The Fire Department Mission: “To serve and protect our community through education, prevention, preparedness and response.”
The Bureau of Fire Prevention is tasked with overseeing Fire Code compliance to promote fire safety.
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 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.
New Increased Fee Ordinance: City Council adopted new fee ordinance effective October 1, 2024, including increasing most Fire fees by approximately 12.5%, as can be viewed here starting on Page 26 under XXI (Fire Code-related fees).
Fire Marshal Alerts/Policy Changes
Some major changes in the current Fire Code:
- 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, or exceeds 100,000 sq. ft. in floor area, or 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 licensed/certified 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, OR instead of testing, an ERRCS may be installed – see below for permitting requirements.
- Any high-rise construction shall require installation of an ERRCS via distributed antenna system with BDA.
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Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS), or Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES) as they are now being referred to, are required to be permitted through the FWFD via the online permitting portal at: https://aca-prod.accela.com/CFW/Default.aspx. Just click on Fire, then Create an Application, then select ‘Other System’ from the Fire Permits drop down, then just follow the steps. Cost for the permit is $275 per building at this time.
- Upload your design plan for the system being installed, including floor plans identifying approximate wiring routing and antennas, BDA, etc., along with all product data, and the contact for the company providing support and installation. The FCC is requiring that signal boosters be registered, including both Class A and B devices.
- 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. Our portable radios can be checked out from our IT Solutions department by requesting a ticket for such at: https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/it-solutions/cfwradios
- Once these test results are received identifying passing of the installed system, Fire Inspection may then be requested of the subject permit for final approval.
- Open parking garages now require fire sprinklers dependent upon their height, size, etc. (Section 903), and all parking garage fire sprinkler systems shall be designed to a minimum Ordinary Hazard Group 2 in accordance with the current NFPA 13 requirements based on the increased hazards found in those occupancies with plastics, etc.
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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.
- Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) are now required as per Appendix L.” and delete the rest of the paragraph.
Tent and Membrane Structures
A Tent/Canopy Permit is required for any tent or canopy 400 sq. ft. or larger regardless of side walls or any size cooking tent or canopy. The Tent/Canopy Permit must be submitted at least 14 days before the start of the event. The Tent/Canopy Permit Fee is $150. Any submittal after the 14 days will be assessed a $100 late fee. All tents/canopies must comply with applicable fire, safety, and other codes in effect during the dates of the permit.
Please apply online at https://aca-prod.accela.com/CFW/Default.aspx
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.