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1. What is a fire inspection?

The best way to prevent a fire is to prevent them from occurring. Routine fire inspections are one of the most effective ways to do that. The purpose of the inspections is multi-fold. The inspections include identifying and correcting fire code violations and educating business and property owners about the fire code and general fire safety.

2. How can I prepare for the inspection?

The McKinney Fire Marshal's Office has prepared an informational brochure, "Are You Up To Code", that outlines the most common fire code violations. This brochure is design to address the majority of the questions regarding an inspection. A copy of the brochure may be requested by contacting our office and a fire inspector will deliver the brochure and go over any questions you may have.

3. How often will my business or property be inspected?

We strive to inspect all businesses annually, with target hazards semi-annually.

4. How much will the inspection cost?

No fees are assessed for annual and semi-annual inspections.

5. What if I have a question about the inspection and fire code violations?

You can contact the fire inspector who visited your property or call the McKinney Fire Marshal's Office at 972-547-2862

6. How long do I have to correct the fire code violations noted on an inspection?

Once a fire inspector notifies you of a fire code violation, he/she will notify you and issue an inspection report requiring the conditions are corrected immediately. A re-inspection will be scheduled to verify compliance based upon the schedule of the fire inspector. This is typically 10 days to two weeks.

7. Can I schedule a courtesy inspection or fire code consultation?

Yes, as a property or business owner, who may have fire safety concerns about your operation you may schedule an inspection or consultation. Contact our office at 972-547-2862 and ask for a courtesy inspection. We will schedule a convenient time to stop by and address any concerns you may have.

8. When is a Knox Box required?

A Knox Box is required for all new construction provided with a fire protection system and on existing construction undergoing substantial renovation that is provided with a fire protection system. The Fire Marshal may also require a Knox Box on existing construction, should it be necessary due to life-saving or fire-fighting measures or the property presents specific challenges and hazards. The size, type and location of the Knox Box are determined on a case-by-case basis dependent upon a review of the specific building and/or occupancy.

Additional information on Knox® Boxes and Key Switches 

9. When do I need a permit?

The Fire Marshal's Office issues operational permits and construction permits.

An operational permit allows the business to conduct a specific operation (e.g. high piled storage, hazardous materials).

A construction permit allows the applicant to install or modify a specific fire protection system, storage tank or other system outlined in the fire code. A comprehensive list of permits issued can be obtained by contacting our office.

10. How much does a permit cost?

No fees are currently assessed for the issuance of a permit.

11. How do I get a permit application?

You may contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 972-547-2862 and request an application be emailed, mailed or faxed to you. You may also download an application from our website.

12. How do I schedule an inspection?

A comprehensive guide to scheduling an inspection is available online.

13. When does my fire code permit expire?

Operational permits are valid until the date indicated on the permit. This can range from one to two years. When your permit is nearing expiration, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 972-547-2862 for instructions on how to renew your specific permit.

14. Why do I need to submit fire protection plans before I can receive inspections from the Building Inspections Department?

In order to assist our customers when certain fire protections systems (i.e. fire alarms, occupant notification, fire sprinkler systems) are required by the fire code, both the Building and Fire departments require that the plans for these systems are submitted, not reviewed, to the Fire Marshal's Office before certain building related inspections can be performed.

The benefit is that the installation of these systems can be coordinated while the construction is ongoing and not during the end of the construction project, which could cause delays in obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy. This also assists in informing the project superintendent of the requirement for these systems.

15. Where is the McKinney Fire Marshal's Office located?

Our physical address is 2200 Taylor Burk Dr.. We are located a quarter mile north of the intersection of Central Expressway / U.S. 75 and University Drive / U.S.380 on the west side. The Collin County Community College and the 380 Towne Center (Target & Lowe's) is located directly to the south of the Public Safety Building.