WilCo Fire Marshal’s Office Adopts International Code

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The Williamson County Commissioners Court unanimously approved adopting the 2018 International Fire Code and fee schedule for construction plan reviews, required inspections and specific permit types proposed by the Williamson County Fire Marshal’s Office, officials announced on Wednesday.

Taking effect on Tuesday, the Fire Marshal’s Office will operate under the newly adopted IFC 2018 Fire Code for unincorporated areas of Williamson County, officials explained. Previously, the office operated under the 2015 International Fire Code.

A copy of the IFC 2018 and the fee schedule can be found at the Williamson County Fire Code portal of the county website.

The Williamson County Fire Code, IFC 2015 was adopted by Williamson County Commissioners Court and became effective on June 26, 2018, officials said, a code applying to unincorporated Williamson County only. The Williamson County Fire Marshal is the chief fire prevention officer in those areas, officials added.

A public meeting took place on Oct. 16, and information was posted online to inform the public about the proposed change to the 2018 IFC and allow the public time to comment.

The purpose of this code, officials explained, is to reduce the risk to life and property from fire by providing minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design and construction or substantial improvement of public buildings, commercial establishments, and multi-family residential dwellings consisting of four or more units.

In addition to handling fire investigations in unincorporated areas of the county, the office coordinates the Hazardous Materials Response and the Technical Rescue Response teams, issues mass gathering permits, conducts building fire inspections, and issues construction permits, according to officials.

The Williamson County Fire Code, IFC 2015 was adopted by Williamson County Commissioners Court and became effective on June 26, 2018. This code applies to unincorporated Williamson County only. The Williamson County Fire Marshal is the chief fire prevention officer in those areas. A public meeting was held on October 16, and information was posted online to inform the public about the proposed change to the 2018 IFC and allow the public time to comment.

"The purpose of this code is to reduce the risk to life and property from fire by providing minimum requirements, with due regard to function, for the design and construction or substantial improvement of public buildings, commercial establishments, and multi-family residential dwellings consisting of four or more units," officials said in an advisory.

In addition to handling fire investigations in unincorporated areas of the county, the office coordinates the Hazardous Materials Response and the Technical Rescue Response teams, issues mass gathering permits, conducts building fire inspections, and issues construction permits, officials added.