Permits & Applications

All permit applications must be submitted IN PERSON BY APPOINTMENT ONLY to the Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office located at 9810 Southton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223. To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about your appointment, please call 210-335-0300, option 2.

Prior to submitting a building permit application, all applicants must contact Bexar County Public Works for an authorization to issue a building permit. This document must be reviewed and approved by Bexar County Public Works, located at 1948 Probandt, San Antonio, TX 78214. You may reach them at 210-335-6700.

FEE SCHEDULE

This document is the current Fee Schedule in use by the Fire Marshal's Office. The fee schedule is established in accordance with state laws, and approved by the Bexar County Commissioner's Court. This document encompasses all fees charged by the fire code enforcement and fire prevention sections of the Fire Marshal's Office. The fee schedule is established at the time the county fire codes are adopted, and is subject to change when codes are updated every three years. All fees charged by the BCFMO are NON REFUNDABLE. Fee Schedule (PDF)

KNOX EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION APPLICATION

This application is for authorization to order and install Knox equipment as required by the adopted Bexar County Fire Code. The Knox ordering process has changed. Please refer to the Knox authorization Order Form Instructions before proceeding. This application must be completed and submitted in person at the Bexar County Fire Marshal's office along with the application fee of $30 before your order can be approved. Knox Equipment Authorization Application (PDF)

Retail Fireworks Site Permitting

RETAIL FIREWORKS SITE APPLICATION

Applications and permitting for Retail Fireworks Sites are now on a downloadable and fillable PDF. Please download the Fireworks application PDF and Instructions to apply and obtain your permits. On the dropdown please select your sales period and fill out the form. The PDF can be emailed directly to BCFMOFW@BEXAR.ORG.  Payments must still be delivered to our office, in person, at 9810 Southton Rd., San Antonio, TX 78223.  Contact 210-335-0301 or 210-335-0306. Retail Fireworks Permitting Application (PDF)

Fire Safety

LICENSED CHILD-CARE HOME CHECKLIST

This document is a checklist of the items a Fire Inspector must ensure are in compliance with both the County Fire Code and the Life Safety Code during a Licensed Child-Care Home inspection. The checklist provides a description of how a facility is classified, the minimum items the Inspector will look for, and show the specific code or law that items that are referenced. Child-Care Home Checklist (PDF)

FOSTER FAMILY HOME CHECKLIST

This document is a checklist of the items a Fire Inspector must ensure are in compliance with both the County Fire Code and the Life Safety Code during a Foster Family Home inspection. The checklist provides a description of how a facility is classified, the minimum items the Inspector will look for, and show the specific code or law that items is referenced to or from. Foster Family Home Checklist (PDF)

FOSTER FAMILY GROUP HOME CHECKLIST

This document is a checklist of the items a Fire Inspector must ensure are in compliance with both the County Fire Code and the Life Safety Code during a Foster Group Home inspection. The checklist provides a description of how a facility is classified, the minimum items the Inspector will look for, and show the specific code or law that items is referenced to or from. Foster Group Home Checklist (PDF)

FUEL SYSTEMS CHECKLIST

This document contains the information required for the submittal of plans for fuel system permits, as well as information relative to the required inspections necessary for the installation and removal of above ground and underground fuel tanks. A permit application, and site plans indicating the site layout, distance to all structures, and location of tank are required in order to obtain a fuel system installation or removal permit. 

Boarding Homes

BOARDING HOME APPLICATION

This document is the application required to be submitted to obtain a permit on new and existing Boarding Homes within the unincorporated area of Bexar County. This document also explains the application review process associated with obtaining the permit. Boarding Home Application (PDF); Boarding Home Checklist (PDF); Boarding Home Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Applications

BUILDING & SYSTEM PERMIT APPLICATION

This document is the application form that must be submitted with any plan submittal to be reviewed by the BCFMO. The form is an all-purpose application that may be utilized for building construction permits, fire protection system permits, flammable liquid systems permits, construction-related work authorizations, fireworks stand permits, and key/gated access control systems. The first page is the Bexar County Public Works Authorization to Issue Building Permits that is applicable only for building construction and flammable liquids-related projects. Building & System Permit Application (PDF)

CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY APPLICATION

This document is the application required to be submitted prior to opening a new business within an existing structure. The first page is the Bexar County Public Works "Authorization to Issue Building Permits" that is also required to be approved as part of the change of occupancy process. All pages must be completed and submitted to the Fire Marshal's Office along with the inspection fee. Your application will then be forwarded to the Inspector in your area and s/he will contact you to schedule the inspection. If it is determined the type of occupancy is in compliance with the current Building and Fire Code, a change of occupancy certificate will be issued. Change of Occupancy Application (PDF)

CONSTRUCTION PLAN SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST

This document describes the requirements necessary to properly submit construction and fire protection system plans for plan review and subsequent permitting. It also includes information on where other pertinent permits that may be required can be obtained. This document can be printed and utilized as a checklist to ensure all plan submittals are complete and ready for immediate entry into the plan review system.

EXPLOSIVES APPLICATION

This document is the application required to obtain all explosives-related permits and licenses required in unincorporated areas of Bexar County. The application includes information required for individual blaster licensing, as well as information required for the various types of site-related permits. All explosives-related fees are indicated on the permit application. Explosives Application (PDF)

MASS GATHERING APPLICATION

A permit application must be filed with the County Judge at least 45 days prior to the date in which the mass gathering will be held. The following criteria constitute a "mass gathering", in which a Bexar County Permit is required in accordance with the Texas Mass Gatherings Act, Health & Safety Code, Title 9, Subtitle A - Public Safety, Chapter 751 - Mass Gatherings. Mass Gathering Application (PDF)

  • The event is held outside the limits of a city municipality.
  • Attracts more than 2500 people, or;
  • Attracts more than 500 persons, if at least 51% of those people are younger than 21 years of age, and;
  • It is planned or reasonably expected that alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed around the gathering, and;
  • Duration of event is for more than 5 continuous hours, or;
  • Held for any amount of time during the hours of 10:00 p.m. and ending at 4:00 a.m.

MOBILE FOOD VENDORS

This document is the application required to obtain a permit for mobile food trucks and/or trailers conducting business in unincorporated Bexar County. This checklist contains helpful information to prepare for the fire inspection. Contact Bexar County Environmental Services (210-335-6700) to schedule your fire and/or health inspection. Mobile Food Vendor Application; Mobile Food Vendor Checklist (PDF)