Aerosol Products

Aerosol Products operational permit is required to manufacture, store or handle an aggregate quantity of Level 2 or Level 3 aerosol products more than 500 pounds net weight. All Aerosol Products shall also meet the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Operation Permit if quantities or contents classify them as a Hazardous Materials. If not classified as Hazardous Materials the storage of aerosol products must meet the requirements for the Aerosol Products operational permit and shall be renewed on an annual basis. Aerosol products are defined by the adopted code as, a combination of a container, a propellant and a material that is dispensed. Aerosol products shall be classified by means of the calculation of their chemical heats of combustion and shall be designated Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.  

• Level 2 aerosol product: Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).
• Level 3 aerosol product: Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30kJ/g).

Amusement Buildings

Special Amusement Building operational permit is required due to the safety concerns as they pertain to the ability of occupants to readily exit in the event of an emergency. Amusement building operational permits shall be renewed annually or if the pathway or movement through the building changes. Special Amusement Building is defined by the adopted code as, a building that is temporary, permanent or mobile that contains a device or system that conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, around or over a course in any direction as a form of amusement arranged so that the egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio distractions or an intentionally confounded egress path, or is not readily available because of the mode of conveyance through the building or structure. 

Aviation Facilities

An operational permit is required to use a Group H or Group S occupancy for aircraft servicing or repair and aircraft fuel-servicing vehicles. Aviation facilities require special permitting because of the highly flammable and combustible products utilized in aviation repairs and fueling. Aviation facility permits shall be renewed every three (3) years. Additional permits may be required by other sections of this code including, but are not limited to, hot work, hazardous materials and flammable or combustible finishes. 

Carnivals and Fairs

Cellulose Nitrate

Combustible Dust-Producing Operations

An operational permit is required to operate a grain elevator, flour starch mill, feed mill, or a plant pulverizing aluminum, coal, cocoa, magnesium, spices or sugar, or other operations producing combustible dusts as defined. Combustible dust-producing permits shall be renewed on an annual basis. Combustible Dust is defined by the approved code as, finely divided solid material which is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dispersed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by a flame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dust will pass through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.

Combustible Fibers

An operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet (2.8 m3). A permit is not required for agricultural storage as defined by this code. Combustible fibers permits shall be renewed on an annual basis. Combustible Dust is defined by the approved code as, readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton.

Compressed Gases

An operational permit is required for the storage, use or handling at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) of compressed gases in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.8 of the adopted code. Exception: Vehicles equipped for and using compressed gas as a fuel for propelling the vehicle. Compressed gases will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Covered and Open Mall Buildings

An operational permit is required for:

• The placement of retail fixtures and displays, concession equipment, displays of highly
• The display of liquid- or gas-fired equipment in the mall.
• The use of open-flame or flame-producing equipment in the mall.

Combustible goods and similar items in the mall.

Covered or open mall facility permits shall be renewed annually or any time that kiosks or displays move in and out of the mall area.

Cryogenic Fluids

An operational permit is required to produce, store, transport on site, use, handle or dispense cryogenic fluids in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.10 of this code. Exception: Permits are not required for vehicles equipped for and using cryogenic fluids as a fuel for propelling the vehicle or for refrigerating the lading. Cryogenic fluid is defined by the approved code as, a fluid having a boiling point lower than -130°F (-89.9°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa). Cryogenic fluids will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Dry Cleaning

Dry Cleaning operations require an operational permit to engage in the business of dry cleaning or to change to a more hazardous cleaning solvent used in existing dry-cleaning equipment.

Exhibits and Trade Shows

An operational permit is required to operate exhibits and trade shows. Exhibits and trade shows will be permitted as a Special Event.

Explosives

An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 56 of the adopted code. Firework displays and use of pyrotechnic or flame effects for entertainment purposes shall be permitted under pyrotechnic special effects material operational permit. Temporary retail sites which move into or open only during the approved firework sales seasons shall not be required to obtain an explosives operational permit. Those firework retail sites which store fireworks while building is not open for retail sales shall be required to obtain this operational permit. Explosive operational permits shall be renewed annually.

