Texas City, TX Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)

The City Commission adopted the 2024 Edition of the International Fire Code in § 96.01, and § 96.02(S) amends Sec. 907.2.6 for Groups E, I and R. A manual fire alarm system must be installed in Group E, Group I and Group R occupancies. If automatic sprinkler systems or smoke detectors are installed, they must be connected to the building fire alarm system. The code names the occupancies it means: Group E (daycares, schools), Group I (nursing homes, assisted living homes, hospitals) and Group R (senior apartment communities, hotels in which room doors do not discharge directly to the exterior of the building).

Monitoring is spelled out. An approved off-site fire alarm monitoring service must be provided for groups E, I, R and occupancies required to have an automatic sprinkler system, and the monitoring service must report directly to Texas City Central dispatch center. The occupancy must give the Texas City Fire Marshal's Office the service provider name, account number and pass code. Where automatic fire sprinklers are not required, a full-coverage smoke detection system must be provided in all Group E occupancies. Sec. 907.2.6.1 adds the same full-coverage requirement for Group I occupancies. Unless separated by a minimum of 100 feet open space, all buildings, whether portable buildings or the main building, are treated as one building for alarm occupant load and interconnection of alarm systems.

The Division of Fire Prevention, run by the Fire Marshal under the Fire Chief, enforces the fire code. Under § 96.02(D), installation of new fire alarm systems, additions or upgrades, and re-tests require an operational permit, and the Exhibit A fee schedule lists fire alarm systems installation, upgrades, alterations and re-test at $100.