Fire Marshal Permit Process

Completed permit applications and PDF-formatted plans must be submitted to the Victoria County Fire Marshal’s Office for review. Submissions may be emailed or delivered as directed by the Fire Marshal’s Office.

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Effective January 1, 2026

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all new commercial construction, commercial alterations, and changes of occupancy within Victoria County are reviewed for compliance with applicable fire and life safety standards prior to the commencement of construction.

Pursuant to the authority granted under Texas law, and consistent with guidance from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office, Victoria County requires permits, plan review, and approval by the Fire Marshal’s Office before any such work may begin.

For purposes of plan review, inspection, and enforcement, Victoria County utilizes the provisions of NFPA 1 Fire Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code as the minimum fire and life safety standards applicable to commercial development.

This policy is adopted as an administrative and regulatory measure to support inspection, plan review, and fee assessment activities, and does not constitute the formal adoption of a fire code under Texas Local Government Code § 233.061.

Applicability

• All new commercial construction  
• All commercial remodeling or renovation  
• Tenant finish-outs and build-outs  
• Any change of occupancy  
• Projects requiring installation, modification, or removal of fire protection systems

Failure to obtain a permit may result in stop-work orders, penalties, re-inspection fees, and citations as allowed by law.

Plan Review Requirements

The following must be submitted for plan review:

• Construction drawings
• Fire protection system shop drawings
• Site plan
• Scope of work letters
• Applicable state permits (if required)

Permit Application Process

1. Submit the required permit application.
2. Pay required fees according to the adopted fee schedule.
3. Fire Marshal plan review for NFPA compliance. Plans must be submitted as a single PDF file on a USB drive or as otherwise approved.
4. Permit issuance upon approval. No work may begin until the permit is issued.

• Construction progress inspections  
• Fire sprinkler and fire alarm rough-in inspections  
• Hydrostatic testing and system acceptance testing  
• Final fire and life safety inspection

 Enforcement