Fire Brigades

Flammable and Combustible Liquids

An operational permit is required:

• To use or operate a pipeline for the transportation within facilities of flammable or
• To store, handle or use Class I liquids in excess of 5 gallons (19 L) in a building or in excess of
  • The storage or use of Class I liquids in the fuel tank of a motor vehicle, aircraft, motorboat, mobile power plant or mobile heating plant, unless such storage, in the opinion of the fire code official, would cause an unsafe condition.
  • The storage or use of paints, oils, varnishes or similar flammable mixtures where such
• To store, handle or use Class II or Class IIIA liquids in excess of 25 gallons (95 L) in a building or
• To store, handle or use Class IIIB liquids in tanks or portable tanks for fueling motor vehicles
• To remove Class I or II liquids from an underground storage tank used for fueling motor
• To operate tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations,
• To place temporarily out of service (for more than 90 days) an underground, protected aboveground or above-ground flammable or combustible liquid tank.
• To change the type of contents stored in a flammable or combustible liquid tank to a material that poses a greater hazard than that for which the tank was designed and constructed.
• To manufacture, process, blend or refine flammable or combustible liquids.
• To engage in the dispensing of liquid fuels into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4 of the adopted code or to engage in on-demand mobile fueling operations in accordance with Section 5707 of the adopted code.
• To utilize a site for the dispensing of liquid fuels from tank vehicles into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, marine craft and other special equipment at commercial, industrial, governmental or manufacturing establishments in accordance with Section 5706.5.4 of the adopted code or, where required by the fire code official, to utilize a site for on-demand mobile fueling operations in accordance with Section 5707 of the adopted code.

Flammable and Combustible Liquids will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Floor Finishing

A Floor finishing operational permit is required for floor finishing or surfacing operations exceeding 350 square feet using Class I or Class II liquids. Floor finishing permits shall be issued to a company every two years and not for each job in the jurisdiction.

Fruit and Crop Ripening

An operational permit is required to operate a fruit- or crop-ripening facility or conduct a fruit-ripening process using ethylene gas.

Fumigation and Insecticidal Fogging

An operational permit is required to operate a business of fumigation or insecticidal fogging, and to maintain a room, vault or chamber in which a toxic or flammable fumigant is used.

HPM Facilities

An operational permit is required to store, handle or use hazardous production materials.

Hazardous Materials

An operational permit is required to store, transport on site, dispense, use or handle hazardous materials in excess of the amounts listed in Table 105.6.20 of the adopted code. Hazardous Materials operational permits shall be renewed annually.

• Example Packet
• Hazardous Material Inventory Statement

High Piled Storage

An operational permit is required to use a building or portion thereof with more than 500 square feet (46 m2), including aisles, of high-piled storage. High-piled storage operational permits shall be renewed annually. High-piled storage is defined by the adopted code as, storage of combustible materials in closely packed piles or combustible materials on pallets, in racks or on shelves where the top of storage is greater than 12 feet (3658 mm) in height. Where required by the fire code official, high-piled combustible storage also includes certain high-hazard commodities, such as rubber tires, Group A plastics, flammable liquids, idle pallets and similar commodities, where the top of storage is greater than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height.

Example Packet

Hot Work Operation

Hot work operational permits are required for cutting, welding, brazing, soldering, thawing pipe, and installation of torch-applied roof systems. Permitting is for the use of open flame and in some cases LP-Gas (Roofing). Hot work permits shall be issued to a company on an annual basis to conduct hot work operations in the unincorporated areas of the county and not for each job site or hot work operation in the jurisdiction. This permit shall not be required in an industrial setting where a hot work program is in place and permits are already issued for each job inside of a plant or industrial facility.

Industrial Ovens

An operational permit is required for operation of industrial ovens regulated by Chapter 30 of the adopted fire code. Industrial ovens operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis.

LP-gas

2An operational permit is required for the storage and use of LP-gas or operation of cargo tankers that transport LP-gas. LP-gas will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Liquid-or-Gas-fueled Vehicles or Equipment in Assembly Buildings

An operational permit is required to display, operate or demonstrate liquid- or gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings. Liquid-or-gas-fueled vehicles or equipment in assembly buildings shall be permitted as a Special Event.

