Commercial Tents | Canopies

Temporary Membrane Structures, Tents and Canopies
Definitions:
• Temporary use shall be for a period of not more than 180 days within a 12-month period on a single premise.
• Membrane Structure is an air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered structure as defined by the International Building Code.
• Tent is a structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner except by air or the contents that it protects.
• All structures referenced below will be “tents.”

Procedure:
1st:  The approval and issuance of a CONSTRUCTION permit is required for a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet before it can be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose.  The “owner” of the tent submits plans for the construction permit.  The construction permit will be issued to the owner of the tent.  An inspection by the Fire District is required prior to the erection of the tent.  All requests for inspections must be made to, and confirmed by, the Fire Prevention Division. 

2nd: The approval and issuance of a separate OPERATIONAL permit is required to operate a tent in which persons gather for any purpose.  The event sponsor of the tent submits plans for the operational permit.  The operational permit will be issued to the event sponsor after successful completion of inspection.  An inspection by the Fire District is required prior to the use of the tent.  All requests for inspections must be made to, and confirmed by, the Fire Prevention Division.  

3rd: One set of approved plan review documents and applicable permits shall be kept on site at all times during the inspections, construction and operation of a tent.

How to Apply:
Please submit two (2) complete sets of documents for plan review that must be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed, and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of the code (see checklist).  Documents submitted for plan review must be received by the Fire Prevention Division office a minimum of five (5) business days prior to the scheduled event.  Review and approval by the Fire District shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility of compliance with the code.  Any changes that are made to the site and floor plans after approval will require additional review and comment by the Fire District.

Fees:
• Construction plan review and permit fees are determined by the total valuation of work (i.e., materials & labor) payable to the Fire District at the time the permit is picked up.  The “owner” of the tent submits plans for the construction permit.  The construction permit will be issued to the owner of the tent. 
• Operational permit fees are based on the time required to prepare for and execute the required operational inspection and will be invoiced to the “event sponsor.”  The event sponsor of the tent submits plans for the operational permit.  The operational permit will be issued to the event sponsor after successful completion of inspection.