Fire Protection Systems, Permits, and Inspections
- Protection Systems: Alarms, Sprinklers, Hoods, etc.
- Mobile Food Vendors
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Burn Permits
- Recreational Fires
The Importance of Fire and Life Safety Systems Permitting, Plan Review, and Acceptance Testing
At the Bryan Fire Marshal’s Office, we are committed to ensuring that all fire and life safety systems are designed, installed, and maintained in accordance with the highest standards of safety and code compliance. Through our permitting, plan review, and acceptance testing processes, we work diligently to safeguard lives, protect property, and support the responsible growth of our community.
These processes are critical to verifying that fire sprinkler systems, alarms, suppression systems, and related infrastructure function correctly when they are needed most. Whether it’s a new development or a renovation, thorough review and testing help prevent costly failures and ensure timely emergency response capabilities.
We proudly fulfill our mission of providing “Service, Above and Beyond” through:
- Quality customer service that helps contractors and developers navigate code requirements with clarity and efficiency
- Public education that promotes awareness of life safety principles
- Teamwork with city departments, businesses, and citizens to foster a collaborative approach to fire prevention
- Building positive relationships that support a safe and business-friendly environment, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the City of Bryan
By partnering with property owners, design professionals, and contractors, we aim to create a city where safety and progress go hand in hand. Your cooperation in the permitting and inspection process plays a vital role in helping us achieve this goal.
Fire Protection System Permit Application
Accurate and Project-Specific Contact Information
It is essential that the individual listed as the applicant is the most appropriate contact based on the project’s scope and needs. The applicant will serve as the primary point of contact for the plan review process and will be responsible for requesting and scheduling acceptance testing.
Please do not provide generic office contact information (such as a receptionist, office email, or general phone number) unless it leads directly to the individual responsible for managing the permit. Accurate contact information is necessary to avoid delays in communication, plan review, and inspection scheduling.
This process helps ensure smooth coordination, timely approvals, and effective communication between the Fire Marshal’s Office and the professionals responsible for fire and life safety systems in the City of Bryan.
Fees and Inspection
Construction Permit Fees
Construction permit fees are based on the scope of work and may vary depending on factors such as new construction or modifications to existing systems, as well as the number components withing the system. The permit fee includes the cost of plan review and acceptance testing inspections. Additional fees may be assessed for reinspection’s or repeat inspections due to non-compliance. Final fee amounts will be determined during the plan review process to ensure accurate assessment. Applicants are encouraged to review the current fee schedule prior to submittal.
Phased Construction and Multiple System Permits
When a project includes multiple fire protection systems that will not be constructed and commissioned simultaneously, and/or when phased construction is approved, each system or phase may require a separate permit application. The need for separate permits shall be determined at the discretion of the Fire Code Official. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate early with the Fire Department to clarify permitting requirements for phased or multi-system projects.
Inspection Readiness and Scheduling Policy
To ensure timely and efficient service for all customers, acceptance testing inspections shall not be scheduled until all associated work has been completed and verified as code-compliant by the contractor. By requesting an inspection, the applicant affirms that all components related to the inspection are fully installed, functional, and ready for review at the scheduled time.
If the work is found to be incomplete, the inspection may be immediately terminated, and a reinspection fee will be assessed. Rescheduling will be based on Fire Marshal’s Office availability and may result in significant project delays.
Additionally, appointment cancellations made with less than one full business day notice may be subject to additional fees.
Fire Protection System Inspection Request
Permit Application Review Process
Once the fire protection system permit application is submitted, it will be reviewed for completeness and assigned to a plans reviewer. Please allow up to 14 business days for the review to be completed. All correspondence regarding revisions or additional information will be directed only to the email address and phone number provided on the application. Failure to respond in a timely manner may result in delays to the overall review and approval process.
Upon approval, applicants will be notified of the total fees due. The permit will be issued once payment is received, and digitally stamped, approved plans will be delivered to the applicant.
Code Adoption & Amendments
The 2021 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), including appendix B, C, D, E, F, and G as published by the International Code Council, a copy of which is on file with the city secretary and the fire marshal, is adopted to the same extent as though such code were copied at length herein, subject however to the omissions, additions, supplements, and amendments contained in the City of Bryan Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article II: Fire Prevention Code.
NFPA Adoptions
2021 IFC Chapter 80 should be consulted to find which NFPA edition is enforced in the City of Bryan.
Inspections
Fire Protection System Inspection Request
Alarm System
The plans shall include a floor plan with usage of all rooms, initiating devices, notification devices with ratings, panel, annunciator panels, transponders, power supplies, power connection, battery and voltage calculations, conductor size, cut sheets, details of ceiling height and construction, interface of any fire safety controls, and classification of supervising station.
