Austin Fire

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Special Events

The process to apply for special event permits depends on the type of permit being sought. This page includes information about all permits in which Austin Fire is involved either as a single department or as part of the Austin Center for Event (ACE), a collaboration of City departments designed to streamline special event permitting on public and private property.

Any Austin Fire requirements issued prior to and/or onsite at an event must be followed. Inspectors are subject matter experts whose interpretation of the International Fire Code may require additional public safety actions to be taken prior to our issuance of permits and/or load card(s). Inspectors also have the authority to assign public safety requirements at their discretion. All events are subject to site plan approval and fire inspection.  

Click on the applicable links to learn more:

General Safety Requirements
Mobile Food Vendors 

Effective October 1, 2023, all mobile food vendors (MFVs) equipped with propane and/or using electric appliances that produce smoke or grease-laden vapors, require an inspection from Austin Fire before being allowed to operate in Austin. This includes both local MFVs as well as MFVs visiting from outside of Austin that are applying for either temporary or annual Mobile Food Vending permits.

Mobile food vendors operating without an inspection from Austin Fire will be shut down, and a citation will be issued. 

Visit the Mobile Food Vending Fire Inspections page for more information.

Fire Lanes
  • Emergency vehicle access roads shall have an unobstructed width of no less than 25 feet.
  • The unobstructed roadway width may be reduced to less than 25 feet for all or part of the required roadway. The Fire Chief has the authority to require an increase or permit a decrease in access widths when necessary to meet public safety objectives.
  • Fire Lane Vertical Clearance: All overhead obstructions above fire lanes must maintain an unobstructed vertical clearance of at least 14 feet at all times. This includes those positioned over roadways, including, but not limited to, event starting lines, overhead banners, and/or event entry structural support systems.
Generators

Generators must me the following minimum requirements:

  • Generators must be located 10 feet from any permanent structure.
  • Generators must be located 20 feet from any tent or temporary membrane or air-inflated structure.
  • Generators must not be located on any sidewalk or within 10 feet of a building exit or egress path unless otherwise approved.
  • The locations of all generators must be indicated on site plans.
  • Generators must be allowed to cool down prior to refueling.
  • Generators less than 10 gallons may be refueled during normal hours, provided fueling is 25 feet from the public.
  • Generators over 10 gallons must be refueled when the public is not present.
  • Generators must be protected from public access.
  • "No smoking" signs must be posted around the generator and any stored fuels.
  • Less than 10 gallons of fuel may be stored on-site.
  • The fuel must be stored 50 feet from any tent or temporary membrane or air-inflated structure.
  • Generators with less than 60 gallons of fuel must have a 2A:10BC or larger fire extinguisher within 30 feet of the generator.
  • Generators with more than 60 gallons of fuel must have a 2A:20BC or larger fire extinguisher within 30 feet of the generator.
  • Generators with more than a 60 gallon tank require the tank to be labeled and list to meet UL 142 specifications.
  • Maximum fuel capacity for any generator is 660 gallons.

*Note: A site review may determine additional requirements.

Outdoor Exit Sign Requirements

Fire exits are necessary for any fenced events. The amount of fire exits and location will be determined by AFD.

Exit signage must meet the following requirements, unless otherwise specified by AFD:

  • Lighted with backup power (LED battery-powered lights may be allowed upon review);
  • Minimum height: Seven feet above ground
  • Lettering shall be no smaller than 18 inches for exit signs (white sign with red lettering is preferred, but red signage with white lettering is also allowed).
Temporary Egress Lighting Installations

Required egress lighting and exit signs must not be on the same circuit as general use receptacles or decorative lighting. 

Temporary Occupancy Load Adjustments

A Temporary Occupancy Load Adjustment modifies the occupant load at an assembly occupancy venue with a previously-issued load card (i.e., an assembly occupancy adding a stage to a previously-approved floor plan which would result in a reduction in occupant load). 

Permanent increases in occupant load must be approved by Austin Development Services. 

Carnival/Circus Operational Permit
Carnival/Circus Operational Permit Overview 

An operational permit is required to operate a circus or carnival with an expected attendance of more than 50 people.

An ACE application is required to be submitted at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the event or according to the ACE deadline for the tier of the event (whichever is greater).

How to fill out an ACE application: ACE Guide (PDF)

For information on the multi-departmental ACE application, visit the ACE Special Events Planning Guide.

Exhibit and Trade Show Permit
Exhibit and Trade Show Permit Overview

Exhibit and Trade Show permits are required by the International Fire Code. The City of Austin requires facilities to meet specific life safety standards when hosting these types of events.

