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Fire Code Construction & Development Guide
Codes to Follow
Thank you for choosing to build in the City of La Porte. This guide was developed to assist you as you prepare construction plans for initial review by the La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office.
Resources
This guide pertains only to the fire related construction requirements of the City of La Porte and does not address those of other departments within the City. The items addressed are documented in the following codes and publications: 2003 International Fire Code, Applicable National Fire Codes published by the National Fire Protection Association, 2000 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), and Local Codes, Ordinances and Amendments as adopted by the City of La Porte.
Access to Water
In reviewing plans for new development, the 2 primary concerns of the Fire Marshal’s Office are Access and Water Supply for fire fighting and emergency medical purposes. These concerns are examined in detail when you submit an initial site plan for approval, and again when construction plans are reviewed prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Inspection
The Fire Marshal’s Office reviews all commercial construction plans for fire code compliance. This will be done prior to a building permit being issued. The Fire Marshal’s Office will attempt to addresses the issues which normally occur during the construction phase. These items are checked utilizing the above-mentioned codes for reference. If different codes reference the same subject, the more stringent code shall apply.
Inspection Checklist
The checklist refers to items that are critical to the site and plan review processes. By following the criteria for the Construction and Certificate of Occupancy sections in this guideline, you will be aware of what is expected from you as the builder. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive as special needs and considerations do arise. The following information was developed to help with the more common needs and occupancies.
Also, items within this checklist may not apply to your specific development. As the architect, developer or contractor, you should be versed in applicable codes; however, a member of the La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office will be happy to assist you with any needs or questions you may have.
The checklist involves:
Please prepare your plans with the knowledge that our ultimate goal is to ensure life safety. While every effort is made to be very thorough during the site and plan review processes, there is always a possibility that something may be overlooked. Should this occur, it does not remove the contractor from his responsibility to construct the building to the proper fire and life safety code.
Problems may be noted during onsite inspections or at the final inspection for the Certificate of Occupancy. Compliance may be required prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Therefore, if you feel some aspect of your project requires special attention, or you have specific questions, please bring this to our attention as soon as possible. We prefer to utilize the plan review process as a positive time to review important issues rather than trying to correct costly concerns at the end of the construction project.
Pre-Development Consultation
We encourage pre-development consultations to discuss projects prior to the plans being completed. Please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions that you may have. You may contact any member of our office by phone at 281-867-4603 or by mail at the following location:
La Porte Fire Marshal's Office
125 S 3rd Street
La Porte, TX 77571
Thank you for choosing to build in the City of La Porte. This guide was developed to assist you as you prepare construction plans for initial review by the La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office.
Resources
This guide pertains only to the fire related construction requirements of the City of La Porte and does not address those of other departments within the City. The items addressed are documented in the following codes and publications: 2003 International Fire Code, Applicable National Fire Codes published by the National Fire Protection Association, 2000 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), and Local Codes, Ordinances and Amendments as adopted by the City of La Porte.
Access to Water
In reviewing plans for new development, the 2 primary concerns of the Fire Marshal’s Office are Access and Water Supply for fire fighting and emergency medical purposes. These concerns are examined in detail when you submit an initial site plan for approval, and again when construction plans are reviewed prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Inspection
The Fire Marshal’s Office reviews all commercial construction plans for fire code compliance. This will be done prior to a building permit being issued. The Fire Marshal’s Office will attempt to addresses the issues which normally occur during the construction phase. These items are checked utilizing the above-mentioned codes for reference. If different codes reference the same subject, the more stringent code shall apply.
Inspection Checklist
The checklist refers to items that are critical to the site and plan review processes. By following the criteria for the Construction and Certificate of Occupancy sections in this guideline, you will be aware of what is expected from you as the builder. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive as special needs and considerations do arise. The following information was developed to help with the more common needs and occupancies.
Also, items within this checklist may not apply to your specific development. As the architect, developer or contractor, you should be versed in applicable codes; however, a member of the La Porte Fire Marshal’s Office will be happy to assist you with any needs or questions you may have.
The checklist involves:
- Construction Review
- Plan Review
- Site Review
Please prepare your plans with the knowledge that our ultimate goal is to ensure life safety. While every effort is made to be very thorough during the site and plan review processes, there is always a possibility that something may be overlooked. Should this occur, it does not remove the contractor from his responsibility to construct the building to the proper fire and life safety code.
Problems may be noted during onsite inspections or at the final inspection for the Certificate of Occupancy. Compliance may be required prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Therefore, if you feel some aspect of your project requires special attention, or you have specific questions, please bring this to our attention as soon as possible. We prefer to utilize the plan review process as a positive time to review important issues rather than trying to correct costly concerns at the end of the construction project.
Pre-Development Consultation
We encourage pre-development consultations to discuss projects prior to the plans being completed. Please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment or to ask any questions that you may have. You may contact any member of our office by phone at 281-867-4603 or by mail at the following location:
La Porte Fire Marshal's Office
125 S 3rd Street
La Porte, TX 77571