§ 11-16. Fees for certain permits and services.

(a)

The following fees are hereby established for obtaining certain permits from the fire prevention division of the fire department.

(1)

Blaster permit:

a.

Initial ..... $220.00

b.

Renewal ..... 150.00

(2)

Explosive handler's permit, per year ..... 100.00

(3)

Quarry blasting permit, per year ..... 500.00

(4)

Explosive storage permit, per year ..... 200.00

(5)

Duplicate permits ..... 25.00

(6)

Burning permits, per seven (7) days ..... 225.00

(7)

LPG/CNG/LNG tanks:

First tank on permit ..... 200.00

Each additional tank ..... 100.00

(8)

Aboveground temporary flammable liquid storage tank permits:

a.

Thirty (30) days ..... 100.00

b.

One hundred eighty (180) days ..... 100.00

c.

One (1) year ..... 200.00

(9)

Hazardous chemical tank, per ninety (90) days ..... 100.00

(10)

Fixed pipe automatic extinguishing systems in hoods and ducts, per system ..... 150.00

(11)

Explosive site permit:

a.

Utilities, per ninety (90) days ..... 200.00

b.

Excavation, per thirty (30) days ..... 200.00

c.

Swimming pools and septics, per thirty (30) days ..... 150.00

(12)

a.

Sprinkler system permit. A sprinkler system permit fee shall be assessed for reviewing plans, inspecting, and hydrostatic testing of sprinkler systems. The fee will be assessed according to the following schedule: one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for any system with one (1) to twenty (20) heads; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for any system with twenty-one (21) to two hundred (200) heads; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first two hundred (200) heads plus seventy-five cents ($0.75) for each additional head with a maximum fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per floor. In addition, if the sprinkler system is located on more than one (1) floor, the fee will also include a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each additional floor. (Basements or underground levels are considered floors for purposes of this fee.)

b.

Major sprinkler system work permit. A major sprinkler system work permit fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) shall be assessed for major sprinkler system related work not involving sprinkler head modifications. The Fire Chief or his designee shall make the final determination of whether a system modification constitutes major sprinkler system related work; however, the following modifications shall always constitute major work: installation of a fire pump, underground fire main, riser, supply main, cross main or any other change that could significantly affect the hydraulic characteristics of the system.

c.

Sprinkler system remodel permit. If a modification of an existing sprinkler system is planned in a building (or an area of a building), a sprinkler system remodel permit fee shall be required prior to start of construction and a fee assessed according to the following schedule: one hundred-fifty dollars ($150.00) for one (1) to twenty (20) head modifications; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for twenty-one (21) to two hundred (200) head modifications; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first two hundred (200) heads plus seventy-five cents ($0.75) per head for each additional head modification with a maximum fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per floor. If the modification of the sprinkler system is located on more than one (1) floor, the fee will also include a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each additional floor. (Basements or underground levels are considered floors for purposes of this fee.)

d.

Underground fire line. A fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be assessed for testing and approving an installed underground fire line.

e.

Standpipes. A fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first standpipe and one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125.00) thereafter shall be assessed for testing and approving installed standpipes.

f.

Hydrants. A fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first hydrant and one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($125.00) thereafter shall be assessed for testing and approving installed hydrants.

g.

Fast track sprinkler system permit (45-day expiration with no renewal unless approved by the fire marshal or his/her designee): One hundred dollars ($100.00).

h.

Visual inspections. A fee of one hundred twenty five dollars ($125.00) shall be assessed for visual inspections of underground fire lines or sprinkler systems and components not in conjunction with a hydrostatic test.

(13)

a.

Fire alarm system permit. A fee shall be assessed for reviewing plans, inspecting and testing of fire alarm systems. The fee shall be assessed based on the following schedule: One hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for any system with one (1) to twenty (20) initiating or signaling devices; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for any system with twenty-one (21) to two hundred (200) devices; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first two hundred (200) devices plus seventy-five cents ($0.75) for each additional device with a maximum fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per floor. In addition, if the fire alarm is located on more than one (1) floor, the fee will also include a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each additional floor. (Basements or underground levels are considered floors for purposes of this fee.)

The permit fee for major fire alarm system work not involving modification of initiating and/or signaling devices is one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00). The fire marshal or their designee shall make the final determination of whether a system modification constitutes major fire alarm system related work; however, the following modifications shall always constitute major work: installations of a fire alarm panel, or any other significant modification of the system.

b.

