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Regulations for Tents and Other Membrane Structures

In accordance with the City Code of Ordinances, the International Fire Code (2003), the Michigan Building Code, NFPA 102 and NFPA 701 temporary tents, canopies, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures shall comply with the provisions of this regulation. (Temporary is not more than 180 days). Other provisions may be required for permanent structures.

Permit required. Tents and membrane structures having an area in excess of 200 square feet and canopies in excess of 400 square feet shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a permit (2403.4) and approval from the code official (2403.2).

Exceptions:

1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

2. Fabric canopies and awnings open on all sides which comply with the following:

2.1. Individual canopies having a maximum size of 700 square feet.

2.2. The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet not exceeding 700 square feet total.

2.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet to all structures and other tents.

Permits are issued by the City Building Department. The Building Official and/or the Fire Inspector require plan review and approval.

Construction documents.  A detailed site and floor plan for tents, canopies, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures with an occupant load of 50 or more shall be provided with each application for approval (2403.6). The floor plan shall indicate details of the means of egress (2403.12.2), occupant load, arrangement of the seating and location and type of any heating, food preparation and electrical equipment. The site plan shall indicate the location of the structure on the property, distances to lot lines, buildings, other temporary structures and parked vehicles. The temporary structure shall be no closer than 20 feet to the aforementioned (some exceptions may apply).

Access.  Access to the site, fire lanes and fire hydrants shall be indicated on the site plan. Fire lanes shall be a minimum 20 feet in width and maintained free of obstructions. Fire hydrants shall have a minimum, unobstructed clearance of 20 feet on all sides with clear access to one side from a fire lane. (2403.8)

Inspections.  Inspection of the facility is required prior to use. (2403.7)

Fire Safety Requirements

Flame-resistant treatment.  Before a permit or approval is granted, the owner or agent shall file with the code official a certificate executed by an approved testing laboratory (2404.2), certifying that the tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures and their appurtenances, sidewalls, drops and tops of temporary membrane structures, canopies, tarpaulins, floor coverings, bunting, combustible decorative materials and effects, including sawdust when used on floors or passageways, shall be composed of flame-resistant material or shall be treated with a flame retardant in an approved manner and meet the requirements for flame resistance as determined in accordance with NFPA 701, and that such flame resistance is effective for the period specified by the permit.

Label.  Temporary membrane structures, tents or canopies shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the identification of size and fabric or material type. (2404.3)

Certification.  An affidavit or affirmation shall be submitted to the code official and a copy retained on the premises on which the tent or air-supported structure is located. The affidavit shall attest to the following information relative to the flame resistance of the fabric. (2404.4)

1.  Names and address of the owners of the tent or air-supported structure.
2.  Date the fabric was last treated with flame-resistant solution.
3.  Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment
4.  Name of person or firm treating the material.
5.  Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.

Combustible materials. Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials shall not be located within any tent or air-supported structure containing an assembly occupancy, except the materials necessary for the daily feeding and care of animals. Sawdust and shavings utilized for a public performance or exhibit shall not be prohibited provided the sawdust and shavings are kept damp. Combustible materials shall not be permitted under stands or seats at any time. The areas within and adjacent to the tent or air-supported structure, shall be maintained clear of all combustible materials or vegetation that could create a fire hazard within 20 feet from the structure. Combustible trash shall be removed at least once a day from the structure during the period the structure is occupied by the public. (2404.5)

Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted in tents or air-supported structures. Approved "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously posted. (2404.6)

Open or exposed flame. Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any flammable or combustible liquids, gas, charcoal or other cooking device or any other unapproved devices shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 feet of the tent, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures while open to the public unless approved by the code official. (2404.7)

Fireworks. Fireworks shall not be used within 100 feet of tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures. (2404.8)

Spot lighting. Spot or effect lighting shall only be by electricity, and all combustible construction located within 6 feet of such equipment shall be protected with approved noncombustible insulation not less than 9.25 inches thick. (2404.9)

Safety film. Motion pictures shall not be displayed in tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures unless the motion picture film is safety film. (2404.10)

Clearance. There shall be a minimum clearance of at least 3 feet between the fabric envelope and all contents located inside an air-supported structure. (2404.11)

Vegetation removal. Combustible vegetation shall be removed from the area occupied by a tent, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structure, temporary membrane structure or canopy and from areas within 30 feet of such structures. (2404.21)

Waste material. The floor surface inside tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures, temporary membrane structures or canopies and the grounds outside and within a 30-foot perimeter shall be kept clear of combustible waste. Such waste shall be stored in approved containers until removed from the premises. (2404.22)

Portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers with a minimum 2A:1OB:C classification are required. The number depends on the size of the structure. (One per 75’ of travel) (2404.12)

Doors (2403.12.4) Exit doors shall swing in the direction of travel. Opening force shall not exceed 15 pounds.

Exit Signs (2403.12.6) Exits shall be clearly marked. Exit signs shall be installed at the required exit doorways and where otherwise necessary to indicate clearly the direction of egress when the exit serves an occupant load of 50 or more. Exit signs shall be of an approved self-luminous type or shall be internally or externally illuminated by fixtures. (2403.12.6.1)

Aisles (2403.12.5.1) The arrangement of aisles shall be subject to the approval of the fire code official and shall be maintained clear at all times during occupancy.

Electrical Requirements: All electrical wiring shall comply with NEC 2005 (National Electric Code), section 525.21, Rides, Tens and Concessions.

Other code requirements that may apply include, but are not limited to: Heating and Cooking Equipment (2404.15), LP-Gas (2404.16), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (2404.17), Liquid-and Gas-Fueled Vehicles (2404.18) and Generators (2404.19). Contact the City of Bloomfield Hills Fire Inspector at 248-644-1520 for further information. The structure shall not be occupied for its intended use until an inspection has been conducted by the City of Bloomfield Hills Fire Marshall and/or the Building Official and has been deemed in compliance with all requirements.