When is an Austin Fire Department Tent Permit required?

Non-Air Inflated

Tents anchored directly to the ground fall in the following categories:

  • Structures greater than 400 square feet with one or more sidewalls;
  • Structures greater than 400 square feet and within 20 feet of a building; and/or
  • All structures greater than 700 square feet.

Air Inflated

Temporary Membrane Structures greater than 100 square feet.

AFD has the final decision on all fire-related permits. Tents constructed on site must be reviewed and approved by AFD prior to an event for compliance with the current ordinances, safety, and fire and building codes. All AFD permitted tents require a review and approval.

Tent requirements

Those hosting an event with 50 or more people must fill out an ACE application but do not need a separate tent permit application. Application deadline will be the greater of 30 days or the deadline established by the SEO for the event within the appropriate tier.

  • Those hosting an event with less than 50 people must fill out the standalone tent application for tents requiring a permit no less than 10 days prior to the event.
  • Site plans should include detailed information on tent type, size, and location.
  • Tent permit fees are nonrefundable.

Tent(s) and/or Temporary Air Supported and Air-Inflated Membrane Structures Guidelines

Inclement Weather Contingency Plans

Weather conditions change quickly in Austin. An inclement weather plan (include the location of tents on the site plan) should be included with any ACE application. Getting this pre-approved allows you to quickly add tents to your event in case of emergency. Caution: Tents should not be occupied during electrical storms and/or high wind conditions.

Temporary Air Supported and Air Inflated Membrane Structures

  • During high winds (those exceeding 50 miles per hour), the doors will be closed and controlled (when operated to open and close), avoiding excessive air loss.
  • Doors shall automatically close to prevent pressure loss, swing in the direction of exit travel, and shall open with 15 pounds or less of pressure.
  • Construction of the fabric envelope and the method of anchoring shall comply with ASI 77.
  • Structures used as a place of assembly shall have a minimum of two (2) blowers with adequate capacity to maintain full inflation in case of the failure of one blower.
  • For places of assembly with more than 200 people, auxiliary power (generator) shall be provided to operate one blower continuously for four (4) hours.
    • All temporary air supported and air inflated membrane structures may require the review of an AFD Engineer.
    • Propane cylinders and regulators must be placed securely at the rear of the tent for emergency access, and at a minimum of five (5) feet away from any ignition source and/or cooking appliances.
    • Propane appliances must have the manufacturer’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) indicator stamped or noted on their hoses.'
    • Spare propane bottles are not allowed in the tent area.

Cooking Tents

Propane
  • Spare propane cylinders, whether empty or full, must not be stored in the vendor area. The event promoter must provide a propane storage area 50 feet from the main public area, accessible to AFD, fenced, and labeled with NFPA 704 Diamonds and “no smoking” signs. If the storage area is within 10 feet of moving vehicles, vehicle impact protection must be provided.
  • Fryers must be placed at the rear of the tent, on a stable platform, and as far away from the public as possible.
  • Pressure relief valves are required to face away from the tent, combustibles, and/or other ignition sources.
  • Tent walls, combustibles, and/or storage items must be three feet from any open flame cooking appliance.
Grills and Pits
  • Grilling with charcoal or wood is not allowed under or within 20 feet of any tented structure.
  • Solid fuel appliances must be covered while in use.
  • Outside BBQ pits with stacks must have a five feet clear circumference from combustibles, and a 15 feet clearance above the stack.
  • Homemade LPG appliances will be inspected individually and may not be authorized without an AFD Engineer’s certificate.