Exhibits and trade shows are defined as, “any event with temporary vendor displays or booths” including “any configuration that deviates from the normal use of the space, including sectioning to reduce the size of the original space and/or a configuration which obstructs the exits and/or egress pathways within the space (e.g., fence, structures, pipe and drape, or other barriers).”

Permits may be required for facilities that host exhibits and trade shows, including convention centers, event centers, arenas, hotels with ballrooms or meeting rooms, and/or any other A-2 or A-3 occupancies.

At minimum, the following conditions would require an application submittal and review:

  • Hazardous materials, such as compressed gas cylinders and combustible goods.
  • Hazardous activities, such as open flame (i.e. candles), pyrotechnics and hazing (i.e. fog and smoke effects).
  • Cooking demonstrations.
  • Multi-level or covered booths.
  • Event space modified outside of designated use.
  • Fire protection system or exit obstruction from displays, pipes, drapes, etc.
  • All vehicle displays.

To obtain the permit, a complete Exhibit and Trade Show Permit Application and floor plan submission must be submitted at least 21 days prior to the event.

Exhibit and Trade Show Permit FAQs

Do I need a trade show and exhibit permit?

If none of the language in the previous sections applies and the event meets one of the following criteria, a permit may not be necessary:

  • Buildings with less than 4,500 square feet of exhibit space with an automatic sprinkler system throughout and not fewer than two IFC compliant remote exits
  • Buildings with less than 1,500 square feet of exhibit space without an automatic sprinkler system throughout and not fewer than two IFC compliant remote exits.

How far in advance does an exhibit and trade show application have to be submitted?

Trade show and exhibit applications must be submitted 21 calendar days prior to the event start date to avoid expedited review fees. Expedited review fees still apply even if a permit is not required.

Where do I apply for an exhibit and trade show application?

Complete this Exhibit and Trade Show Permit Application and a member of the Special Events Division will follow up after it has been reviewed.

What do I need to provide as part of the exhibit and trade show application?

  • Name and date(s) of the event
  • Venue name and location
  • Estimated attendance (reference reference maximum floor area allowances per occupant guidance in the next section in next section)
  • Venue space floor plan
  • Floor plan showing:
    • Structural elements of the event space
    • All exits with labels (doors, stairs, corridors, etc.)
    • Booths, exhibits, asiles, stages, tables, chairs, etc. scaled and labeled
    • Curtains, drapes and decorations
    • Cooking (no fixed kitchens) and vehicle displays
    • Fire and life safety components labeled (extinguishers, alarm-pull stations, fire hose cabinets, etc.)  
    • Maximum floor area allowances per occupant (reference maximum floor area allowances per occupant guidance in the next section)

How should revisions be submitted?

If a permit has already been issued, an application must be resubmitted with the revision. Applicants will also be charged a revision fee.

If a permit has not yet been issued, contact the Fire Marshal associated with the application to submit a revision.

Is a fire watch required?

Events needing fire alarm system bypass will require a fire watch conducted by a City of Austin Fire Marshal. This includes:

  • Hazing, such as fog or smoke effects
  • Pyrotechnics, famle effects and open flames
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Other events or displays as deemed necessary by the Office of the Fire Marshal

A Fire Watch and Standby Fire Apparatus Request form must be filled out if a fire watch is required.

Who should I contact with questions?

Email AFDSpecialEvents@austintexas.gov with exhibit and trade show permit questions.

Maximum Floor Area Allowances Per Occupant

Assembly

  • Gaming floors (keno, slots, etc.), 11 gross
  • Exhibit gallery and museum, 30 net

Assembly with fixed seats

Assembly without fixed seats

  • Concentrated (chairs only - not fixed), 7 net
  • Standing space, 5 net
  • Unconcentrated (tables and charis), 15 net
Fire Watch and Standby Fire Apparatus Request
Fire Watch and Standby Fire Apparatus Request Overview

Events needing fire alarm system bypass will require a fire watch conducted by a City of Austin Fire Marshal. This includes:

  • Hazing, such as fog or smoke effects
  • Pyrotechnics, flame effects, and open flames
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • Other events or displays as deemed necessary by the Fire Marshal

Fire watch requests are dependent on an inspector's availability. Please try to allow us as much time as possible to schedule your request. Last minute requests (within 72 hours) may not be approved as fire watches are completely based on an inspector's availability.

Cancelation of fire watch must be received 48 hours prior to the scheduled fire watch time(s). Otherwise, a cancelation fee will be invoiced.

To request a fire watch, please submit a Fire Watch and Standby Fire Apparatus for Special Events Request Form.

Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Permit
Fireworks/Pyrotechnics Permit

All activities associated with the use of pyrotechnics and open flames must comply with the current IFC and adopted ordinances, and require review and approval by Austin Fire (i.e., outdoor fireworks and pyrotechnics).

A flame effect is the combustion of flammable solids, liquids and/or gases to produce thermal, physical, visual and/or audible phenomena before an audience (i.e., hand-held burning torches, flaming batons or hoops, flame acts, fire walking, flaming sword dancers, open burning with religious services, candles or open flames in assembly occupancies, and fire or special effects for film productions). A full demonstration to the Fire Marshal prior to the event date may be required. Permit requests for pyrotechnics and flame special effects are due 14 days before event start date.

Open burning (not a demonstration or performance for an audience) is a recreational fire, defined as, “an outdoor fire that burns materials other than rubbish and where the fuel being burned is not contained in an incinerator, outdoor fireplace, portable outdoor fireplace, barbeque grill or barbeque pit and has a total fuel area of 3 feet (914 mm) or less in diameter and 2 feet (610 mm) or less in height for pleasure, religious, ceremonial, cooking, warmth, and/or similar purposes.” Permit requests for open burning are due 14 days before event start date.

Aerial Fireworks Requirements

Permit requests for fireworks are due 30 days before event start date and must include:

  • A site plan of the grounds where the display is to be held must be submitted to and approved by AFD Special Events in advance of the event.
  • A copy of a pyrotechnic operator license issued by a State Fire Marshal’s Office (commercial only).
  • A list of the fireworks to be used along with an MSDS for each (commercial only). Consumer displays are restricted to only ground devices containing 50mg or less of explosive composition and smoke devices classed as explosive 1.4G, firecrackers, and small smoke bombs.
  • Insurance
  • Aerial displays must carry a Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000 (bodily injury) and $500,000 (property damage).
  • Non-aerial displays must carry a Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of $500,000 (bodily injury) and $300,000 (property damage). The City of Austin must be named as co-insured on the policy.
  • A permit fee, along with the required apparatus and inspector standby, depending on the type of display.
  • A Public Display permit must be obtained from the State Fire Marshal’s Office (commercial only).

Events with less than 50 people must fill out the standalone Pyro, Burn, and Flame Special Effects Permit Application no less than the minimum days listed above for each type of special effects.

Please Note: Those hosting large events or festivals with 50 or more people must fill out an ACE application; the deadline is either the greater of 30 days prior to the event or the ACE deadline for the tier of the event (whichever is greater). Applications must only be submitted by the Event Organizer.

Sparklers & Handheld Novelties on Private Property

The U.S. Department of Transportation does not classify the following items listed as common fireworks, and their use is allowed within the City of Austin:

  • Snake, GlowWorms – Pressed pellet of pyrotechnic composition that produces a large, snakelike ash upon burning. The ash expands in length as the pellet burns. These devices may not contain mercuric thiocyanate.
  • Smoke Device – Tube or sphere containing pyrotechnic composition that, upon ignition, produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect.
  • Wire Sparkler – Wire coated with pyrotechnic composition that produces a shower of sparks upon ignition. These items may not contain magnesium and must not exceed 100g of composition per item. Devices containing any chlorate or perchlorate salts may not exceed 5g of composition per item.
  • Trick Noisemaker – Item produces a small report intended to surprise the user. These devices include:
    • Party Popper – Small plastic or paper item containing not more than 16mg of explosive composition that is friction-sensitive. A string protruding from the device is pulled to ignite it, expelling paper streams and producing a small report.
    • Booby Trap – Small tube with string protruding from both ends, similar to a party popper in design. The ends of the string are pulled to ignite the friction-sensitive composition, producing a small report.
    • Snapper – Small, paper-wrapped item containing a minute quantity of explosive composition coated on small bits of sand. When dropped, the device explodes, producing a small report.
    • Trick Match – Kitchen or book match that has been coated with a  small quantity of explosive or pyrotechic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
    • Cigarette Load – Small wooden peg that has been coated with a small quantity of explosive or pyrotechnic composition. Upon ignition of the match, a small report or a shower of sparks is produced.
    • Auto Burglar Alarm – A tube which contains pyrotechnic composition that produces a loud whistle and/or smoke when ignited. A small quantity of explosive, not exceeding 50mg, also may be used to produce a small report. A squib is used to ignite the device.

While no permit is required for the devices above, users should follow all of the Manufacturer’s safety, handling, and storage recommendations and these devices should always be used in a safe outdoor location.

Reporting Illegal Fireworks

Fireworks can cause serious injury and significant property damage. As a result, it is illegal to possess or use fireworks inside the City limits unless a permit has been issued by the AFD Special Events Division. Individuals who choose to violate that law may receive a citation and face a fine of up to $2,000. Illegal fireworks activity can be reported to Austin 3-1-1.

