The following are questions that are frequently asked by the public that can.  Please review this list.  If you question or complaint is not listed feel free to phone or email us.  Phone (915) 771-1090.

1. Why do I need a permit?

2. I was never required to have a permit before, why do I need one now?

3. I have a permit but this year the Fire Department didn't come out to inspect until after the permit expired, why was that?

4. How do I pay for the permit?

5. How long can I wait before paying for the permit?

6. Isn't the form the inspector gave me a permit?

7. Can I renew my permit through the mail?

8. What if I forget to pay for my permit?

9. Why am I getting another inspection when the Fire Department was here only a week ago?

10. My neighbor has _______ stored in this garage or backyard, or my neighbor is conducting such and such a business out of his house that I feel is unsafe.  What can I do?

11. I have complied with the Fire Departments requirements for my business, but my competitor down the street doesn't have anything the Fire Department made me put in.  It is not fair that I put in high dollar items and he/she doesn't have to.  Why is that?

12. Where can I obtain more information on the International Fire Code® so that I may be sure my business/building meets the requirements?

Why do I need a permit?

A permit is a requirement based upon a special hazard and is governed by the International Fire Code®.  The City of El Paso adopted the code on August 14, 2001.

I was never required to have a permit before, why do I need one now?

Fire Codes are implemented for the safety and well being of the public and often change to reflect new data about hazards.  With the adoption of the International Fire Code® in 2001 comes revisions for four years of change between the new fire code and the old one.  These changes are applied to minimum requirements for permits.   What was once acceptable for storage without a permit may now require one.  Likewise, what use to require a permit may no longer need one due to the minimum quantities being raised.

I have a permit but this year the Fire Department didn't come out to inspect until after the permit expired, why was that?

The Fire Department attempts to inspect for renewal about two weeks prior to the expiration of the permit, however it is the permit owners responsibility to renew his/her own permit.  If your permit is up for renewal call for an inspection at (915) 771-1090 or fill out the online request form. (to be added).

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How do I pay for the permit?

Payment can be made either by sending via mail or taking the permit in person to:

City Licensing, Building Services

Fifth Floor, City Hall

2 Civic Center Plaza

El Paso, TX  79901-1196

 

How long can I wait before paying for the permit?

Once the application is issued by the inspector, you will have 10 working days to send payments by mail or person before late fees begin to accrue.

Isn't the form the inspector gave me a permit?

No, that is the application for permit.  It states that you have passed inspection and indicates what permit(s) you are required to have. A permit will be issued from City Licensing after payment.

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Can I renew my permit through the mail?

No, a permit will not be renewed by City Licensing without a re-inspection and an accompanied Application For Permit Form.

What if I forget to pay for my permit?

Any person commencing work or performing any action requiring a permit without first obtaining a current permit shall be subject to a fee of 200% of the permit fee in addition to the scheduled permit fee and other penalties such as late charges and citations.

Why am I getting another inspection when the Fire Department was here only a week ago?

Line Fire Companies conduct fire safety inspections for all businesses in their territory.  They inspect for code compliance as well as building recognition.  In addition, the Fire Prevention Division will make their annual inspection as well as any inspection for a system or construction modifications done to the building.

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My neighbor has _______ stored in this garage or backyard, or my neighbor is conducting such and such a business out of his house that I feel is unsafe.  What can I do?

Contact Building Permits and Inspections (BPI) - Code Compliance at 541-4801.  They have authority over residential property to inspect and issue citations.  The El Paso Fire Department will then be contacted by BPI and send an inspector to assist in the inspection and point out fire related violations.

I have complied with the Fire Departments requirements for my business, but my competitor down the street doesn't have anything the Fire Department made me put in.  It is not fair that I put in high dollar items and he/she doesn't have to.  Why is that?

The Permitting Section tries to conduct inspections of every business within the city, however occasionally some are missed.  If you feel we have never inspected your competitor for fire code compliance please feel free to call us at (915) 771-1090 or fill our the online Follow-up Form (to be added soon).  If we have no record of the business, an inspector will be sent out.

Where can I obtain more information on the International Fire Code® so that I may be sure my business/building meets the requirements?

Questions can be answered either by calling (915) 771-1090 or by filling out the online Follow-up Form (to be added soon) and stating your question in the remarks.  A copy of the International Fire Code® may be found through retailers.

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