Frequently Asked Questions

Search our frequently asked questions for helpful information on common topics.

I am new to the HPC Website. Where can I go for help?

Please visit our how to guide located in our help center, or use our Live Chat service to get further assistance.

Received a Letter

I received a letter about an Automotive Repair Facility License. What do I do?

Why did I receive this notice?
In order to operate as an Automotive Repair Facility in the City of Houston, you must be licensed in accordance with Chapter 8 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. To view this ordinance, please visit http://www.municode.com/Library/TX/Houston.

How can I pay?
Please complete the information in your application packet and bring it to:

Houston Permitting Center
Center Auto Dealers Detail, Basement Level
1002 Washington
Houston, TX 77002

Is this something that I HAVE to pay?
Yes. You received this notice because you operate as an Automotive Repair Facility and your business resides within the limits of the City of Houston.

What Ordinance does this pertain to?
Chapter 8 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. http://www.municode.com/Library/TX/Houston.

When is my fee due?
These applications must be returned with payment within 30 days of the mailing date on this letter.

What other documents do I need before I can get this license?

A Certificate of Occupancy. If you do not have one, the City of Houston Occupancy office is located at the Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington, 1st Floor, Houston, TX 77002 (832-394-8880). Auto Dealers will accept a receipt or the final certificate.
Present a legal description of your corporation (if applicable) or DBA or Assumed Name certificate – The DBA office is at 201 Caroline, Suite 460, Houston, TX 77002.
A City of Houston application – This form must be signed and notarized. If you do not have a notary, please do not sign the application until you report to the Auto Dealers Detail office.
A Deed Restriction and Law Compliance Affidavit – This form must also be signed and notarized. If you do not have a notary, please do not sign the affidavit until you report to the Auto Dealers Detail office.

All of the necessary paperwork listed should be brought to the Houston Permitting Center, 1002 Washington, Auto Dealers Detail, Basement level, Houston, TX 77002 832-394-4800.

My store is not an Automotive Repair Facility.
Please contact our Office at 832-394-4800 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please be aware that any claim of exemption will be subject to verification by inspection.

I have already paid for this license.
Please contact our Office at 832-394-4800 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please have proof of your payment (license #) on-hand for reference.

Does my facility need to be inspected?
To obtain a new license, you do not need an inspection; however, your facility is subject to random inspections.

Further information is available online at: http://www.houstontx.gov/police/auto_dealers_detail/

I received a letter about a Fire Alarm Permit. What do I do?

Why did I receive this notice?
Each fire alarm in operation in the City of Houston is mandated by city ordinance to have a permit. It is unlawful for any person to operate, cause to be operated, or allow the operation of an alarm system unless a valid permit issued in accordance with this division is in effect for that system.

If your alarm system can summon the Houston Fire Department automatically, through your alarm system company or through the “fire” panic button, you are required to have a fire alarm permit.

I do not know if my alarm system can summon the Houston Fire Department automatically.
Please contact your alarm service provider with questions about your alarm system’s active capabilities.

How can I pay?
To pay by mail, please complete the information on your invoice and return it to:

City of Houston
P. O. Box 3625
Houston, TX 77253
Make all checks payable to the City of Houston

**We do NOT accept credit card payments through the mail.

If you wish to pay in person, you can pay by check, money order or credit card (MC/V/D/AE) at the Houston Permitting Center at 1002 Washington Avenue 2nd floor, Houston, TX 77002. Please bring your completed application and unsworn declaration with you.

Is this something that I HAVE to pay?
Yes. If your business resides within the limits of the City of Houston, and your alarm system can summon the Houston Fire Department, you must purchase a permit.

Which City of Houston Ordinance requires me to get a permit?
Chapter 11 Sec. 11-12(a) indicates that: It is unlawful for any person to operate…an alarm system unless a valid permit issued…is in effect for that system.

What is my fee?

The fee for a new fire permit is $111.81 ($83.86 + $27.95 administrative fee).
Presently, the fee for a renewal permit is $83.86 ($55.91 + $27.95 administrative fee). Renewals must occur 10 days prior to expiration.
If you do not have a fire alarm permit and a false alarm results in a response by the Houston Fire Department, you will be fined $402.55 for each such occurrence.

When is my fee due?
Applications must be returned with payment within 30 days of the mailing date on this letter.

My alarm system cannot summon the Houston Fire Department automatically, through my alarm system company or through the "fire" panic button.
Please notify us by checking the box on the original letter and mail, fax, or email it back to the Houston Fire Department’s Permitting Office. Please be aware that any claim of exemption will be subject to verification by inspection.

I have already paid my Fire Alarm Permit Fee.
Please notify us by calling: 832.394.8811. Please have proof of your payment on-hand for reference.

If you have any other questions about this notice, please call the Houston Fire Department’s hotline 832-394-8811 or emailing us at [email protected] .

Further information is also available online at
http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/formsandpermits/

Additional Contact Information:
Houston Fire Department

P.O. Box 3625
Houston, TX 77253