Fire alarm remodel permit. If a modification of an existing fire alarm system is planned in a building (or area of a building), then a fire alarm system remodel permit shall be required prior to start of construction and a fee assessed according to the following schedule: One hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for one (1) to twenty (20) device modifications; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for any system with twenty-one (21) to two hundred (200) device modifications; two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the first two hundred (200) devices plus seventy-five cents ($0.75) for each additional device modification with a maximum fee of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per floor. If the modification of the fire alarm system is located on more than one (1) floor, the fee will also include a charge of fifty dollars ($50.00) for each additional floor. (Basements or underground levels are considered floors for purposes of this fee.)

c.

Fire alarm panel replacement permit. The initial permit fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) and include up to twenty (20) devices. Two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be charged for an initial permit and include between twenty-one and two hundred (21—200) devices. Two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be charged for an initial permit plus seventy-five cents ($0.75) per device exceeding two hundred (200) up to a maximum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) per floor. An additional fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per floor for each floor (beyond the floor of work) affected by the panel replacement is required.

d.

Fire alarm fast track permit. A fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) is required to begin work prior to plan review. The permit shall have a 45-day expiration, with no renewal, unless approved by the fire marshal or his/her designee.

(14)

Float and food booth permit:

a.

Per day, if prepaid: Thirty-five dollars ($35.00), plus the technology fee provided for in section 21-161 of this Code.

b.

Per day, if collected on site: Forty-five dollars ($45.00), which includes the technology fee provided for in section 21-161 of this Code.

(15)

Bonfire permit, per event: Two hundred sixty-four dollars and fifty cents ($264.50), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

(16)

Fireworks:

a.

Fireworks (large or 1.3G) display permit. Per event: Two hundred sixty-four dollars and fifty cents ($264.50), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

b.

Pyrotechnics (small, 1.4G or pyrotechnics special effects) display permit.

1.

Per day: One hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

2.

Maximum, per event: Four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

c.

Flame effect (proximate audience) display permit.

1.

Per day: One hundred fifty dollars ($150.00), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

2.

Maximum, per event: Four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00), plus the fire watch fees provided for in subsection 11-16(k)(2) of this Code.

(17)

Amusement parks:

a.

Annual fireworks/pyrotechnics display ..... 484.00

b.

Pyrotechnics display ..... 242.00

(18)

Amusement park fireworks annual storage permit ..... 121.00

(19)

Waste oil and class III B combustible liquid tank permit ..... 150.00

A permit fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) for each waste oil and class IIIB combustible liquid tank is hereby established for the review of plans and inspection of the installation of the waste oil or class IIIB combustible liquid tank.

(20)

Special event inspection fee:

For plan review and inspections involving floor plans greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet but less than or equal to fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet ..... 275.00

For plan review and inspections involving floor plans exceeding fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet ..... 425.00

(21)

Annual night club operational permit fee. An annual fee for a night club operational permit is hereby established according to the following schedule: one hundred seventy five dollars ($175.00) for night clubs with an occupant load of less than three hundred (300), and two hundred seventy five dollars ($275.00) for night clubs with an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more.

(22)

Permit extension fee. A permit extension fee of one half of the amount of the original permit fee is required for the extension of a valid construction-related permit (sprinkler, fire alarm, fixed extinguishing systems, etc.) for a period of no more than one hundred eighty (180) days.

(23)

Mobile food establishment annual inspection fee. Three hundred dollars ($300.00).

(b)

The fee for tracing flammable liquid leaks to the source by the fire prevention division of the fire department is hereby established at two hundred dollars ($200.00).

(c)

(1) ;hg;A reinspection fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) shall be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when work for which an inspection or reinspection is requested is not approved. A reinspection fee may also be assessed when the permit is not properly posted on the work site, when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, when access is not provided on the date for which inspection is requested or for noncompliance with approved plans, requiring reinspection and approval of the fire official. All reinspection fees shall be paid before final release of public utilities and issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

(2)

Minor re-inspection fee ..... 35.00

(3)

General inspection fee ..... 75.00

(d)

A fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for test and thirty dollars ($30.00) per subsequent test shall be assessed for testing required smoke control systems.

