Fire Prevention

Fire Prevention works to prevent fires through education, engineering, and enforcement. Services include fire investigation, review of fire protection system plans for new construction and development, issuance of fire code permits, and annual inspections for all businesses within city limits.

Accepted forms of payment include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check, and money orders.

Schedule an inspection: (940) 349-8863
Email for questions: fireprevention@cityofdenton.com
Email to send permit submittals: building@cityofdenton.com

We no longer accept paper permit submittals. To submit plans for review electronically, send all required documents, along with the permit application, to building@cityofdenton.com. A permit technician will contact you for payment. The turnaround time for plans is approximately 2-3 weeks.

If you are conducting annual fire protection systems tests, a fire inspector does not need to be present. Be sure to put the system on test to avoid false alarm calls to our 9-1-1 dispatch.

Frequently asked questions

How do I schedule an inspection?
Call (940) 349-8863 to schedule and annual fire inspection or fire permit inspection. To schedule a fire final for a building permit or a certificate of occupancy inspection or reinspection, call Building Safety at (940) 349-8360.
Who can schedule inspections?
If the inspection is related to a permit, the permit application must schedule the inspection. Residents can schedule any inspections related to foster care. Business owners can schedule their annual fire inspections.
When will a fire inspector inspect my business?
Ideally, a fire inspector will conduct an inspection of every business in the City of Denton annually. Higher hazard occupancies may be inspected more frequently. Fire inspectors will also conduct code check inspections any time a complaint has been made.
What fees are associated with permits and inspections?
You can find our schedule of fees on our Fire Prevention page under “Helpful Resources”.
Is a fire inspector required to be on site during sprinkler or fire alarm testing?
No, the City amended our ordinance so that a fire inspector is no longer required to be on site during any fire protection systems annual testing. The fire contractor is required to upload inspection reports to The Compliance Engine and our fire inspectors will review the reports and follow up on any deficiencies.
What is The Compliance Engine?
The Compliance Engine is a third-party company the City of Denton has contracted with to streamline the review of fire protection system deficiencies.

Construction Permits

Automatic Fire-Extinguishing System
Information: A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with the International Fire Code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA, specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed, and calculation sheets.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Inspections could include a visual and hydrostatic test. Acceptance test inspections are required.

Fees: $200 per system (per riser for sprinkler systems)
Compressed Gases
Information: Where the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.8 (below), a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system. Exceptions include routine maintenance and emergency repair work performed on an emergency basis, but an application for permit shall be made within two working days of commencement of work.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit a scope of work letter, and floor plan or site plan showing location of compressed gases. Also include safety data sheets for each type of gas, amounts stored, and methods of storage. If the gases are to be used, include information on what they are used for and amounts that will be used.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Fire Alarm and Detection Systems
Information: A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.

All new and replacement fire alarm systems serving 20 or more alarm actuating devices shall be addressable fire alarm systems. All fire alarm systems shall be installed utilizing Class “A" wiring for all signaling, initiating, and indicating circuits. Class "A" wiring shall be designed to comply with NFPA 72.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA 72, and specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Acceptance test

Fees: $200 per panel
Fire Pumps and Related Equipment
Information: A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers, and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA, and specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Acceptance test

Fees: $200
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Information: A construction permit is required:
1. To install, repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids.
2. To install, construct or alter tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.
Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit a scope of work letter, and floor plan or site plan showing location of flammable and combustible liquids. Also include safety data sheets for each type of liquid, amounts stored, and methods of storage. When flammable liquids tanks are to be installed, include the tank specification sheets. When tanks are being removed, include TCEQ approval letter.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 per tank
Gates and Barricades Across Fire Apparatus Roads
Information: A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to a gate or barricade across a fire apparatus access road.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit a scope of work letter, and site plan showing location of the gate or barricade. Also include gate specifications, clear open width of gate, and Opticom® for mechanically-operated gates. Manual gates, when approved by fire code official, shall be equipped with a Knox® lock.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
High-Piled Combustible Storage
Information: A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to a structure exceeding 500 square feet, including aisles, for high-piled combustible storage. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. The construction documents shall include all of the following:
1. Floor plan of the building showing locations and dimensions of high-piled storage areas.
2. Usable storage height for each storage area.
3. Number of tiers within each rack, if applicable.
4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.
5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.
6. Maximum pile volume for each storage array.
7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203.
8. Location of commodities that are banded or encapsulated.
9. Location of required fire department access doors.
10. Type of fire suppression and fire detection systems.
11. Location of valves controlling the water supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers.
12. Type, location and specifications of smoke removal and curtain board systems.
13. Dimension and location of transverse and longitudinal flue spaces.
14. Additional information regarding required design features, commodities, storage arrangement and fire protection features within the high-piled storage area shall be provided at the time of permit, where required by the fire code official.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Private Fire Hydrants
Information: A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA, and specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Inspections could include a visual, hydrostatic test, and flush. Acceptance test inspections are required.

