FAQs • Midland, TX • CivicEngage

How much notice do we need to give to schedule initial inspections and final inspections?: 24 to 48 hours

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Fire Code

1. What version of the International Fire Code has the City of Midland adopted?: The City of Midland adopted the 2015 version of the International Fire Code in November 2015.

2. Can work on my construction project begin before the plan review process is complete?: The plan review process must be complete and a set of accepted and stamped plans must be on site before work may begin.

3. Can I use a BBQ grill on my porch or balcony?: The International Fire Code requires 10 feet of clearance between open flame cooking appliances and combustible surfaces or structures in non-sprinklered multi-family occupancies. Most apartment patios and balconies do not permit the required clearance. Management may prohibit any open flame appliances as part of your lease agreement.

4. How do I maintain a smoke detector?

Smoke detector batteries should last at least one year under normal conditions.

Residential fire deaths have decreased steadily as the number of homes with smoke detectors has increased. Reports from the National Fire Protection Association on residential fire deaths show that people have nearly a 50 percent better chance of surviving a fire if their home has the recommended number of smoke detectors.

Smoke detectors that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced. A smoke detector monitors the air 24 hours a day. At the end of 10 years, it has gone through over 3.5 million monitoring cycles. After this much use, components may become less reliable. This means that as the detector gets older, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases. Replacing them after 10 years reduces this possibility.

5. How do I set up a fire protection system inspection?: Once stamped plans have been returned to the contractor, the fire inspector’s name and phone number will be listed on the plan's cover sheet. All fire protection systems shall be pretested before an inspection is scheduled.

6. What are the rules for fireworks in Midland?

Possession and discharge of fireworks within the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits is prohibited by law.

Any firework that must be ignited by a heat source is illegal to possess or discharge. Small items such as "poppers" are not prohibited. Individuals are subject to confiscation of all fireworks found in their possession and a fine up to $2,000 plus court costs.

Fireworks also may not be discharged on federal, state, or county roadways. If individuals plan to discharge fireworks on private property not belonging to them, they must have a written letter of permission from the land owner.

The Midland Fire Department also reminds citizens to use caution when discharging fireworks. Eye and burn injuries are common among children, and they should be supervised by an adult. Devices such as sparklers may reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees.

Grass fires are another potential risk during fireworks season. Have at least one of the following extinguishing agents available while discharging fireworks: water, sand or dirt, or a portable fire extinguisher. Never hesitate to call 911 if a fire develops.

7. Can a day-of fire protection system test be scheduled?: Normally, a minimum of 72 hours is required to scheduled an appointment to witness a system test. If a fire code official is available, the time frame may be shorter. Please call 432-685-7333 to schedule an appointment.

8. Can a building be occupied before the fire protection systems are tested and approved?: In buildings where an automatic sprinkler system or fire alarm is required by code, it shall be unlawful to occupy any portion of a building or structure until the automatic sprinkler system and fire alarm system have been tested and approved.

9. Can stock or merchandise be placed in a building before the fire protection system are tested and approved?: A partial permit of stock and merchandise may be issued on the agreement of both the fire code official and the building code official only after all fire protection systems have been tested and approved.

10. When is a Knox Box (key box) entry required on a property for emergency access?: A Knox Box shall be placed on all occupancies with a fire alarm system or fire sprinkler system that initiates an automatic fire department response. A Knox Box may be ordered directly from the Knox Corporations at knoxbox.com.

11. Can a contractor go vertical with a building before the fire lane is installed or before the fire hydrants have been tested and approved?: In order to go vertical with construction of a building requiring fire lanes, the fire lane must be installed and fire hydrants must be tested and approved.

12. Does the Midland Fire Department charge fees for plan submittals?: The Midland Fire Marshal's Office does not maintain a fee schedule or require any fees for Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Sprinkler Systems and/or any plans submitted for review by the Midland Fire Department Fire Marshal Office.
For questions about code enforcement, building codes, construction permits and fees/fee schedules for other departments within the City of Midland, please contact City of Midland's Code Division at 432-685-7391.