What is a Fire Inspection?

The best way to prevent a fire is to prevent them from occurring. Routine fire inspections are one of the most effective ways to do that. The purpose of the inspections is multifold:

1. Identify and correct fire code violations.

2. Educate business and property owners about the fire code and general fire safety.

How often will my business or property be inspected?

We strive to inspect businesses on an annual basis.

How much will the inspection cost?

No fees are assessed for annual and semi-annual inspections.

What if I have a question about the inspection and fire code violations?

You can contact the Fire Inspector who visited your property, or call the Kerrville Fire Marshal's Office at (830) 257-8449.

Why does the city conduct Fire Inspections?

There are two general reasons why fire/safety inspections are conducted. (1) To ensure that any building in which the general public enters for business, entertainment, social, religious, or other purposes is maintained in a fire safe status. (2) Fire safety inspections provide the owner/occupant of the building an indication of fire/safety hazards so they may correct the hazards to reduce their liability and potential for loss due to a fire.

A Fire Inspector found a violation of the Fire Code in my building, what must I do?

If a violation is found that is a maintenance related problem, the Fire Inspector will provide a date (generally 30 days) to correct the violation. If the violation can be corrected during the inspection, it will be noted on the inspection form that the correction has already taken place.

If a violation is found that will require the alteration or installation of new equipment or safety features, the Fire Inspector will indicate this on the report, and provide a date to submit a written proposal to the Fire Marshal's Office that will include an anticipated date that you can make the necessary corrections. Each written request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis depending on the type of repair/installation that is needed. If the request is within a reasonable time limit, and a reasonable level of safety can be maintained, an extension to comply will generally be granted.

How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?

Once a Fire Inspector notifies you of a fire code violation, they will notify you and issue an inspection report requiring the conditions are corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be scheduled to verify compliance based upon the schedule of the Fire Inspector. This is typically is 30 days.

If I fail to make corrections to a fire code violation, what happens?

Initially, the Fire Inspector will issue a Notice of Violation. The Notice will indicate a date that the violation must be corrected by. The Fire Marshal's Office will make every effort to work with the building owner/occupant to bring the building into compliance without having to take further legal action. However, if the building owner/occupant continues to resist efforts to correct a fire hazard, the owner/occupant is subject to receiving a citation.

The Fire Inspector told me that a re-inspection is necessary, why?

A re-inspection becomes necessary when a violation is found that cannot be corrected at the time of the inspection. The reason for the re-inspection is to produce the documentation showing the violation has been corrected, and that the building is then in compliance with all applicable codes and laws.

When do I need a permit?

The Fire Marshal's Office issues two different types of permits; Operational Permits and Construction Permits.

An Operational Permit allows the business to conduct a specific operation. (e.g. High-Piled Storage, Hazardous Materials)

A Construction Permit allows the applicant to install or modify a specific fire protection system, storage tank or other system outlined in the fire code. A comprehensive list of permits issued can be obtained by contacting our office.

How much does a permit cost?

Fees are currently assessed for the issuance of a permit according to the type of application. Contact the Fire Marshal’s Office for Permit Fees or obtain a copy from our web site.

How do I get a permit application?

You may contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (830) 257-8449 and request an application be emailed, mailed or faxed to you. You may also download an application from our website. See "Plan Submittal Guidelines"

How do I schedule an inspection?

A comprehensive guide to scheduling an inspection is available on our website. See "Inspection Requests and Procedures"

Where is Kerrville Fire Marshal's Office located?

We are located at 87 Coronado Drive in the Fire Administration Building. Traveling west on Junction Highway towards Ingram, turn right onto Coronado Drive. Our office is the second building behind the Mini Mart Store on the right side.