Guidelines for Temporary Tents, Canopies and 
Membrane Structures over 400 SF

These guidelines were provided by the Santa Rosa Fire Department to inform any Outdoor Exhibitors installing temporary tents, canopies and membrane structures over 400 SF of the local fire code requirements.

These guidelines incorporate the guidance provided by the California Department of Public Health dated November 25, 2020 related to temporary structures for outdoor business operations and are intended to meet the intent of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Industry Guidance for outdoor operations that are conducted under a tent, canopy, or other sun shelter. Should more restrictive requirements be established by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) or by the Sonoma County Health Officer, the more restrictive requirements shall supersede these guidelines as applicable.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

  • All Outdoor Exhibitors installing temporary tents, canopies and membrane structures greater than 400 SF shall meet the guidelines below, and obtain associated building or fire permits when required from the appropriate building or fire code official.

  • The fire code official must issue a permit and inspect tents, canopies and membrane structures covering an aggregate area of over 400 square feet or designed to be used by 10 or more people. 

  • Tents, canopies and membrane structures shall have a fire-resistant certification or flame certification showing material is in compliance with either California State Fire Marshal with approved seal or meets NFPA 701 flame retardant standards.

  • Tents, canopies and membrane structures shall not be installed within 5 feet of buildings unless approved by the fire code official.

  • The use of propane heaters requires a permit from the fire code official.

  • A building permit from the Building Department is required for canopies constructed of other than metal frames and fabric membrane covering.

  • Areas open to the public under tents, canopies and membrane structures must be made accessible to individuals with disabilities. The minimum clear head clearance under a tent, canopy or membrane structure is 80 inches.

  • There shall be a clearance of not less than 3 feet between the fabric sides of a tent, canopy or membrane structure and all contents located inside the tent, canopy or membrane structure.

  • Tents, canopies and membrane structures shall be installed a minimum of 20 feet from parked vehicles or internal combustion engines.

  • Cooking is prohibited in tents, canopies or membrane structures. 

  • One or more means of egress from a tent, canopy or membrane structure must be provided and clearly marked as required by the CFC.

  • Extension cords serving a tent, canopy or membrane structure must be protected by a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI} and must be protected from damage. Heating devices must be kept a minimum of 3 feet away from combustible materials at all times.

  • Businesses utilizing outdoor tents, canopies or membrane structures will need written inclement weather plans and trained staff to prevent any injuries in storms or other unsafe situations. After­ hours emergency contact information shall be required in case the jurisdiction must notify the business management of special storm or disaster preparation requirements.

  • There shall be fire apparatus access within 150 feet of all sides of a tent, canopy or membrane structure.

  • Outdoor tents, canopies or membrane structures that are occupied or open to the public must have openings to allow airflow as provided in these guidelines and the California Department of Public Health Guidelines dated November 25, 2020 for Use of Temporary Structures for Outdoor Business Operations. 

  • No more than 50% of the perimeter walls can be impermeable and must be non-continuous and non-adjacent to allow for maximum airflow (see Figure 1).  The remaining walls may be permeable. Permeable walls/openings must be opposing to allow maximum airflow.

  • Tents, canopies or membrane structures shall be properly anchored or ballasted in accordance with manufactures guidelines, structural calculations or as otherwise approved by the fire code official. The formula [(L x W) x 5Ibs = total ballast required] may be used to determine total ballast for tents and canopies.
    The following weights for filled water barrels may be used for providing ballasts:
    Water barrels top tied only= 192 lbs. Each
    Water barrels top tied and bottom strapped to leg= 336 lbs. each

DEFINITIONS

CANOPY. A structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and may be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one end and by not less than one stanchion on the outer end.

MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered structure as defined by the California Building Code and not otherwise defined as a tent.

OPENING. For the purposes of these guidelines, an "opening" is an unobstructed area that allows for the free passage of outside air.

OUTDOORS. A space located outside the confines of an enclosed building that allows for ample outside air circulation.

PARTIAL OBSTRUCTION. For the purposes of these guidelines, a "partial obstruction" is any vertical impermeable obstruction, including, but not limited to, vertical materials, fabrics, tarps, partitions, screens, fences, planters, railings, water walls and similar vertical impermeable obstructions or elements that are under or within 5 feet of the perimeter of a tent, canopy or membrane structure.

IMPERMEABLE WALL. is defined as any material type that can reasonable restrict aerosols from passing through. For example, a fabric curtain, tarp, plastic barrier or similar material. An impermeable wall is greater than 3611 in height, under or within 5 feet of the perimeter of the tent.

PERMEABLE WALL. is defined as any sidewall made of a material or design which does not significantly impede natural air flow. For example, lattice fencing with widely separated slats or course mesh screen under or within 5 feet of the perimeter of the tent. Mesh fencing or other permeable materials that maintain cross-ventilation and do not significantly impede natural airflow may be used as a perimeter with no height restriction. At least 50% of the wall surface area must be open to allow for aerosols to pass through.

TEMPORARY. For the purposes of these guidelines, "temporary" means the duration of time that a tent, canopy or membrane structure is permitted to exist under the applicable permits issued for said structure.

TENT. A structure, enclosure, umbrella structure 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.

UMBRELLA STRUCTURE. A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by a central pole or poles.