Qualifications for Express Review

Harris County allows Express Fire Code Plan Review, for permitting of certain smaller, lower hazard spaces.  This review does not require plans drawn by an Engineer or Architect.  Plans may be drawn by the applicant but must be accurate, legible and contain all pertinent information.  Express review will be followed up with an inspection by the Harris County Fire Marshal.  Once the facility has passed inspection, a Certificate of Compliance OR a Certificate of Inspection will be issued.

If you do not meet the following qualifications, please choose Fire Code Plan Review:

Does my project qualify for express review?
For New Facilities (spaces that were never occupied before)

1. Is your lease space 5,000 sq. feet or less?
2. Is your lease space one of the qualifying occupancy types?
   • Mercantile (Retail)
   • Business (Office)
   • S-2 (Low Hazard/Non-Combustible Storage)
   • F-2 (Low-Hazard Industrial)

1. Is your lease space 5,000 sq. feet or less?
2. Does your lease space quality for other than occupancies H (hazardous) or I (institutional)
3. Special circumstances will be dealt with on a case by case basis as determined by the Building Official

• Express Fire Code Application
• Site Plan (see example under supporting information)
• Floor Plan (see example under supporting information)

Procedures

Subject	File Type
Express Lease Space Flyer

Required Forms

Subject	File Type
Express Fire Code Application

Subject	File Type
Site Plan
Retail Floor Plan
Office Floor Plan
Food Service Establishment Floor Plan
Dentist Office Floor Plan
Daycare Facility Floor Plan
Blank Grid Sheet (May be used for drawing your plans)
State Requirements for an Architect
State Requirements for an Engineer
Harris County Department of Health
Fire Department Locator (HCFMO)