Texas City, TX Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Two sections of the Texas City Code of Ordinances address residential sprinklers. Section 96.01 adopts the 2024 edition of the International Fire Code, and § 96.02(Q) amends Sec. 903.2.8 for Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 must be provided throughout all buildings, accessory buildings and buildings within the same development with a Group R fire area. The list is not limited to the main structure: it includes pool houses, exercise facilities, garages, office and leasing buildings, laundry rooms, and any and all buildings within a Group R development property or apartment complex property.

The residential building code goes the other way for houses. Section 150.069(A) adopts the International Residential Code, 2015 edition, with amendments, and § 150.069(D) provides that Section R313.2, One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems, is deleted from adoption. The Fire Code amendments add installation details for sprinklered buildings. Under § 96.02(O), Sec. 901.6 acceptance tests are conducted by and at the expense of the owner or the owner's representative, and a Fire Department witness test requires a minimum of 48-hour notice to the Fire Marshal.

Under § 96.02(P), fire hydrants required to supply an automatic fire protection system must be within 150 feet of the fire department connection. Under § 96.02(R), every fire department connection needs a sign with 6 inch reflective letters reading FDC directly above the unobstructed connection, connections must sit a minimum of 36 inches and no higher than 48 inches above grade, and sprinkler riser rooms need a door sign of a minimum of 12 inches by 12 inches with minimum 2 inch letters.