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1. Where do I go to get a car seat installed?

Contact Schertz EMS

2. How do I obtain a fire permit?

See Fire Marshal Office page

3. Can I use a fire pit in my backyard either as a warming fire or for cooking?

Fire pits are permitted when used at least 10 feet from any structures and is a contained fire pit (must have a screen to control flying embers).  Fire pits are not allowed to be used on porches or balconies in apartments and duplexes.  No burning of trash is allowed. 

City codes reference

Section 308.1.4 Open-flame cooking devices. Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.  

Exceptions:

 1.         One- and two- family dwellings.

Section 308.5 Fire Hazard Prohibited. In Group R, Division 1 & 2 occupancies, a person shall not construct, erect, install, maintain or use any incinerator or barbecue pit or so burn any combustible material as to constitute or occasion a fire hazard by the use or burning thereof or as to endanger the life or property of any person thereof.

The use or burning of any such devices under the following conditions shall constitute a fire hazard and is strictly prohibited:

1.    Within 10 linear feet of any combustible surface, including but not limited to decks, porches, balconies, walls, or verandas.

2.    Beneath any balcony, porch, roof overhang, deck, or veranda.

4. Do I need a permit for a shed or accessory building?

The following are general requirements for residential sheds or accessory buildings. For a full list of all requirements please review Unified Development Code Sec.21.8.2 Accessory Buildings, Uses and Structures.

Residential Shed and Accessory Structure Flyer

• A permit is not required for a shed or accessory building which is less than 120 square feet and does not have a permanent foundation (i.e. concrete pad). Even though a permit is not required, the shed must still be in compliance with all standards and regulations for sheds and accessory buildings, as defined in Unified Development Code Sec.21.8.2 Accessory Buildings, Uses and Structures.
• Sheds and accessory buildings greater than 120 square feet require a permit.
• Sheds and accessory buildings with a permanent foundation (i.e. concrete pad) require a permit.
• Sheds must be a minimum of five feet (5') from the common property line when located on the side of the home or in the side yard.
• Sheds must be a minimum of three feet (3') from the common property line when located to the rear of the home in the back yard.
• Sheds and accessory buildings cannot be placed within easements or within the front yard.
• The maximum wall height of a shed or accessory building is eight feet (8’). *
• The maximum number of sheds or accessory buildings is three (3).*

5. How do I receive notifications during extreme weather events?

Click here for info on emergency notifications

6. Where can I dispose of old/expired medicine?

Contact Schertz EMS

7. Fire extinguisher questions (i.e. disposal, inspection, recharge)

Disposal

Fire extinguishers still under pressure can be disposed of at the City sponsored fall and spring clean up event or by contacting a fire extinguisher company for drop off.  Extinguishers that have no pressure or have been discharged can be put into your everyday trash can.

Inspection and recharge

For inspection and/or recharge contact an authorized fire extinguisher company for assistance

8. Why do firefighters go to the grocery store together on a fire engine while on duty?

Your Schertz firefighters are always ready to respond! Our firefighters work 48 hour shifts and they spend a lot of time together. We encourage our firefighters to spend time together sharing a meal as a way to build camaraderie. The fire crews  put their own money together into a food fund when making a trip to the grocery store to purchase food for the shift. They go as a group to the store so that then can quickly respond to any incident that comes in at a moments notice.