Subject: Rooftop Heliports 

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: A Rooftop heliports operational permits are required for the operation of a rooftop heliport. Rooftop heliports operational permits shall be renewed every five years. 

Fees: $300.00 quinquennial 

Requirements: A Rooftop Heliports 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 Rooftop Heliports 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 Rooftop Heliports operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information:  

• Written statement certifying compliance with Sections 2007.2 through 2007.8 of the 2018 International Fire Code and all other applicable chapters, codes, and standards; 

• Detail drawing showing/stating: 

• • The touchdown area shall be surrounded on all sides by a clear area having minimum average width at roof level of 15 feet but no width less than 5 feet at any point, 

• • The landing areas on structures shall be maintained so as to confine flammable or Class II combustible liquid spillage to the landing area itself, and provisions shall be made to drain such spillage away from exits or stairways serving the helicopter landing area or from a structure housing such exit or stairway, 

• • Exits and stairways maintained in accordance with Section 2007.4; 

• Written documentation stating that where a building with a rooftop helistop or heliport is equipped with a standpipe system, the system shall be extended to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located. All portions of the helistop and heliport area shall be within 150 feet of a 2.5-inch outlet on a Class I or III standpipe; 

• Written documentation stating that foam fire-protection capabilities shall be provided for rooftop heliports. Such systems shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 903, 904 and 905; 

• A minimum of one portable fire extinguisher having a minimum 80-B:C rating shall be provided, and last inspection date; 

• A copy of the approval from the Federal Aviation Administration; 

• Information on type of fire alarm system installed and last inspection date. 

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.