Submittal Guidelines And General Fire Safety Requirements For the Use of Tents and Membrane Structures
Definitions: Tent – 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.
Membrane Structure – Air-supported or air-inflated structure.
Tent & Membrane Structure Permit Requirements
Commercial Properties:
Any tent installed on a commercial property (including non-profit commercial buildings) requires a Temporary Use Permit issued by the City of Gastonia Zoning Department.
In addition to Zoning requirements, the Fire Marshal's Office must review and approve the installation of all tents when the tent falls within the scope of the North Carolina Fire Code (tents exceeding 800 square feet). Exceptions are listed below:
- Tents open on all sides, which comply with ALL of the following: Individual tents having a maximum size of 1800 square feet. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet, not exceeding 1800 square feet. A minimum clearance of 12 feet to all structures and other tents.
- Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes are exempt.
- Funeral tents are exempt.
Applicants subject to Fire Marshal review must comply with all requirements outlined on this Tent & Membrane Structure page and submit all required documentation through the City View online portal.
Fireworks Sales:
Tents used for the legal sale of consumer fireworks are required to submit an application to be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office and must comply with all applicable permit requirements, inspections, and fire safety regulations regardless of size. Application must be done through the City View online portal and submitted as a Temporary Use Permit.
Required Submittal Documents:
When Fire Marshal review is required, the following items must be submitted with the application:
- A site plan showing the proposed location of the tent or membrane structure and its proximity to buildings, property lines, fire lanes, and other structures.
- Documentation verifying that the tent or membrane structure meets the required flame propagation performance standards.
- Installation and removal dates for the tent or membrane structure.
- Dates and hours of operation for the event or activity occurring within the tent or membrane structure.
Membrane Structure:
Any membrane structure 400 square feet or larger installed on a commercial property (including non-profit commercial buildings) requires an application to be reviewed by the Fire Marshal's Office and must comply with all applicable permit requirements, inspections, and fire safety regulations. The application must be done through the City View online portal. Membrane structures installed on residential properties are exempt.
Note, a tent or membrane structure application must be submitted 72 hours BEFORE the event of inspection is needed.
- Once the application is submitted, a review will be conducted, and upon approval, you will need to pay the permit fee.
- After the application is submitted correctly and the fee is paid, an official permit will be issued by the fire department. An inspection by the fire department must take place before the tent or membrane structure is allowed to be used.
Look below for general tent requirements:
General Requirements:
1. Tents shall be composed of flame-resistant material and shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the identification of size and fabric or material type. There are some exceptions that must be approved by the Gastonia Fire Marshal’s Office in advance.
3. Combustible material such as hay, straw, shaving, or similar material shall not be located within any tent or membrane structure used for assembly purposes or cooking.
4. Must be located at least 20 feet from lot lines, parked vehicles, and internal combustion engines.
5. All tents or membrane structures and their appurtenances shall be adequately roped, braced, and anchored to withstand the elements of weather and prevent against collapsing. A minimum of 5 lbs at each post is required. This can be accomplished with sand bags, concrete weights, steel weights, or water filled containers.
Fire Extinguishers:
1. Fire extinguishers shall be serviced yearly, gauge in the charged zone (green area), and readily available for use. Proof of yearly service required (inspection tag on extinguisher or receipt).
2. At least one portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2A-10 BC rating shall be located every 75 feet of travel distance.
Extension Cords:
1. Power Strips are permitted. The location of the power strip, or cord end, shall be installed in a dry location protected from the weather.
2. Cords shall be grounded and maintained in good condition without splices, deterioration, or damage.
3. Cords shall be supported in place at intervals that ensure that they will be protected from damage, not create a trip hazard, and remain in place. Support shall be in the form of staples, cable ties, straps, or running boards. The method used shall not cause damage to the cord.
4. Where subject to vehicle traffic, the cords shall be protected with two wooden boards anchored to the ground, and the cord shall be placed between the two boards.
5. Where subject to pedestrian traffic, the cords shall be protected by rubber mats or one layer of 30-pound roofing felt paper.
Exit Signs and Means of Egress Illumination:
1. Means of egress shall be illuminated with light having an intensity of not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at floor level.
2. Exits shall be clearly marked, and exit signs shall be installed at exit doorways.
Generators:
1. Generators and other internal combustion power sources shall be located a minimum of 20 feet from a tent or membrane structure.
2. Shall be isolated from contact with the public by fencing, enclosure, or other approved means.
3. Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored not less than 50 feet from a tent or membrane structure.
Heating of Tents:
1. The heating of tents shall be accomplished by forced air, with the heating equipment outside of the tent.