Foster Homes

 
Multi-Unit Housing 

Q: What authority does Commissioners Court have to require standards regarding emergency vehicle access to and building identification of multi-unit housing (apartment, town home and condominium) projects?
A: Local Government Code Sections 352.111-352.120 allow commissioners court of a county to adopt regulations and set standards regarding vehicular or pedestrian gates and building identification. Those projects required to comply shall be inspected and approved by the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office (HCFMO).

Q: How do I schedule an inspection?
A: Install the required signs and protected switches as noted in the information packet. Complete the required documentation described in the information packet. Mail or deliver the documentation to the HCFMO offices along with the inspection fee. An inspector will call you within two weeks to schedule an inspection of the project.

Q: What is the cost for the inspection?
A: $50 payable by cash, cashiers check or money order. No company or personal checks.

Q: If the project does not pass the inspection initially, can it be re-inspected?
A: Yes. The cost is $25 and payable in the same manner. If the project still does not pass inspection, a Fire Marshal’s Order may be issued - a violation of which is a Class B Misdemeanor with a maximum fine of $1500.

Q: Are any projects grandfathered under the code?
A: No. All existing and newly constructed projects must comply by October 1, 2003.


Gates and Driveways

Q: If the project does not have access gates, does it still have to be inspected?
A: Yes. The regulations regarding building unit number/letter signage still apply. The costs and penalties are the same. (refer to Building Identification )

Q: What are the gate requirements?
A: At least one approved gated entrance meeting the standards is required. The minimum width of the vehicular gate must be a 14-foot clear opening width. The driveway must be a minimum of 28 feet wide to allow for entrance and egress. This entry must be free and clear of obstructions, which may entail the repositioning of card readers, telephone entry devices or remote control devices. Such equipment may be installed within the curbside area. If a concrete island, where a reader or entry device is located, separates the 28-foot driveway, a 13-foot clearance in both directions is permissible.

Q: What about pedestrian gates that control access to a building?
A: This type of gate must also afford emergency personnel ready access to all units in each building. (Refer to Emergency Access Activation Point & Locks FAQ)

Q: If the project wishes to have new gates installed or needs to have existing gate(s) altered to meet the requirements, can you recommend a gate company?
A: No. The property owner should be familiar with the gate company that installed the existing gates. If not, several gate companies with expertise in this area are listed in the phone book. Apartment association groups may be able to recommend a gate company.

Q: How far from the roadway do the gates have to be located?
A: The distance from the road to the approved entrance gate shall be no less than 30 feet. This allows for sufficient turn radii and protection for emergency vehicles from roadway traffic.

Emergency Access Activation Point (EEAP) & Lock

Q:  What is an EAAP?
A: This is a protected switch approved by the HCFMO in the form of a key switch, padlock or lock box. It is in a designated location and readily available to emergency response personnel. It shall not exceed 5 feet in height and must be easily accessible from outside the vehicle or pedestrian access gate.

Q:  Are all locked access gates required to have an HCFMO approved protected switch?
A: Yes, as emergency personnel may need to access the property from more than one gated location.

Q:  What if my project already has padlocks, key switches or lock boxes on the access gates? And some of these locks are KNOX locks.
A: All existing padlocks and key switches must be changed out to afford access to emergency response personnel countywide. Existing boxes secured with a padlock only need not be changed. The padlock securing the box, however, must be changed.

Q:  How much do these key switches, padlocks or lock boxes cost?
A: Protected switches must be purchased from the KNOX Company only. The company can be reached at 1-800-552-5669 or online at www.knoxbox.com/store. Prices range from $65-$85 for padlocks or key switches and $180-$310 for lock boxes. Shipping and handling is extra

Q:  How do I order these key switches, padlocks, lock boxes and who installs them?
A: KNOX BOX forms must be obtained from the HCFMO offices by phone, letter or in person. Having received the form, contact an access gate company before ordering any device to ensure proper installation. After placing the order, the protected switch(es) should arrive in 2-3 weeks. Lock boxes and key switches will require professional gate company installation. After the boxes or switches are mounted, contact your local volunteer fire department. Fire department personnel will make arrangements to meet you at the project and secure-lock the boxes, key switches and any of the required padlocks.

Q:  Who will have keys to these locks?
A: Initially, only firefighters and emergency medical personnel responding to calls for service will have key access. No keys will be provided to access gate companies, project personnel or property owners. Selected law enforcement patrol personnel will be issued keys at a later date. Keys will be issued through a key coordinator with the HCFMO only and a strict accountability program will be enforced.

Building Identification

Q:  What type of signage for each building is required?
A: The sign must display the individual number/letter of the building and the range of unit numbers within the respective building. It must be easily visible from the vehicular driving areas on the project. There is no required sign size but the letters and/or numbers must be at least four inches high and in a contrasting color compared to the building.

Q:  Do the signs have to be replaced if the buildings already have numbers/letters showing what unit numbers are in each building?
A: No, not if the signs meet the criteria as mentioned above.

Q:  Any other signage recommendations?
A: Yes. The signs should be of weather-resistive material and placed at either the ends or corners of the buildings, as long as they are visible from driving areas. A black background with white, light reflective letters is easily seen in low-light conditions.