(e)

Preliminary review of plans. The following fee schedule is hereby established for preliminary review of plans by the fire department: A minimum fee of seventy five dollars ($75.00) per hour, one hour minimum) for the review of plans prior to submission for approval shall be assessed for the first hour the fire department is involved in the review to be paid prior to the review; For each additional hour or portion thereof, there shall be an additional minimum charge of seventy five dollars ($75.00). Incurred fees not prepaid must be paid prior to issuance of the building permit.

(f)

A fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) per system for plan review, testing, and approving an installed gaseous suppression system, such as halon, and carbon dioxide.

(g)

Fees for state required annual inspections:

(1)

a.

State required annual inspections of any child daycare facility licensed to serve twelve (12) children or less that requires certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) which shall be remitted at the fire marshal's office prior to the required inspection.

b.

State required annual inspections of foster homes, half-way houses, group care homes or similar short-term placement occupancies that require certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) which shall be remitted at the fire marshal's office prior to the required inspection.

c.

State required annual inspections of any child daycare facility licensed to serve more than twelve (12) children that requires certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00), which shall be remitted to the fire marshal's office prior to the required inspection.

d.

State required annual inspections of adult daycare facility or other similar occupancy that requires certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00), which shall be remitted to the fire marshal's office prior to the required inspection.

(2)

a.

State required annual inspection of hospitals or other similar occupancies that require certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee based on the number of beds in the facility. The inspection fee will consist of a charge of three dollars ($3.00) per bed with a minimum fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) and a maximum fee of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00).

b.

State required annual inspection of nursing homes or other similar occupancies that require certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee based on the number of beds in the facility. The inspection fee will consist of a charge of three dollars ($3.00) per bed with a minimum fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00) and a maximum fee of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500.00).

(3)

State or private/public required annual inspections of laboratories, clinics and bonded warehouses or other similar occupancies that require certification or approval by the fire marshal's office shall be assessed a fee which shall be remitted at the fire marshal's office prior to the required inspection as follows:

Laboratories, clinics, rehabilitation facilities ..... $150.00

Bonded warehouses or other similar occupancies ..... 150.00

(h)

Aboveground storage tank fee. A permit fee of three hundred thirty dollars ($330.00) for each aboveground storage tank regardless of capacity is hereby established and shall be assessed for the construction of any permanent aboveground storage tank used for the storage of flammable liquids, combustible liquids, or hazardous materials, and shall be paid prior to commencement of any construction. Plans must be submitted for approval prior to the issuance of a permit.

(i)

Underground storage tank fee. A permit fee of three hundred thirty dollars ($330.00) per underground storage tank shall be assessed for the inspection of the installation, interior lining, filling with inert material or removal of any underground storage tank used for the storage of flammable liquids, combustible liquids or hazardous materials. A permit shall be obtained prior to commencement of any activity stated above.

(j)

(1)

Retest fee. If a retest of a fire protection system or portion thereof is necessary due to failure of a previous test, a retest fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) per retest shall be paid at the fire marshal's office prior to retesting.

(2)

Rescheduling fee. If a test or a retest of any fire protection system is canceled within four (4) hours of the scheduled test, a rescheduling fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150.00) shall be paid prior to rescheduling of the required test.

(k)

(1)

If special circumstances warrant, the chief may allow an inspector to conduct an inspection or test after normal working hours when a request is made by a contractor or owner's representative. The cost for each service is eighty dollars ($80.00) per man-hour with a minimum of two (2) hours. Payment shall be remitted at the fire marshal's office prior to the inspection.

(2)

If special circumstances warrant, the use of a fire watch, the cost for each fire department employee engaged in the fire watch is eighty dollars ($80.00) per man-hour with a minimum of two (2) hours. Included as part of the eighty dollar ($80.00) fee is a fire watch administrative fee of two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per man-hour to cover the cost of administering the fire watch service.

(l)

Reserved.

(m)

A fee of six hundred forty-five dollars ($645.00) shall be assessed to any individual that a fire unit of the City of San Antonio Fire Department rescues or attempts to rescue at a low-water crossing.

(n)

The fee for routine fire reports, fire reports without case number, fire records searches, plans, codes, or references shall be that authorized by V.T.C.A., Government Code ch. 552.

