Subject: Combustible Fibers 

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: A Combustible fibers operational permit is required for the storage and handling of combustible fibers in quantities greater than 100 cubic feet. A permit is not required for agricultural storage as defined by this code. Combustible fibers permits shall be renewed on an annual basis. Combustible Dust is defined by the approved code as, readily ignitable, and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such as cocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen, istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw, tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materials. This definition does not include densely packed baled cotton. 

Fees: $300.00 Annually 

Requirements: A Combustible Fibers permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded.  

Applications will be completed electronically, and all required documentation shall be uploaded electronically. There shall be no paper submissions. Permit application shall be completed and submitted through the approved Harris County software program. Once the application is received along with all required documentation, the Fire Code Official will conduct a review. When the permit process is complete, and authorization is given, the applicant will be notified that the permit is issued, and the duration of the permit will be indicated.  

All Combustible Fibers permit applications will begin with generalized information requirements. This information will pertain to the property information/property owner’s information/application information/project name.  

When applying for a Combustible Fibers operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information: 

• Site map identifying the location of all on-site fire suppression to include fire pumps, ponds, water supplies, layout of fire lanes, gas meter, and Knox Box if installed, and dust collectors. If renewing a combustible fibers producing operations operational permit and no changes have been made to your facility from previous permit cycle, a written statement claiming no changes have been made can be submitted in lieu of plans; 

• A drawing/ floor plan of building including all entrance and exits, location of primary and secondary exit routes, locations of fire extinguishers, fire protection system panels, risers, and/or other fire protection control systems and/or panels, etc. If renewing a combustible fibers operational permit and no changes have been made to your facility from previous permit cycle, a written statement claiming no changes have been made can be submitted in lieu of plans; 

• Copy of the emergency plan, compliant with Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code, current adopted edition; 

• Information on types of fire alarm systems installed and last inspection date (provide last inspection report or photo of current inspection tag(s). This shall include all fire alarm systems or other gas detection systems at the facility; 

• Information on installed sprinkler systems and last inspection date (provide last inspection report or photo of current inspection tag(s). This shall include all fire sprinkler systems at the facility; 

• Information on fire extinguishers or any type of alternate (including but not limited to automatic hood suppression, paint booth systems, clean agent) fire protection system installed and last inspection date (provide last inspection report or photo of current inspection tag(s)); 

• Written SOP, policy and/or procedures stating:  

• • That ashes, waste, rubbish or sweepings shall not be placed in wood or other combustible receptacles and shall be removed daily from the structure; 

• • grass or weeds shall not be allowed to accumulate at any point on the premises; 

• • loose combustible fibers in quantities of not more than 100 cubic feet located in a structure shall be stored in a metal or metal-lined bin equipped with self-closing cover; 

• • loose combustible fibers, not in suitable bales or packages and stored outdoors in the open or housed, shall not be stored within 100 feet of any structure; 

• • baled combustible fibers shall be limited to single blocks or piles not more than 25,000 cubic feet in volume, not including aisle or clearances. Blocks or piles of baled fiber shall be separated from adjacent storage by aisles not less than 5 feet wide, or by flash-fire barriers constructed of continuous sheets of non-combustible material extending from the floor to a minimum height of 1 foot above the highest point of the piles and projecting not less than 1 foot beyond the sides of the pile; 

• • sisal and other fibers in bales bound with combustible tie ropes, jute and other fibers that swell when wet, shall be stored to allow for expansion in any direction without affecting building walls, ceilings or columns. A minimum clearance of 3 feet shall be required between walls and sides of piles, except that where the storage compartment is not more than 30 feet wide, the minimum clearance at side walls shall be 1 foot, provided that a center aisle not less than 5 feet wide is maintained. 

If one or more of the requested documents does not apply to your location, please submit in writing a reason for not submitting.  

Denial: If it is determined that an application fails to meet the requirements as set forth in this standard or the applicant refuses to provide all required documentation, the fire code official shall not issue a permit, but shall return the application to the applicant with explanation for refusal.  

Revocation: The fire code official is authorized to revoke a permit where it is found that there has been false statements or misrepresentation as to the material facts in the application or supporting documentation on which the approval and issuance was based, the permit was issued to a different person or firm than named on the permit, the permittee failed, refused or neglected to comply with orders or notices duly served in accordance with the provisions of this code within the time provided therein, or the permit was issued in error or in violation of an ordinance, regulation or this code.