Residents wishing to file a citizen complaint with the City of Austin Municipal Court to report a known, named individual shooting off illegal fireworks may do so using this complaint process.  

Helistop Permit (Temporary)
Temporary Helistop Permit Overview

Any temporary helistop erected for helicopter landing must meet fire code regulations and approved by the Austin Fire Marshal, who will issue the permit.

An e-mail request for a helistop permit must be made to Austin Fire no later than 10 calendar days prior to the scheduled event.    

Open Flame Permit
Open Flame Permit Overview 

An annual Open Flame Permit is required for public establishments that use open flame, candles, or flaming food in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments. The Open Flame Permit must be renewed annually, and each renewal will require a full review of compliance with current fire safety regulations. Responsibility for acquiring and maintaining this permit will rest with the property owner or legal representative/agent.

Failure to renew your Open Flame Annual Permit may result in a citation.

Inspections required for Open Flame Annual permits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on completed application submission and payment dates.

To obtain the permit, please complete an Open Flame Annual Permit Application.

Outdoor Event Permit
Outdoor Event Permit Overview

An Outdoor Event Permit is required for outdoor events on public and/or private property with more than 49 people and must be available upon request by an inspector.

An ACE application is required to be submitted at least 30 calendar days prior to the event or according to the ACE deadline for the tier of the event (whichever is greater).

How to fill out an ACE application: ACE Guide (PDF)

For information on the multi-departmental ACE application, visit the ACE Special Events Planning Guide.

Public Assembly Permit
Public Assembly Permit Overview

An annual Public Assembly (PA) permit is required for public establishments that anticipate or operate at an occupancy rate of 50 or more people, and whose gross sales constitute 51% alcohol. Responsibility for acquiring and maintaining this permit will rest with the property owner or legal representative/agent.

Establishments that meet the criteria must have a current alcohol license through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

Failure to renew your Annual Public Assembly Permit may result in a citation.

Inspections required for annual public assembly permits are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and are based on completed application submission and payment dates.

Apply using this Public Assembly Permit Application and Inspection Request Form. 

Temporary Change of Use Permit
Temporary Change of Use Permit Overview 

Requests for a Temporary Change of Use Permit must go through the ACE application process at least 30 days prior to the scheduled event of by the deadline for the special event ordinance tier of the event (whichever is greater). 

It is especially important to ensure a building is up to code and has an appropriate occupancy limit before securing it as a venue during peak festival periods. If a structure does not meet current code requirements for the proposed use, a TCOU permit will not be issued because the safety of the building cannot be verified without additional inspections.

Under the International Fire Code definition, a “Public Assembly” is 50 or more people (e.g., use of a vacant building, warehouse, high-rise office building/garage, etc.). TCOU permits ensure all stipulations have been met to temporarily change the use of the structure so that the safety of occupants is ensured. Since said facility is not intended for Public Assemblies, it therefore lacks the required life-safety features required by the 2015 IFC/IBC.

The following may be required due to the size, complexity, and/or unique safety issues regarding the activities associated with a proposed event:

  • Inspection services
  • Fire watch
  • Onsite stand-by inspectors and/or stand-by fire apparatus

No more than 12 TCOU permits shall be issued for any given address in a calendar year (January 1 – December 31).

Conditions of approval will be provided after the application review process is complete.

How to fill out an ACE application: ACE Guide (PDF)

For information on the multi-departmental ACE application, visit the ACE Special Events Planning Guide.

Tent Permit
Tent Permit Overview

A Tent Permit is required for air-infalted temporary membrane structures greater than 100 feet and non-air inflated tents anchored directly to the ground that are:

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

AFD will have final determination on all fire related permits. Tents constructed on site must be reviewed and approved by the AFD for compliance with the current ordinances, safety, fire and building codes. No gas-fired (propane, natural gas, etc.), wood-burning, or other open-flame heaters, pits, or other containers are allowed inside tents. All AFD permitted tents require a review and approval.

Those hosting an event with 50 or more people must fill out an ACE application but do not need a separate tent permit application. The application deadline will be 30 days or the special event ordinance deadline for the tier of the event (whichever is greater).

Those hosting an event with less than 50 people must fill out Austin Fire’s stand-alone tent application for tents requiring a permit no less than 10 days prior to the event.

Please note:

To apply for a Tent Permit with Austin Fire, please submit a Tent Permit Application.

Contact Us

For questions regarding permits and their corresponding applications, please email afdspecialevents@austintexas.gov.