Fees: $200
Special Event Structure
Information: A single construction permit is required to erect and take down a temporary special event structure. Temporary special event structures in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2) shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining approval and a permit from the fire code official and the building official.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. The following documents shall be submitted to the fire code official and the building official for review before a permit is approved:
1. Construction documents: Construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional in accordance with the International Building Code and ANSI E1.21 where applicable. Construction documents shall include:
  1. A summary sheet showing the building code used, design criteria, loads and support reactions.
  2. Detailed construction and installation drawings.
  3. Design calculations.
  4. Operating limits of the structure explicitly outlined by the registered design professional including environmental conditions and physical forces.
  5. Effects of additive elements such as video walls, supported scenery, audio equipment, vertical and horizontal coverings.
  6. Means for adequate stability including specific requirements for guying and cross-bracing, ground anchors or ballast for different ground conditions.
2. Designation of responsible party: The owner of the temporary special event structure shall designate in writing a person to have responsibility for the temporary special event structure on the site. The designated person shall have sufficient knowledge of the construction documents, manufacturer’s recommendations and operations plan to make judgments regarding the structure’s safety and to coordinate with the fire code official.
3. Operations plan: The operations plan shall reflect manufacturer’s operational guidelines, procedures for environmental monitoring and actions to be taken under specified conditions consistent with the construction documents.
Inspections Required: The owner of a temporary special event structure shall employ a qualified, independent approved agency or individual to inspect the installation of a temporary special event structure. The inspecting agency or individual shall furnish an inspection report to the fire code official.

Fees: $200
Standpipe Systems
Information: A construction permit is required for the installation, modification or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA, and specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Inspections could include a visual, hydrostatic test, and flush. Acceptance test inspections are required.

Fees: $200
Underground Fire Line
Information: A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with the International Fire Code is not considered a modification and does not require a permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Construction permit application. Submit shop drawings in accordance with IFC and NFPA, specification sheets or cut sheets for equipment to be installed, and calculation sheets.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Inspections could include a visual, hydrostatic test, and flush.

