1. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all new commercial construction, commercial remodeling, and changes of occupancy within Victoria County are reviewed for compliance with state-adopted NFPA fire and life safety standards before the commencement of any construction activity. This policy requires permits, plan review, and Fire Marshal approval before work begins. This policy does not constitute local adoption of a fire code under LGC §233.061. Instead, Victoria County recognizes the state-adopted NFPA standards as the regulatory framework governing all Fire Marshal inspection and enforcement duties.
This policy is established under the authority of Texas Local Government Code §§ 352.011, 352.013, and 352.016. The State Fire Marshal’s Office adopted NFPA standards as the applicable fire code for inspections, NFPA 1 Fire Code Sections 1.12.2 and 1.12.3, permitting the authority having jurisdiction to require permits, plan reviews, inspections, and fees.
This policy applies to:
- 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.
2. 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)
3. PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1 — Submit the required permit application
Step 2 — Pay required fees according to the adopted fee schedule
Step 3 — Fire Marshal plan review for NFPA compliance (USB drive in a single file PDF)
Step 4 — Permit issuance upon approval; no work may begin until the permit is issued
4. REQUIRED INSPECTIONS
Depending on the project, one or more of the following inspections may be required:
- Construction progress inspections
- Fire sprinkler and fire alarm rough-in inspections
- Hydrostatic tests and system acceptance testing
- Final fire and life safety inspection
5. ENFORCEMENT
This policy is enforceable by the Victoria County Fire Marshal under Texas law, the State Fire Marshal-adopted NFPA standards, and the county's adopted fee schedule. Stop-work orders, penalties, and re-inspection fees may apply.
This policy was adopted by Victoria County Commissioners Court on November 17, 2025, as applicable, and it will take effect January 1, 2026.