The District’s Community Risk Reduction Section (CRRS) staff members make decisions about commercial development based on professional interpretation of the adopted fire code. In the event the development community disagrees with a fire code interpretation, the following process will be utilized to work towards resolution. Overwhelmingly, these issues are resolved informally through alternative methods of compliance, code modifications, etc. Great effort is invested by District staff in seeking a resolution that is agreeable to all parties without sacrificing fire/life safety.
When property owners, developers, or others impacted by such a decision are unable to resolve their issues directly with CRRS staff and would like other facts considered, they have the option to present their appeals and opinions to an appeals board.
Here’s a general summary of actions to take and what to expect should you choose to have your item heard by the appeals board.
- Within 30 days of the decision or action that is the subject of the appeal, submit a letter requesting an appeal. Address the letter to:
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- The President of the Board of Commissioners of the District
Travis County ESD#2 – Pflugerville Fire Department
203 E Pecan St
Pflugerville, TX 78660.
- Include in your written request:
- The basic information of the issue at hand,
The specific reason you are seeking an appeal, and
Your basic contact information including your mailing address.
- At the next regularly scheduled Board of Commissioners (BOC) meeting after receiving the letter requesting an appeal, the Commissioners will appoint an appellate panel to hear your appeal. The appeals hearing will be scheduled within 21 days of this BOC meeting.
- Information regarding your appeals hearing will be sent to you in writing. In this written notice, you will be given the date, time and location of the hearing.
- During the hearing, you will present evidence in support of your appeal and the Fire Chief or his/her designee will present evidence in support of his/her interpretation of the issue.
- At the conclusion of the hearing, the appeal panel will either Affirm, Reverse or Modify the original decision/interpretation of the CRRS staff based on how a majority of the panel votes. Any appellate panel ruling will initially be given orally from a member of the panel. This information will also be sent in writing along with any required action items.
Please refer to Section 9 of the District’s Order Adopting Fire Code for the specific details and requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact 512-251-2801 and ask for the Community Risk Reduction Section.