Lumber Yards and Woodworking Plants

An operational permit is required to store lumber in excess of one hundred thousand board feet or to store fire wood in excess of ten cords; or to conduct woodworking operations involving mass production or involving more than one of each type of machine, or where machines are used continuously, or substantial products of sawdust may be a problem. Lumberyards, woodworking operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis.

Magnesium

An operational permit is required to melt, cast, heat treat or grind more than 10 pounds (4.54 kg) of magnesium. Magnesium will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Miscellaneous Combustible Storage

An operational permit is required to store in any building or on any premises in excess of 2,500 cubic feet (71 m3) gross volume of combustible empty packing cases, boxes, barrels or similar containers, combustible pallets, rubber tires, rubber, cork or similar

Mobile Food Preparation Vehicles

Mobile food preparation vehicles (MFU’s) require an operational permit to operate in unincorporated Harris County. This includes those vehicles that operate in a fixed location or mobile from location to location. Mobile food vehicles permits shall be renewed on an annual basis or if the vehicle has any change from the approved inspection.

Mobile Re-Fueling

Mobile re-fueling or On-Demand Mobile Fueling Operations shall be approved and permitted annually. Operational permits for this operation shall be issued to the company performing the operation at approved locations. Exception: Mobile Re-fueling Operations conducted for the purpose of an emergency operation shall not require a permit.

Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities

An operational permit is required for the operation of automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities. Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Multiple Tenant/Guestroom Housing

An operational permit is required to own or operate a multiple tenant or guestroom facility. This shall include but not be limited to lodging houses, alternative living facilities, flophouses, and halfway houses. This shall not include motels, hotels, bed and breakfast facilities, or apartments.

Open Flames and Candles

An Open flames and candles operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments. Open flames and candles operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis. The use of fireworks, pyrotechnics, or flame effects is not included in this operational permit. Those devices are permitted under pyrotechnics special effects operational permits. This operational permit does include champagne/birthday sparklers.

Open Flames and Torches

Open flames and torches operational permit is required to remove paint with a torch; or to use a torch or open-flame device in a hazardous fire area. Open flames and torches operational permits shall be issued to companies who perform these operations in unincorporated Harris County and not for each job or operation location.

Organic Coatings

An operational permit is required for any organic-coating manufacturing operation producing more than 1 gallon (4 L) of an organic coating in one day. Organic coatings will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit.

Outdoor Assembly Venue

An operational permit is required to operate open land as a business for assemblies, recreational activities, or gatherings. This shall include but not be limited to ATV parks, outdoor concert venues, outdoor auditoriums, etc..

Places of Assembly

An operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly. This permit requirement shall include but is not limited to any location that allows service and consumption of alcohol on premises regardless of the determined maximum occupant load. Places of Assembly operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis.

Example Packet

Plant Extraction Systems

An operational permit is required to use plant extraction systems.

Private Fire Hydrants

Private fire hydrants operational permit is required for the removal from service, use or operation of private fire hydrants. Any of these factors raise safety concerns as they pertain to life safety for occupants in the event of an emergency. Private fire hydrants operational permits shall be issued each time that a hydrant on a private fire loop is removed from service or any utilization other than use during an emergency or when being inspected or tested. If when the hydrant is tested or inspected and is found to need repair or service, shall require an operational permit. Exception: A permit is not required for private industry with trained maintenance personnel, private fire brigade or fire departments to maintain, test and use private hydrants.

Pyrotechnic Special Effects Materials

A Pyrotechnic special effects material operational permit is required for the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or firework displays, 1.4G with an audience of 50 or more spectators, and firework displays using 1.3G fireworks. This includes the use of any product which produces heat, spark, flames, or smoke of any kind for entertaining an audience. Pyrotechnic special effects material operational permit is for single event and each usage shall require an additional permit.

Pyrotechnics Special Events Materials

Required for use and handling of pyrotechnic special effects material

Pyroxylin Plastics

An Pyroxylin Plastics permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded, and a hazardous materials permit has been applied for in conjunction with the Pyroxylin Plastics permit.

