,000 sq ft | $250 |
| 100,001 sq ft or more | $250+$100 for each additional 25,000 sq ft or fraction thereof over 100,000 sq ft |
Resubmittal Fees (per plan resubmittal) | Fee may be waived depending on man hours already committed to the project | $50 |
As-Builts (per plan submittal) |
| $0 |
Phase Inspection (per phase) | No additional application fee | $50 |
Visual Inspection prior to acceptance test (per inspection) | No additional application fee | $50 |
Final Fire Inspection for Certificate of Occupancy | 5,000 sq ft or less | $50 |
| 5,001-10,000 sq ft | $100 |
| 10,001-50,000 sq ft | $150 |
| 50,001-100,000 sq ft | $200 |
| 100,001 sq ft or more | $200 + $100 for each additional 25,000 sq ft or fraction thereof over 100,000 sq ft |
All other Construction Permit Types | Subject to additional fees to cover cost of manpower based on scope of request | $100 |
Variance Request Application | Application does not guarantee approval | $100 |
First reinspection fee |
| $0 |
Subsequent reinspection | Unresolved noncompliance spanning multiple inspections may result in citation | $50 per inspection after first reinspection |
No Show/Not Ready | If related to initial inspection, first reinspection will be at no charge | $50 |
After Hours Inspection (per hour) |
| $100 |
Investigation Inspection (working without permit) | May include citation | Two times the permit fee |
3. Review Timeline
- Approximate Time: 10 business days for review and comments
- Permit Validity: Permits are valid for six months and must be onsite during work
- Unpermitted Work: Will be reported and cited
4. Inspection Process for New or Adjusted Fire Protection Systems
Steps:
- Submit Construction Permit Application:
- Submit Visual/Phase Application (if applicable):
- Fill out the application and pay the fee
- The Fire Marshal’s Office will schedule an inspection
- Submit Final Fire Inspection Request Application:
- Fill out the application and pay the fee
- The Fire Marshal’s Office will schedule the final inspection
5. Fire System Checklist for Commercial Properties
Fire System Checklist for Commercial Properties
If you have further questions about fire safety requirements, contact the Fire Marshal office at 806-378-4238.
Fire Protection Systems Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
- Fire Alarm systems, sprinklers and fire pumps shall be inspected, test and serviced annually. (IFC901.6)
- Records of all fire protection system inspections, tests and maintenance shall be kept on the premises for review by the Fire Official. (IFC 901.6.3)
- Fire protection systems shall be maintained in an operative condition at all times. (IFC 901.6)
- Emergency lighting (1008.2) and exit sign (1013.6.3) lighting shall be working properly at all times.(IFC 1006)
- Emergency generator systems shall be routinely inspected, operated and serviced per NPFA 110 &111. All records shall be kept on the premises for review by the Fire Official. (IFC 604)
- Commercial cooking fire protection systems shall be test at least every 6 months. (IFC 904.5.1)
- Hoods, grease removal devices, fans ducts, etc. shall be cleaned to bare metal. Cleaning shall be recorded, and records shall state the extent, time and date of cleaning. Records shall be maintained on premises. (IFC 606)
- Private hydrants shall be inspected, serviced and flow tested annually. (IFC 507.5.3)
Exits
- Exit doors shall be unlocked when building is occupied. (IFC 1010.2.4)
- Exit signs, doors, halls shall not be visually or physically obstructed by storage, decorations, furnishings, snow or ice. (IFC 1013.1)
- Exit signs shall be illuminated. (IFC 1013.3)
- Exit ways shall be illuminated at all times the building is occupied including during commercial power failures. (IFC 1008)
- Fire doors, smoke dampers and other fire resistance barriers and assemblies shall not be modified or otherwise impaired from the proper operation at any time. (Ch.7)
Combustible and Flammable Material Storage
- Combustible materials (cardboard, paper, plastics, kerosene, paint, etc.) shall not be stored in boiler rooms, mechanical rooms, or electrical equipment rooms. (IFC 315.3.3)
- Combustible materials shall not be stored in exit ways, hallways, stairways or exit enclosures. (IFC 315.3.2)
