City of Houston design guideline at a glance
| Code basis | Houston Building and Fire Codes (Sections 914 and 510), NFPA 1221, NFPA 72 |
|---|---|
| Signal / quality | −95 dBm RSSI or stronger; DAQ 3.0 or better |
| Coverage | 95% of occupied spaces, 99% of critical areas |
| Survivability | Level 2 riser and feeder pathways; riser in a 2-hour rated assembly |
| Secondary power | 12-hour battery minimum (the guideline also references 24-hour runtime — confirm with the AHJ) |
| Design | Texas Professional Engineer; PE-sealed plans or deferred submittal |
| Testing | Texas PE or FCC GROL holder registered with the City as an ERRC Special Inspector; results documented as heatmaps |
| Exemption | No plan review or third-party inspection for buildings with no basement, three stories or fewer, and 50,000 sq ft or less (code compliance still required) |
Source: City of Houston IT Design Guideline Spec 275319, v5.0 (7/15/2025).1 Confirm applicability to your project with the Houston Fire Marshal’s Office.
How we help in Houston
RF design packages built to the Houston guideline, coordinated with your Texas PE of record, plus remote commissioning and acceptance report support.
Frequently asked questions
Does Houston require a Texas PE for ERRCS design?
The City’s design guideline calls for a Texas Professional Engineer as designer and PE-sealed plans for review.
Are small buildings exempt in Houston?
Buildings with no basement, three stories or fewer, and 50,000 sq ft or less are exempt from plan review and third-party inspection, but must still comply with the code.
References
- City of Houston IT Design Guideline Spec 275319 — Emergency Responder Radio Communication System (v5.0, 7/15/2025). preflight.houstontx.gov
General information, not a substitute for your AHJ’s current requirements or a project-specific design. Local standards change; confirm with the fire code official.