For Your Business

How do I obtain a commercial fire inspection?

• All inspections are scheduled via the division’s inspection (281-403-4311), and are scheduled in the order received.
• If a permit or construction plan is required for the installation or condition being inspected, please ensure it is on site and readily available for review by the field inspector.
• Fire Inspections FAQ

How do I obtain a fire permit?

• All fire permits are issued via the City Fire (Prevention) Department. Permit applications, payments, and status updates are available 24-7 using the city’s online permit system, Citizen Self Service (CSS). 
• For assistance in setting up an account and all services provided, view Missouri City CSS User Guide (PDF).  
• For additional fire permit questions or to speak with staff, please call 281-403-4365 or Email Fire Prevention Division during hours of operation.
• Fire Permits FAQ

Regulations & Restrictions

Parking in a designated fire lane is prohibited. Fire lanes are considered a part of the fire protection system of any building. It is designed to allow unobstructed fire apparatus access at all times to the building in the event of a fire or a medical emergency. Whenever a fire lane is blocked the safety of that building and its occupants are jeopardized. By ordinance, Missouri City has specific marking requirements to establish such fire lanes and such markings require authorization by the fire marshal to install.

Fire Lane Striping Regulations

According to Chapter 38, Article II.-Standards in Municode:

503.3 Marking. Where required by the fire code official, approved signs or other approved notices or markings shall be provided for fire apparatus access roads to identify such roads or prohibit the obstruction thereof. Signs, notices or markings shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times and shall be replaced or repaired when necessary to provide adequate visibility. The owner, manager, or person in charge of any new or existing building or property for which fire lanes have been approved or required by the fire code official shall mark and maintain said fire lanes as provided in this subsection.

503.3.1 Curb marking. All curbs and curb ends shall be painted red with white lettering at least three inches high with at least one half-inch stroke, stating "FIRE LANE," and at least one of the following phrases: "NO PARKING," or "TOW-AWAY ZONE". Wording shall not be spaced more than 25 feet apart.

503.3.2 Continuous curb unavailable. In areas where fire lanes are required but no continuous curb is available, one of the following methods shall be used, in conjunction with curb markings where possible, to indicate that the fire lane is continuous:

503.3.2.1 Signs. Signs that comply with Appendix D section D103.6 shall be mounted conspicuously along the edge of the fire lane, spaced no more than 25 feet apart, and shall have lettering at least two inches high with three-eighths inch stroke.

503.3.2.2 Stripes. From the point the fire lane begins to the point the fire lane ends, there shall be painted one continuous red stripe having a minimum width of at least six inches. Fire lanes shall be stenciled every 25 feet apart, stating "FIRE LANE," and at least one of the following phrases: "NO PARKING," or "TOW-AWAY ZONE," with white lettering at least three inches high with at least one half-inch stroke. Fire lanes shall be so marked in accordance with Appendix D sections D103.6.1 and D103.6.2.

Maintenance

All designated fire lanes shall be maintained and kept in a state of good repair at all times by the owner or person in control of the premises. Upon notification that the fire lane is not clearly marked, the fire lane shall be repaired or repainted to meet the city code. Failure to maintain the fire lane shall constitute a violation of the fire code.

Reference: City Ordinance 0-08-72, Chapter 38 Section 503.3

Contact us

If you would like more information regarding fire lanes or would like to report a violation please call the Fire Marshal's Office at 281.403.4311 during regular business hours or the police dispatcher at 281.403.8700, 24 hours a day.

Preparing For the Unexpected

The City of Missouri City participates in the Knox Box Program to ensure the safest and securest method of rapid entry into a business during an emergency.

The requirement for key boxes for commercial establishments comes from the International Fire Code, which is adopted as the Missouri City Fire Code. This provision requires a key box to contain a key or keys to allow emergency responders into a business during an emergency without causing property damage. This program has proven successful on multiple occasions and it is paramount that the keys in the box are changed every time the locks are changed.

Obtaining a Knox Box

To obtain a Knox Box for your establishment, please visit the Knox website to place your order; it is very important that you specify the jurisdiction as Missouri City Fire Prevention Bureau at checkout to receive the correct key box. You do not need an authorized signature to order your Knox Box in Missouri City. Please feel free to call the Missouri City Fire Marshal's Office at 281-403-4311 if you have questions regarding the style of the key box, the mounting location, or to open the box to update the keys.

For more details on Missouri City Fire Code & Amendments, visit Chapter 38: Fire Prevention & Protection in Municode Library.