Subject: Energy Storage Systems

Revised: July 2025

Purpose: An operational permit is required for stationary and mobile energy storage systems regulated by section 1207 of the currently adopted IFC.
 
(Table 1207.1.1)
Energy Storage System (ESS) Threshold Quantities 

 TECHNOLOGY | ENERGY CAPACITYa

Capacitor ESS | 3 kWh

Flow Batteriesb | 20 kWh

Lead-acid batteries. All types | 70 kWhc

Lithium-ion batteries | 20 kWh

Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) | 70 kWh

Nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) | 70 kWh

Other battery technologies | 10 kWh

Other electrochemical ESS technologies | 3 kWh

Type & Fees: $300.00 Annually

Requirements: An Energy Storage Systems operations operational permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded, reviewed, and approved.

Application will be completed electronically, and all required documentation shall be uploaded electronically. There shall be no paper submissions. Permit applications shall be completed and submitted through the approved Harris County Permit 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 energy storage system operations 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 an energy storage system operations operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information:

• Detailed written description of the on-site operations to include days and hours of operations;

• 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. If renewing an energy storage system operations operational permit and no changes have been made to your facility from the previous permit cycle, a written statement claiming no changes have been made can be submitted in lieu of plans;

• A drawing/ floor plan of all the buildings, including all entrances 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. Locations of all energy storage systems. If renewing energy storage system operational permit and no changes have been made to your facility from the previous permit cycle, a written statement claiming no changes have been made can be submitted in lieu of plans;

• A copy of the emergency plan, compliant with Chapter 4 of the International Fire Code, current adopted edition, to include actions to be taken upon detection of a fire or possible fire involving lithium-ion or lithium metal battery storage;

• Information on the energy storage management system (If required by the ESS listing)

• Information on types of fire alarm systems installed and last inspection date (provide last inspection report or photo of current inspection tag(s).

• 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 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));

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 an explanation for the 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 were 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.