Home | About AFD | Divisions/Offices | Emergency Response | Recruiting | Hiring Process | News
Directory | Fire Safety Information | Fire Code/Inspections | Request for Services | Links

Fireworks Permit
Fireworks are illegal to possess or use in the City of Austin unless a permit has been issued for a professional display. These permits are issued by the Emergency Prevention Division only if several requirements are met. There is a $50 permit fee, as well as mandatory stand-by fees for AFD personnel.

A PERMIT ALONG WITH THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO PROMOTE OR EXECUTE A COMMERCIAL OR CONSUMER FIREWORK DISPLAY WITHIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN:

• A site plan of the grounds where the display is to be held must be submitted and approved by AFD Emergency Prevention.
• A copy of a pyrotechnic operator license issued by a State Fire Marshal’s Office (Commercial only).
• A list of the fireworks to be used along with an MSDS for each (Commercial Only). Consumer Displays are restricted to ground devices containing 50mg or less of explosive composition and smoke devices classed as explosive 1.4G, firecrackers and small smoke bombs only.
• A certificate of insurance must be obtained for a minimum of $1,000,000 bodily injury and $500,000 property damage if the display is aerial in nature. Non-aerial displays must have a certificate of insurance for a minimum of $500,000 bodily injury and $300,000 property damage insurance. The City of Austin must be named as co-insured on the policy.
• A $50 permit fee and permit application form from the Austin Fire Department is required.
• A public display permit must be obtained from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (commercial only).

All information must be submitted to AFD Emergency Prevention Office at least 10 days prior to the scheduled event for review and approval. The public display must meet all State of Texas requirements as outlined in Article 5.43-4 Insurance Code and Firework rules. This booklet is available from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The following expenses are the responsibility of the fireworks contractor or pyrotechnic operator (if required):

• $160/hour for each engine, depending on circumstances
• $119/hour for each inspector required. Inspectors are required to stand by 30 minutes prior to the event, during the event, and 30 minutes after the event has ended, plus any required time for a minimum of two hours.

For a fireworks display permit call (512) 974-0160.

Hazmat Permit
The 2003 International Fire Code, as locally amended by the City of Austin, requires that businesses storing or using hazardous materials above-ground obtain a permit. This requirement allows AFD to track potential hazards and inform responding firefighters about specific chemical hazards at a certain location. Hazmat permits also allow AFD to incorporate local businesses into fire and accident prevention efforts, specifically as they relate to chemical safety. The need for a hazmat permits for chemicals depends upon the quantity and relative hazard of the inventory at a business. The chemical quantities requiring a permit can be very small if a highly toxic, flammable, or reactive chemical is present. Likewise, less hazardous chemicals do not require a permit unless much larger quantities are present.

Much of the 2003 International Fire Code addresses safety issues relating to preventing chemical accidents and limiting their consequences. These include provisions for operational controls, special building requirements, sprinkler protection, exhaust, electrical systems, separation distances, and maintenance for both new and existing buildings. The AFD engineers can answer questions regarding hazardous material permitting or about the Fire Code as it pertains to chemicals. They can be reached at (512) 974-0160.

Hazardous Material Permits for above-ground storage of chemicals and hazardous products can be obtained from AFD’s Emergency Prevention Division. To receive a hard copy of the application, call the Hazardous Materials Section at (512) 974-0160 or send an email to Ron Buys at ron.buys@ci.austin.tx.us with your address/phone/fax. To download an electronic version of the application, click here: Hazardous Material Permit Application and Instructions (Adobe Acrobat required). Mail or fax a completed, signed copy to the location noted on the application form.

The fee for hazmat storage permits varies depending on the type of material and quantity stored. The cost can range from $50 to $2,250.

Open Burning Permit
The use of open flame in a public assembly requires a permit, candles included in some circumstances. Examples of situations where this would apply are demonstration or entertainment that features fire-handling or a religious ceremony that includes open flames. This type of permit can be obtained by contacting the AFD Emergency Prevention Division at (512) 974-0160 and requesting an application. Fees associated with this type of permit vary.

The requirements for the type of candle are extensive and include fuel, holder, wax, chimney and other specific requirements. The 2003 International Fire Code does make some exceptions, though, for religious ceremonies.

Section 308.3.5 states:

When, in the opinion of the chief, adequate safeguards have been taken, participants in religious ceremonies are allowed to carry handheld candles. Handheld candles shall not be passed from one person to another while lighted.

Open burning of trash or brush on private property is not allowed in the City of Austin. Prescribed or controlled burns, usually done for ecological reasons, must be approved in advance by AFD Emergency Prevention. Plans should detail the location and size of the proposed burn, the materials expected to be burned, clearance from structures, etc. A permit for this type of fire costs $50 and stand-by units may be required.

Tent (Temporary Use) Permits
Permits must be obtained before erecting or constructing a tent in the City of Austin. The COA Building Department issues these permits, which are called temporary use permits, but the Austin Fire Department also must review the request and sign off on it. AFD examines the dimensions of the tent, its intended use, presence of fire extinguishers, clearance from a heat source or flame, location of parked vehicles, etc. AFD uses the same form that is used for Open Burning permits (see above), but additional paperwork will be required and the permit will actually by issued from the Department of Watershed Protection and Development Review (WPDR). A $50 fee is charged by WPDR. More information can be obtained by calling the Development Assistance Center at (512) 974-6370.