- Outside dumpsters shall be kept at least 5 feet away from combustible walls, windows, doors, overhangs and lid shall be closed. (IFC 304.3.3)
- Combustible storage shall be at least 2 feet below the ceiling or 18 inches below sprinkler heads. (IFC 315.3.1)
- Compressed gas containers, cylinders and tanks shall be secured to prevent falling. (IFC 5303.5.3)
- Flammable materials (gasoline, propane, alcohol, etc.) shall not be stored indoors. Including fuel tanks of motorcycles, lawn-care equipment or cooking equipment, etc. (IFC313)
Building Maintenance
- All private hydrants, fire lanes, fire department connections (FDC) and control valves shall be clear, labeled, visible and unobstructed, including snow and ice removal. (IFC 503, 507)
- The building address shall be clearly visible from the street, minimum 4 inches in height with contrasting background. (IFC 505.1)
- A knock box with all entrance and interior keys for emergency access is required for all structures that automatically dial 911. (IFC 506.1)
- Fire-resistance-rated construction shall be maintained. (IFC 703.1)
- Occupant load signs must be legible, permanent and posted in conspicuous location. (IFC 1004.9)
- Door labels are required for accesses to electrical, furnace, sprinkler, mechanical, and generator rooms and to the roof. (IFC 509)
- Candles and other open flames are not permitted in commercial properties without special permission from the Fire Marshal. (IFC 308)
Electrical
- A working space of not less than 30 inches wide (or width of equipment), 36 inches deep and 78 inches high shall be provided in front of electrical service equipment. No storage with this workspace. (IFC 603.4)
- “Power strips or surge protectors” shall be UL listed, polarized, grounded and equipped with over current protection and shall be directly connected to a permanently installed receptacle. (IFC 603)
- “Power strips” cords shall not extent through walls, ceilings, floors, under doors, or floor coverings, nor be subject to environmental or physical damage. (IFC 603.6)
- Extension cords, Multi-plug adapters and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. (IFC 603.6)
- All electrical boxes shall be properly covered. (IFC 603.2.2)
- Portable electric heaters shall be UL listed and plugged directly into a permanent wall receptacle, not into an extension cord, power strip or adapter. The must be positioned at least 3 feet away from combustibles. (IFC 603.9.4)
Portable Fire Extinguishers
- A minimum of one 2A-10:BC portable fire extinguisher shall be provided within 75 feet of travel distance from anywhere in the business on each floor. (IFC 906.3)
- A class K fire extinguisher shall be mounted within 30 feet of commercial food equipment using vegetable or animal oils. (IFC 906.1)
- Fire extinguisher shall not be obstructed and all shall be in a conspicuous location. When visually obstructed, approved signs shall be provided to indication location and not obstructed. (IFC 906.6)
- Fire extinguishers shall be mounted on wall with hanger at least 4 inches above the floor and no more than 60 inches above the floor. (IFC 906.7)
- Annual, certified inspections of all extinguishers are required. (IFC 906.2)
6. KNOX-BOX Information
What is a KNOX-BOX?
- A KNOX-BOX is a secure key box that allows the Fire Department quick access to your property in case of an emergency, without causing damage. It’s an essential safety measure for commercial properties, schools, and other buildings that may require emergency entry when no one is available to unlock doors.
KNOX-BOX Order Information
You can order a KNOX-BOX online by following these steps:
- Go to knoxbox.com and click “BUY” in the upper right corner of the screen.
- Search for the department or agency servicing your location. If you are within Amarillo’s city limits, select “Amarillo Fire Dept.”
- Select the appropriate product for your needs and add it to your cart.
- Confirm your product installation address, then complete your purchase or continue shopping.
Once ordered, the KNOX-BOX will be delivered, and you can arrange for its installation at your property.
KNOX-BOX Information
The KNOX-BOX you purchase will come to you unlocked and will not include a key. Once the product is installed and you have the additional keys to place in the KNOX-BOX, contact our office, 806-378-9092, and we will schedule a time to lock the KNOX-BOX.