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map 		Harris County Fire Marshal
2318 Atascocita Rd
Humble, TX 77396
phone: 281-436-8000
fax: 281-436-8005
 email: FMO Support

Gated and Non-Gated Facilities

 Fee Schedule
  Gated Subdivision Packet
  Gated Multiunit Housing Packet
 
Gated Facilities and Gated Subdivisions

The following is a list of required paperwork and fees necessary for gated subdivision and gated community inspections. Please note that inspections are required by law for gated subdividions and gated communities. These types of facilities shall comply with the gated facility guidelines.
  1. An application for inspection must be sumitted to the HCFMO along with the permit fee for a gated subdivision/community ($50.00). See below on how to apply.
  2. An explanation letter shall be sent to our main office. For your convenience, an example letter in MS Word and .pdf formats have been provided. For additional information please view the examples in the Gated / Non-gated Facilities section. This letter should include the following:
  3. You will need to create two plan drawings or understandable sketches of the gates/entry and provide these to the inspector DURING the inspeciton:
    • Drawing 1
      • Address of the property.
      • Key Map location.
      • Name of the subdivision or community.
      • Contact or manager name.
      • Phone number and email address (if available).
      • Summary description of the work to be approved.
      • Location and type of gates used (automatic, sliding/retracting, manual, etc.
      • Location and operation of the manual override of fail-safe system.
      • Location of the EAAP.
      • Any other significant information.
    • Drawing 2
      • Overall drawing of the primary entrance gates.
      • Width of the gate(s).
      • Type of gate operation (swing, slide etc.) and the direction of operation.
      • Distance from public road to the gate(s).
      • Location of the reader/gate control panel (card reader, key pad, telephone entry, etc.) and measurements in relation to gates and public road.
      • Location of EAAP and measurements in relation to reader/gate control panel and gates.
      • Location of manual override or fail-safe system and measurements in relation to EAAP reader/gate control panel, gates and public road.
      • Location of devices that operates vehicular gates by means of pulleys, arms, chains etc.
After applying, an on-site inspection of the entry system and signage will be scheduled and provided. A permit will be granted upon successful compliance.
 
 
Apply Online

You can now apply for an inspection online and pay by either credit card or check!! This method will save you time in some cases a trip to our office. Applications processed online typically take 3-6 business days fewer to process and you are encouraged to use this method. If you wish to apply online, please use the link below:



If you have any advice on how we can improve this application process, please send your comments to FMO Support.


Apply By Mail

If you do NOT wish to pay by credit card or check and prefer applying by mail with a cashiers check or money order, you will need to
  1. Download this Inspection Application
  2. Download the Fee Schedule
  3. Mail in the completed application along with a cashiers check or money order in the amount of $50 made out to the Harris County Fire Marshal to the following address: 2318 Atascocita Rd. Humble, TX 77396.

Please note that applying by mail may add an additional 3-6 business days to process your inspection. Also, if the application is incomplete we will have to send the entire packet back to you which may lead to further processing time. If you need your inspection quickly, please use the above option called "Apply Online".


 
Gated Facilities Steps  
 
Step 1 Review the instruction packet. Also refer to examples and the information on non-gated faclities below. For your convenience, an example letter in MS Word and .pdf formats have been provided.
Step 2 Request and obtain an inspection application and required Knox Box order form from the HCFMO.
Step 3 Consider consulting an access gate company before ordering any KNOX device. Order and include payment for the appropriate number and type of device(s) from the KNOX company directly.
Step 4 Prominently display the required building identification signs.
Step 5 Upon receipt of the devices from KNOX, about 2-3- weeks following the received order, install all the devices.
Step 6 Prepare and compile the required documents itemized in Section 4 of the instruction packet. Provide it to the inspector on the date the inspection is conducted. Failure to do so will result in inspection disapproval and necessitate a second inspection and fee.
Step 7  Call your local Volunteer Fire Department to schedule a visit. Fire personnel will make arrangements to secure-lock your KNOX devices and padlocks.
Step 8 Return the completed inspection application with the required fee.
Step 9 Upon receiving the application, an HCFMO inspector will call within 15 working days to schedule an inspection date.
Step 10 On date of the inspection, provide the required documentation to the HCFMO inspector. The inspector will drive and walk the property to ensure proper building signage. Upon completion, an approval or disapproval letter (stating any corrective action necessary) will be mailed within 2-3 working days.
 
Non-gated Facilities Steps

Step 1 Review the instruction packet. Also refer to examples below and the information on gated faclities above. Please disregard the sections referring to access gates and KNOX devices as your property is not gated. Driveway entrance width requirements will, however, apply to your location.
Step 2 Request and obtain an inspection application from the HCFMO.
Step 3 Prominently display the required building identification signs.
Step 4 Prepare and compile the required documents itemized in Section 4 of the instruction packet. Provide it to the inspector on the date the inspection is conducted. Failure to do so will result in inspection disapproval and necessitate a second inspection and fee. Again, please disregard the required documents regarding access gates and placement of locks only.
Step 5 Return the completed inspection application with the required fee.
Step 6 Upon receiving the application, an HCFMO inspector will call within 15 working days to schedule an inspection date.
Step 7 On date of the inspection, provide the required documentation to the HCFMO inspector. The inspector will drive and walk the property to ensure proper building signage. Upon completion, an approval or disapproval letter (stating any corrective action necessary) will be mailed within 2-3 working days.


  Examples (click to enlarge)