Austin Fire Permits

Austin Fire is responsible for issuing various types of permits including those for public assembly, high-piled combustible storage, aboveground hazardous materials and special events. The department also tracks fire protection system compliance in commercial building across the City.

Public Assembly Permits

Criteria

An annual Public Assembly Permit is required for public establishments who anticipate or operate at an occupancy rate of 50 or more people, and whose gross sales constitute at least 51% alcohol.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Public Assembly Permit and Inspection Request Form.

High-Piled Combustible Storage Permits

Criteria

The 2021 International Fire Code, as amended by the City of Austin, requires some businesses that store combustible materials in closely packed piles or on pallets, in racks or on shelves, to obtain/maintain a High-Piled Combustible Storage Operational Permit, which is good for three years from the date of issuance. The need for the permit is dependent on height and class of combustible commodity. This requirement allows AFD to track potential hazards and share relevant safety information with firefighters about locations.

How to Apply

Complete and submit the High-Piled Combustible Storage Permit Application.

Additional Resources

Aboveground Hazardous Materials Permits

Criteria

The 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), as amended by the City of Austin, requires that some businesses that store or use specific quantities or types of hazardous materials aboveground obtain an Aboveground Hazardous Materials Permit. The chemical quantities requiring a permit can be very small, if a highly toxic, flammable, or reactive chemical is present. Likewise, less hazardous chemicals do not require a permit unless much larger quantities are present.

This requirement allows Austin Fire to minimize chemical safety incident risk, track potential hazards and inform responding firefighters about specific chemical hazards at certain locations.

How to Apply

To apply for a new Aboveground Hazardous Materials permit, or renew an existing one, follow the detailed instructions included in the Hazardous Material Permit Application (PDF) to complete the required fields and submit.

The fee for the storage permits varies depending on the type of material and quantity stored. An estimate of the permit cost will be provided at the time of submission, and a bill with the final fee will be provided once the application is reviewed and approved.

Permit Section Contact Information

Aboveground Hazardous Material Permits for aboveground storage of chemicals and hazardous products are obtained through the Austin Fire Marshal’s Office. For questions about the process, call the Aboveground Hazardous Materials Permit Section Support Staff at 512-974-0160, option 3 or email afdhazmat@austintexas.gov.

Permit Engineer Contact Information

Much of the 2021 and 2024 IFC addresses safety issues relating to preventing chemical accidents and limiting their consequences. These include provisions for operational controls, special building requirements, sprinkler protection, exhaust, electrical systems, separation distances, and maintenance for both new and existing buildings. Austin Fire engineers are available to answer IFC hazardous material questions. Email inquiries to fireprevention@austintexas.gov.

Additional Resources

Special Events Permits

Criteria

Austin Fire's Special Events Division enforces fire safety requirements for temporary events as part of the multi-departmental Austin Center for Events (ACE).

How to Apply

Complete and submit the Austin Center for Events Application.

Additional Resources

ACE Guide (PDF)

Fire Protection Systems

Criteria

Fire protection systems in commercial buildings must comply with City ordinances. Verification of fire system compliance must be submitted through The Compliance Engine (TCE) by third-party inspection companies. Acceptance tests, Annual reports, 6-month reports (kitchen hoods only) deficiencies, and repairs are all required to be submitted through the TCE by the fire system inspection companies.

How to Apply

Inspection companies must register and sign-up for training on The Compliance Engine site.

Inspection Company Resources

Contractor Notification (PDF)

Management Company Resources

Property Notification (PDF)

Note: FPS applications are no longer required. It remains the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that their system(s) are in compliance with the current adopted fire code (PDF).