map		 Harris County Fire Marshal
2318 Atascocita Rd.
Humble, TX 77396

Subdivisions
 
Requirements |  Procedure 

 Fee Schedule
 Inspection Application

Please note that the inspection process for subdivisions is required per subchapter E. Gated Communities and Multi-unit Projects (Sec 352.111).


Requirements

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. The HCFMO Fire and Life Safety Application form must be sumitted to the HCFMO.
  2. The permit fee for a gated subdivision/community is $50.00.
  3. 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:
    • 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.
  4. A drawing plan or understandable sketch of the gates/entry shall also be submitted and shall include the following:
    • 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 these items are sent to the HCFMO main office, an on-site inspection of the entry system and signage will be scheduled and provided. A permit will be granted upon successful compliance.


 
Procedure

Step 1 Request and obtain an inspection application and required Knox Box order form from the HCFMO. Review the instruction packet.  Also refer to the information found in Gated / Non-gated Facilities. 
Step 2 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 3 Upon receipt of the devices from KNOX, about 2-3- weeks following the received order, install all the devices.
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.
Step 5 Call your local Volunteer Fire Department to schedule a visit. Fire personnel will make arrangements to secure-lock your KNOX devices and padlocks.
Step 6 Return the completed inspection application with the required fee.
Step 7 Upon receiving the application, an HCFMO inspector will call within 15 working days to schedule an inspection date.
Step 8 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.