Permits and Inspections

South Montgomery County Fire Department ESD #8 has changed its fire protection permitting and plans review process as of January 1st, 2025. To verify if your project is within ESD#8, please visit www.smcfdpermits.org. Please take a moment to go over the process as listed below. If you have further questions, please feel free to email inspections@mcesd8.org

South Montgomery County Emergency Services District #8 has approximately 2,800 businesses in its jurisdiction, and the Fire Inspector works with business owners and tenants to ensure these businesses are (and stay) up to code. Montgomery County adopted and enforced the 2018 International Fire Code under the authority of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Trusted Companies to Help Businesses Meet Code

A list of trusted, professional companies that can help businesses ensure they’re up to code before an inspection (such as fire lane striping, sprinkler, and fire alarm companies) is available by clicking here.

You may also view the South Montgomery County Fire Department fee schedule, all inspection forms, and other informational materials on the Resource page.

Contacting the Inspections Division

You can reach the Inspections Division at inspections@mcesd8.org.

 

The Permit Application Process

  1. This permitting process is NOT for new Fire Code permits. Please visit www.mctx.org and locate the permit department.
  2. The applicant must visit www.smcfdpermits.org and apply for the permit. You must upload the plans, your professional license, and insurance information during the application process.
  3. The South Montgomery County Fire Department ESD NO. 8 will process the permit application, and you will receive an email with the permit fee and instructions on how to pay it.
  4. After submitting the permit application, a plans reviewer will review the plans, typically within seven to 10 business days.
    Note: Under Local Government Code 233, Montgomery County must review and approve or reject the plans within 30 days.
  5. After the review, the permit applicant will receive an email notification that their plans have been approved or rejected. The permit applicant can log in to www.smcfdpermits.org at any time to view the permit's status and download plan review documents.
  6. All inspections shall be requested through the online portal at www.smcfdpermits.org.
  7. Once all work has been completed, every permit pulled must complete a final inspection, which is requested at www.smcfdpermits.org.

Commercial occupancies that begin construction before receiving the proper permitting will incur an additional fee equal to the original fee. Both fees are payable directly to the MCESD #8.

Projects that need 3 or more inspections by the Fire Marshal’s office will incur a Re-Inspection fee per each subsequent visit.

 

Life Safety Inspections

The Inspection Division performs life safety inspections yearly for numerous types of occupancies, including daycares, foster homes, assisted living facilities, massage establishments, and schools.

To request a life safety inspection:

  1. The applicant must visit www.smcfdpermits.org and Request a Life Safety Inspection. The applicant must fill out the request online.
  2. Once the South Montgomery County Fire Department processes the inspection request, the applicant will receive an email with any due fees. The inspection will not be scheduled until all fees are paid.
  3. If you have any questions regarding an inspection, please call the Inspection Division at 281-363-3473.

City of Oak Ridge North Texas Permits

Permitting information for the City of Oak Ridge, North Texas, is available here.

 

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