Subject: High-Piled Storage   

Revised April 2025 

Purpose: High-piled storage buildings require an operational permit because of the safety concerns as they pertain to the ability of occupants to readily exit in the event of an emergency. This permit is required for use of a building or portion thereof with more than 500 square feet, including aisle, of high-piled storage. High-piled storage building permits shall be renewed on an annual basis or if the pathway or movement through the building changes. 

Fees: $300.00 Annually 

Requirements: A High-piled Storage permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded, reviewed, and approved.  

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 High-piled Storage 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 High-piled Storage operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information: 

• Site map identifying all outside storage, including maximum quantity and storage configuration. Also identify 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 a high-piled storage 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 storage racking with storage height, 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 high-piled storage 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 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)); 

• Detailed written description of the on-site operations; 

• A written statement certifying compliance with International Fire Code Chapter 32. 

• It should be noted that Harris County requires any high-piled storage facility to submit a high-piled storage application as part of the certificate of compliance process. All businesses not originally permitted as high-piled storage is non-compliant with the adopted fire code if not permitted for high-piled under the current issued certificate of compliance. This process is separate from the operational permitting process and shall be completed prior to application for any operational permit. If building was in the current operation and storage set up with no changes since January 1, 2005, a certificate of compliance is not required unless substantial improvement is completed; 

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.