Sprinkler and Standpipe System
Hood System
The plans should show the kitchen layout with the type of equipment to be protected. Cut sheets of the appliances shall be provided to verify installations. A diagram of the hood system showing the location and type of nozzles, links, bottle, gas valve, panels, and manual pull stations shall be provided. All gas and electrical systems including the lights under the hood shall shut down on activation of the system except for the exhaust air. A statement that the installation conforms to the standard and manufacturer’s instructions shall be provided. The hood suppression system shall be connected to a fire alarm if one is located on site and will be required to activate the alarm during the test. A test cylinder is required to be used for the test.
Mobile Food Vendor Hood System Requirements
Testing of Systems
IFC 2021 Section 901.5 Installation acceptance testing: Fire detection and alarm systems, fire-extinguishing systems, fire hydrant systems, fire standpipe systems, fire pump systems, private fire service mains and all other fire protection systems and appurtenances thereto shall be subject to acceptance tests as contained in the installation standards and as approved by the fire code official. The fire code official shall be notified before any required acceptance testing.
IFC 2021 Section 901.5.1 Occupancy: It shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the required fire detection, alarm, and suppression systems have been tested and approved.
Underground Storage Tanks
Underground storage tanks will be installed or removed in accordance with 2021 ICC Codes, city ordinances, and TCEQ Guidelines.
Reporting Out-of-Service Fire Protection Systems
Property owners and responsible parties are required to notify the Fire Marshal’s Office any time a fire protection system—such as a fire alarm, sprinkler, or suppression system—is taken out of service, whether due to maintenance, malfunction, or other reasons. Prompt reporting ensures appropriate safety measures can be taken to protect occupants and property during the outage.
Use the links provided below to report an out-of-service system. The online form will guide you step by step through the reporting process. Accurate and timely information helps us ensure continued life safety and code compliance while systems are being restored.
Helpful Links
Burn Permits / Recreational Fires / Cooking Fires
Outside Fire Guidelines per City of Bryan Ordinance Chapter 42 and IFC 2021 Chapter 3
- Recreational fires may not contain electrical insulation, treated lumber, plastics, construction or demolition materials not made of wood, heavy oils, asphaltic materials, potentially explosive materials, chemical wastes, or items containing natural or synthetic rubber
- All recreational and portable outdoor fireplaces shall be constantly attended until the fire is extinguished.
- A minimum of one 4-A portable fire extinguisher OR other approved on-site extinguishing equipment, such as dirt, sand, water barrel, garden hose or water truck shall be available for immediate use.
International Fire Code 2021 Section 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices
Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions:
- One- and two-family dwellings.
- Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
- LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2 1/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LPgas capacity].
If you are not sure if your balcony is combustible or non-combustible materials please consult your property management.
Burn Permits
Any fire within the Bryan City Limit that does not qualify as a Recreational Fire, Portable Outdoor Fireplace, or Open-flame Cooking Device will require a burn permit.
Recreational Fires
Outdoor fires where the fuel being burned is not contained in an approved container AND has a total fuel area of 3 feet or less in diameter and 2 feet or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth or similar purposes.
- Shall not be conducted within 25ft of a structure or combustible material.
- Conditions that could cause a fire to spread within 25ft of a structure shall be eliminated prior to ignition.
- Recreational Fires are prohibited when a “Burn Ban” is in effect
Portable Outdoor Fireplaces
Solid-fuel-burning fireplace that may be constructed of steel, concrete, clay or other noncombustible material. A portable outdoor fireplace may be open in design, or may be equipped with a small hearth opening and a short chimney opening in the top.
- Shall not operated within 15 ft. of a structure OR combustible material.
- Portable Outdoor Fireplaces are prohibited when a “Burn Ban” is in effect.
Open-flame Cooking Devices
As of Jan. 1, 2022 The City of Bryan has adopted the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC). This change allows for some conditional use of open flame cooking devices as it relates to multi-family complexes. As a general rule we discourage the use of grills on balconies and advocate for community grills or locating grills at least 10 feet away from any combustible object. It is very important for property management and tenants to understand what is allowed under the new code and what is not. Violation of this code carries a fine up to $2,000.
Tier II reports
If you need to file a Tier II report to the Bryan Fire Department, please email your document in PDF format to: tier2@bryantx.gov.
Other Fire Department Links and Resources
- Fire Department Access and Fire Protection/Utility Equipment Identification Requirements
- How to Order KNOX Products
- Third Party Medical & Billing Records Requests
- Request Release of a Fire Report