Refrigeration Equipment

An operational permit is required to operate a mechanical refrigeration unit or system regulated by Chapter 6 of the adopted fire code. Refrigeration equipment will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit

Repair Garages and Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities

Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities operational permit is required for operation of repair garages and automotive, marine and fleet motor fuel-dispensing facilities, including fueling with flammable or combustible liquids, liquefied petroleum gases, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, or hydrogen. Repair garages and motor fuel-dispensing facilities operational permits shall be renewed every two years.

Rooftop Heliports

A Rooftop heliports operational permits are required for the operation of a rooftop heliport. Rooftop heliports operational permits shall be renewed every five years.

Special Events

Special Events Permits are required for any organized, temporary event with an estimated number of participants and spectators of 100 or more people set up outdoors in a parking lot, side of the road, open land, or any outdoor venue not generally used for an assembly or using a building for an event with an anticipated occupancy load of 50 or more if the building is not permitted and constructed as an assembly occupancy. These operational permits are unique in nature and usually operate for a short period of time. Special Event permits are for a single use and cannot be renewed unless approved under the original application. Each new event shall require a new application and permit.

• Carnivals and Fairs
• Exhibits and Trade Shows
• Temporary Outdoor Assembly Event
• Temporary Membrane Structures
• Tents and Canopies
• Liquid-or-gas fueled vehicles in assembly buildings

If an event includes the use of pyrotechnics, flame effects, or a firework display 1.4G or 1.3G, a pyrotechnics operational permit is required. A separate application shall be completed by the licensed pyrotechnics shooter or representative company and all required information and documentation as outlined under the pyrotechnic operational permits.

Any event that is anticipated to affect a public roadway including road closures, SHALL have the application, including road closure plans, submitted no later than 90 days prior to the intended start date of the event. The application packet will be forwarded to the Harris County Traffic Division for review and approval. However, it is recommended that the event coordinator contact the Traffic Division, to answer any additional questions or provide further information if needed. A failure to turn in the Special Event application involving public roadway impact, with less than 90 days’ notice could result in the special event application being denied or permit fees doubled.

All other special events which do not anticipate public roadway impact, SHALL have application packet submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the event start date. A failure to turn in a special event application 30 days prior to the anticipated start date of the event, could result in a denial of permit or double permit fees.

***Note*** The emergency plan shall include the following:  “Any law enforcement office has the authority to shut down the event in the interest of public safety.”

Spraying or Dipping

An operational permit is required to conduct a spraying or dipping operation utilizing flammable or combustible liquids, or the application of combustible powders regulated by Chapter 24 of the adopted fire code. Spraying or Dipping will be permitted under the Hazardous Materials operational permit

Storage of Scrap Tires and Tire Byproducts

An operational permit is required for Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts to establish, conduct or maintain outdoor storage of tires, scrap tires and tire byproducts that exceeds one thousand cubic feet of total volume of scrap tires and for indoor storage of tires and tire byproducts. Storage of scrap tires and tire byproducts operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis or if the pathway or movement through the plant changes.

Temporary Membrane Structures and Tents

An operational permit is required to operate an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary special event structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet (37 m2). If the tent or membrane structure(s) are associated with a special event, the special event permit shall cover the need for permitting. 

Temporary Outdoor Assembly Event

An operational permit is required to conduct a temporary outdoor assembly event where planned attendance exceeds 100 persons and is intended to operate for less than 180 days. All temporary event permits shall be valid for no more than 90 days. If event is intended to exceed 90 days, a new application will be required with inspection and approval to allow for additional days not to exceed a total of 180 days.

Tire-rebuilding Plants

An operational permit is required for the operation and maintenance of a tire-rebuilding plant. Tire-rebuilding plants operational permits shall be renewed every two years.

Wood Products

Wood Products operational permit to store chips, hogged material, lumber or plywood more than 200 cubic feet (6 m3). Wood Products operational permits shall be renewed on an annual basis or if the wood products have changed in there storage/handling arrangements.