Fire Regulations

Membrane Structures

Any tent, canopy, or membrane structure covering an aggregate area of more than 400 square feet must obtain a fire permit from the NYC Fire Department no later than 30 days prior to the event.

•  Tents and membrane structures exceeding 400 sq ft may not be erected, operated, or maintained without prior permit and approval from the fire code official.

•  Temporary structures may not remain erected for more than 180 days within a 12-month period on a single premises.

•  Membrane structures must have a label permanently affixed identifying the type and quality of the fabric or material used.

•  Structures must not be located within 20 feet of parked vehicles or internal combustion engines. An unobstructed fire break of at least 12 feet must be maintained on all sides.

•  Tents or membrane structures with an occupant load of 50 or more must submit a detailed site and floor plan showing egress, seating, and equipment layout with each permit application.

•  Exit openings from tents must remain open or be covered by a flame-resistant curtain that complies with NYC FC Chapter 8.

•  An affidavit or affirmation must be submitted to the Commissioner and a copy retained on the premises for the duration of the event.

For full requirements, refer to the official FDNY Fire Code: NYC Fire Code — Chapter 8 (Interior Furnishings & Decorations)  |  NYC Fire Code — Chapter 31 (Tent Structures)

Inherent Fire Retardant or Flame Retardant Treatment

Under the NYC Fire Code (FC Chapter 8), all decorations and display materials in public assembly occupancies must be flame-resistant. Flame-retardant treatments must be applied by or under the supervision of a holder of an FDNY Certificate of Fitness for Flame Retardant Treatment (C-15).

•  All decorations, drapes, signs, banners, plastic displays, hay, straw, moss, split bamboo, and similar materials must be flame-retardant to the satisfaction of the fire department and the state fire marshal.

•  Table coverings must be flame-retardant treated unless they lie flat with an overhang of no greater than 6 inches.

•  The following materials cannot be made flame-retardant and are prohibited: oilcloth, tar paper, sisal paper, nylon, orlon, and certain other plastic materials.

•  A Certificate of Flame Resistance must be available on-site for review by the fire marshal for all decorative materials. This is the exhibitor's responsibility. Ensure all fire paperwork is in order before the event opens.

•  Under the NYC Fire Code, curtains, draperies, and hanging fabric must meet the flame resistance criteria of NFPA 701. Compliance must be certified by a valid FDNY C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, and evidence must be maintained on-site.

Note: Inherently flame-resistant (IFR) products only require one-time certification. Materials treated with a flame-retardant chemical require recertification every three years and annual flame testing by a C-15 holder. We strongly recommend purchasing IFR materials where possible.

Upholstered Furniture
•  Any paper or fabric used in displays or exhibits must be inherently fire-retardant or treated with an approved fire-retardant solution by a New York State licensed applicator.

•  A Certificate of Fire Retardancy must be maintained on-site and available during any inspection.

•  Label requirements: minimum size 2" x 3", minimum type height 1/8 inch, all capital letters.

•  All treated material must be maintained in a fire-retardant condition throughout its intended use.
Combustibles
•  No display, exhibit, or temporary construction shall be built of highly combustible material.

•  Literature on display must be kept to reasonable quantities. Reserve supplies must be stored in closed containers neatly and compactly.

•  No cardboard boxes or other combustible materials may be stored on top of or near any electrical wiring in spaces behind the back-wall drapery or behind any display.

Obstructions
•  Aisles designated on the approved show floor plan must be kept clean, clear, and free of obstructions at all times.

•  Booth construction must be substantial and fixed in position within specified areas for the duration of the show.

•  Chairs, easels, signs, and demonstration areas must not extend beyond booth boundaries into aisles.

Important: These regulations are subject to on-site inspection by the FDNY before and during the event. Non-compliance may result in the removal of materials or the closure of your booth. It is each exhibitor's responsibility to ensure all required documentation is available on-site at all times.

Full fire code available at: nyc.gov/fdny — Fire Code