Fees: $200 per riser stub out

Operational Permits

Carnivals and Fairs
Information: An operational permit is required to conduct a carnival or fair.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a public safety plan, insurance certificates for rides, and a site plan showing locations of: booths, stages, and structures; first aid stations; information and ticket booths; boundaries of event; fire extinguishers; severe weather shelters; fire/EMS access roads; assembly areas and approximate occupant amounts; and parking.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Compressed Gases
Information: An operational permit is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.8 (below). Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle do not require a permit.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a scope of work letter, and floor plan or site plan showing location of compressed gases. Also include safety data sheets for each type of gas, amounts stored, and methods of storage. If the gases are to be used, include information on what they are used for and amounts that will be used.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
Exhibits and Trade Shows
Information: An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a public safety plan and map that shows location of: booths, stages, and structures; first aid stations; information and ticket booths; fire extinguishers; marked exits; and parking.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Explosives
Information: An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of the 2018 International Fire Code Chapter 56.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. For public fireworks displays, submit a public safety plan including plan establishing procedures to follow and actions to be taken in the event that a shell fails to ignite in, or discharge from, a mortar or fails to function over the fallout area or other malfunctions shall be provided to the fire code official. Also include a site plan showing the location of: fireworks discharge area; audience (include distance from audience to discharge area); the location of buildings, highways, overhead obstructions and utilities; and fire extinguishers. Also submit a certificate of liability insurance and a detailed shot list.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Information: An operational permit is required:
1. To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or combustible liquids. This requirement shall not apply to the off-site transportation in pipelines regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) nor does it apply to piping systems.
2. To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of 10 gallons (37.9 L) outside of a building, except that a permit is not required for the following:
  1. The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the fire code official, would cause an unsafe condition.
  2. The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures where such liquids are stored for maintenance, painting or similar purposes for a period of not more than 30 days.
3. To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or in excess of 60 gallons (227 L) outside a building, except for fuel oil used in connection with oil-burning
4. To store, handle or use Class IIIB liquids in tanks or portable tanks for fueling motor vehicles at motor fuel-dispensing facilities or where connected to fuel burning equipment. Exception: Fuel oil and used motor oil used for space heating or water heating.
5. To remove Class I or II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor vehicles by any means other than the approved, stationary on-site pumps normally used for dispensing purposes.
6. To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used.
7. To place temporarily out of service (for more than 90 days) an underground, protected above-ground or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.
8. To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material that poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed.
9. To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.
10. To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4 or to engage in on demand mobile fueling operations in accordance with Section 5707.
11. To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, marine craft and other special equipment at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4 or, where required by the fire code official, to utilize a site for on-demand mobile fueling operations in accordance with Section 5707.
Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan or site plan showing location of flammable and combustible liquids. Also include safety data sheets for each type of liquid, amounts stored, and methods of storage.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection
Fees: $200 annually
Fruit and Crop Ripening
Information: An operational permit is required to operate a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan or site plan showing location of fruit ripening activities.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection
Fees: $200 annually
Gas and Oil Wells
Information: An operational permit is required to operate gas and oil wells in the incorporated city limits of Denton following the issuance of a gas well permit by the City of Denton in accordance and compliance with all ordinances of the City of Denton, Texas, including without limitation, Subchapter 22 of the Denton Development Code of the City of Denton, Texas.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit the following:
1. A detailed site plan drawing showing the location of tank batteries, above ground pipe, underground transmission pipe
2. A hazardous materials management plan
3. A hazardous materials inventory statement
4. An Emergency Response Plan including the name, address, and a 24-hour phone number of the person to be notified in case of emergency
5. A copy of the Texas Commission on Environment Quality permit
6. A copy of the Texas Railroad Commission permit
Include the gas well name, City of Denton gas well permit number, and the name, phone number, and address of the property owner and mineral rights owner.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually per well head
Hazardous Materials
Information: An operational permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in the 2018 International Fire Code Table 105.6.20.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a Hazardous materials inventory statement, a hazardous materials management plan, a floor plan or site plan showing location of hazardous materials. Also include safety data sheets for each type of liquid, amounts stored, and methods of storage.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
High-Piled Storage
Information: An operational permit is required to use a building or portion thereof with more than 500 square feet (46 m2), including aisles, of high-piled storage.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan showing the following:
1. Locations, dimensions and rack layout of high-piled storage areas.
2. Design storage height for each storage area.
3. Types of commodities.
4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.
5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.
6. For palletized and solid-piled storage, the maximum pile volume for each storage array.
7. Location and classification of commodities in accordance with Section 3203.
8. Location of required fire department access doors.
9. Location of valves controlling the water supply of ceiling and in-rack sprinklers.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
Hot Work Operations
Information: An operational permit is required for hot work including, but not limited to:
1. Public exhibitions and demonstrations where hot work is conducted.
2. Use of portable hot work equipment inside a structure. Exception: Work that is conducted under a construction permit.
3. Fixed-site hot work equipment, such as welding booths.
4. Hot work conducted within a wildfire risk area.
5. Application of roof coverings with the use of an open flame device.
6. Where approved, the fire code official shall issue a permit to carry out a hot work program. This program allows approved personnel to regulate their facility’s hot work operations. The approved personnel shall be trained in the fire safety aspects denoted in this chapter and shall be responsible for issuing permits requiring compliance with the requirements found in Chapter 35. These permits shall be issued only to their employees or hot work operations under their supervision.
Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan or site plan showing location where hot work will be performed.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 (annually for a hot work program)
Miscellaneous Combustible Storage
Information: An operational permit is required to store in any building or on any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, combustible pallets, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar combustible material.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan showing the following:
1. Locations, dimensions and rack layout of high-piled storage areas.
2. Design storage height for each storage area.
3. Types of commodities.
4. Commodity clearance between top of storage and the sprinkler deflector for each storage arrangement.
5. Aisle dimensions between each storage array.
6. Location of required fire department access doors.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
Open Burning
Information: An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to. Exception: Recreational fires, which are prohibited within city limits.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a site plan showing location where burning will occur. Include a detailed narrative stating what will be burned and what fire protection equipment will be used. It is prohibited to burn trash in the city limits.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 per day / Residential only: $100 per day
Open Flames and Candles
Information: An operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a floor plan showing location where open flames will be located and what equipment will produce the open flame. Include on the floor plan the location of exits and fire extinguishers.

Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
Outdoor Assembly Event
Information: An operational permit is required to conduct an outdoor assembly event where planned attendance exceeds 1,000 persons.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a public safety plan, and a site plan showing locations of: booths, stages, and structures; first aid stations; information and ticket booths; boundaries of event; fire extinguishers; severe weather shelters; fire/EMS access roads; assembly areas and approximate occupant amounts; and parking.
Plans may be submitted online electronically or delivered in person to the Development Services Center with three (3) sets of folded paper plans.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200
Places of Assembly
Information: An operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly.

Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $200 annually
Tents or Temporary Membrane Structures
Information: An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2). Exceptions:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Tents open on all sides, which comply with all of the following:
  1. Individual tents having a maximum size of 700 square feet (65 m2).
  2. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 700 square feet (65 m2) total.
  3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be provided.
Submittal Requirements: Complete the Fire Operational permit application. Submit a copy of the flame spread and fire-proofing certificate, a site plan showing the location of the tent in relation to lot lines, parked vehicles, and structures. Also submit a floor plan of the tent showing locations of fire extinguishers, exit signs, and “no smoking” signs.

Inspections Required: Final permit inspection

Fees: $35 per tent