Online Electronic Plan Submittal – E-Permits

First time users will need to register for an account. 

Make sure you are selecting the correct application type in order to avoid any unexpected delays! 

Here are the steps for applying through E-Permits:

1. Access the E-Permits platform and log in
2. Navigate to the "Projects" section
3. Click on "Apply"
4. Locate your address on the map by either entering it or zooming in and double-clicking on the location
5. A "Red Pin" will appear on the map, and all associated data will be retrieved by E-Permits. If the address is incorrect, you can correct it on the next page
6. Click on the green "Apply" button
7. In the selection labeled "Application," choose "Small Tenant Improvement/Tenant Space"
8. Provide the required detailed information and click on "Next"
9. Complete the application page and click on "Next"
10. Upload all the necessary documents, and once finished, click on "Next"
11. Finally, review the disclaimer, select "Agree," and then click on "Submit Application"

All tenants are required to obtain a tenant improvement permit before occupying a space or building.

Occupancies under 5,000 square feet listed below can be submitted under small tenant improvement. Qualifying types of occupancies:

• Mercantile (Retail)
• Business (Office)
• S-1 (Moderate Hazard Storage)
• S-2 (Low Hazard/Non-Combustible Storage)
• F-1 (Moderate Hazard Industrial)
• F-2 (Low-Hazard Industrial)
• U (Miscellaneous)

Exception: Tenant Improvements that include but not limited to: Assembly with occupant load of 50+, Tire Storage, Paint & Body Shop, High Hazard High-Pile Storage, Combustible liquids (including Paints), Flammable solids or liquids, Organic peroxides, Oxidizers, Pyrophoric & Cryogenic fluids are subject to Commercial Building review.

Fire Code Permits & Fee Schedule (PDF)

Currently Adopted Codes (PDF)

Food Establishments

Harris County Fire Code Frequently Asked Questions

State Requirements for Engineers

State Requirements for Architects

Request Open Records/Plans

Once the inspection request has been submitted and additional information is needed, contact the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office at (713) 274-1730 or email Fire Marshal support.

When the Fire Marshal has approved the pre-inspection documents for fire inspection, complete the inspection request form entering the required information and submit it using Inspection Forms.

If your project requires a Pre-Inspection Document, please select from the list below, fill out, and attach before submitting to [email protected]

• As-built Certificate (Fire Code)
• Fire Alarm Installation Certificate (SF035)
• Fire Extinguisher System Installation Certificate (SF205)
• Contractor's Material and Test Certification for Aboveground Piping (SF041)
• Contractor's Material and Test Certification for Underground Piping (SF042)

When the receipt of the fire marshal’s email of approval has been received for the pre-inspection documents to request the fire inspection, complete the inspection request form entering the required information and submit.

Once the inspection request has been submitted and you need to obtain information regarding your request, contact the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office at 713-274-1730 or email [email protected].

Application and plans will be reviewed and processed. An application fee will be assigned to the project once the first review has been completed or the project is approved. The application fee, permit fee, and admin fee (if applicable) must be paid prior to downloading the approved plans or the reviewer’s comments.

HARRIS COUNTY SMALL TENANT IMPROVEMENT PLAN SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

• Floor Plan – The floor plan should be neatly prepared, clearly legible, and include a fully detailed and dimensioned interior layout of the occupied floor plan, including room labels for all sections in which the tenant is occupying/proposing
• Site Plan – The site plan should show the building, cross streets, and identify the lease space within the building
• If a restaurant has an occupant load of 49 or less, provide an approved stamped floor plan from the Public Health Department (see link below)
  • Approved Floor Plan from the Public Health Department for Food Establishment Projects Food Establishment Procedure (PDF)

Fire Code Review Group
(713) 274-3922
Email Fire Code Review Group

Permits Main Phone
(713) 274-3900