(o)

An environmental research fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) per address request shall be assessed. This environmental research fee shall apply for record searches relating to hazardous incidents and hazardous materials storage at a specific location where fire department staff must conduct research to find the requested information.

(p)

A filing fee of one hundred fifty-five dollars ($155.00) is required to be submitted in order to file an appeal with the building-related and fire codes appeals and advisory board. A filing fee of one hundred fifty-five dollars ($155.00) is required to be submitted in order to file an appeal of the decision of the building-related and fire codes appeals and advisory board with city council.

(q)

High-rise building annual inspection fee. A fee of six hundred fifty dollars ($650.00) is required for an annual inspection of a high-rise building ten (10) floors in height and under. A fee of eight hundred fifty dollars ($850.00) is required for an annual inspection of a high-rise building eleven (11) floors or more in height.

(r)

Reserved.

(s)

A permit fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) for each site of a fuel line not part of an underground storage tank is hereby established for the inspection and testing of said fuel line.

(t)

A permit fee of two hundred and fifty seven and 50/100 dollars ($257.50) for each spray paint booth is here established for the review of plans and the inspection of the installation of each spray paint booth.

(u)

A fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per request shall be assessed for changing the address on hazardous material permits, inspection reports, and other records.

(v)

Reserved.

(w)

A fee of five hundred and fifty-five dollars ($555.00) per hour per apparatus per incident, plus any applicable fire department personnel overtime costs, is hereby established for recovery of costs associated with commercial trench/confined space rescue incidents. The hourly rate shall be prorated in 15-minute increments at the beginning of each increment. All expendable commodities used at the scene will be billed at cost to the person, corporation, or entity which required the trench/confined space rescue.

(Code 1959, § 15-10.5; Ord. No. 57561, §§ 1, 2, 9-15-83; Ord. No. 59317, § 2, 9-4-84; Ord. No. 61331, §§ 1-3, 8-29-85; Ord. No. 65619, § 1, 9-3-87; Ord. No. 67921, §§ 1-9, 9-15-88; Ord. No. 70251, §§ 1, 2, 4, 5, 11-14, 16, 9-14-89; Ord. No. 72268, § 1, 9-13-90; Ord. No. 72437, § 5, 10-4-90; Ord. No. 74296, §§ 1-3, 9-12-91; Ord. No. 76468, §§ 1—5, 9-10-92; Ord. No. 76471, § 1, 9-10-92; Ord. No. 76473, § 1, 9-10-92; Ord. No. 76576, §§ 1, 2, 9-24-92; Ord. No. 78729, §§ 1, 2, 9-15-93; Ord. No. 79918, § 2, 3-31-94; Ord. No. 80784, § 1, 9-14-94; Ord. No. 86608, §§ 1—24, 9-11-97; Ord. No. 90493, §§ 1, 4, 9-16-99; Ord. No. 91127, § 1, 1-13-00; Ord. No. 92515, § 2, 9-14-00; Ord. No. 94582, § 5, 9-20-01; Ord. No. 98186, §§ 1—6, 9-18-03; Ord. No. 99734, §§ 1—3, 9-16-04; Ord. No. 101400, § 1, 9-15-05; Ord. No. 2007-04-05-0360, § 1, 4-5-07; Ord. No. 2007-09-13-0973F, § 1, 9-13-07; Ord. No. 2007-09-13-0973L, § 3, 9-13-07; Ord. No. 2008-09-11-0777B, § 1, 9-11-08; Ord. No. 2008-09-11-0777G, § 9, 9-11-08; Ord. No. 2009-09-17-0731E, § 1, 9-17-09; Ord. No. 2009-10-01-0776, § 1, 10-1-09; Ord. No. 2010-09-16-0791, § 1(Att. A), 9-16-10; Ord. No. 2011-09-15-0752, § 1(Att. A), 9-15-11; Ord. No. 2011-12-01-0985, § 2, 12-1-11; Ord. No. 2013-09-12-0631, § 2(Att. D), 9-12-13; Ord. No. 2015-01-29-0067 , § 2, 1-29-15; Ord. No. 2015-09-10-0758 , § 2(Att. D), 9-10-15; Ord. No. 2016-09-15-0697 , § 2(Att. B), 9-15-16)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2009-10-01-0776 shall be effective January 1, 2010.