Tent Permit Application

1. 1.  A permit is required from the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) for a tent, canopy or air supported structure in excess of 400 square feet.
   
       Note:  A tent/canopy open on all sides (roof
       only) is not required to get a permit issued
       by the Seattle Fire Department if it meets all
       the following conditions:  
    
   1. Individual maximum size of 700 square feet.
   2. Aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side less than 12 feet apart is 700 square feet or less.
   3. Minimum of 12 feet clearance between the tent and any structure

In addition to the above information, tents or air supported structures in excess of 100 square feet erected inside a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system requires approval from the Seattle Fire Department.

2. First you must apply for a Seattle Fire Department permit.  Include the following:



• Complete the Seattle Fire Department Permit Application
• Check made payable to the City of Seattle. (Fee varies based on total event attendance)
• Plot plan showing the tent and its surroundings.
• Floor plan of the interior of the tent.
• Letter of certification that the tent is flame retardant.
• Letter of structural stability.

Note: Complete application with fee must be received at least 10 calendar days prior to the event in order to avoid a late fee.  Application and/or fee received 3 or fewer business days prior to the event may not be processed and the permit not issued.



3. If there is any food being served and/or prepared using propane (LPG) and open flame (i.e., wood and/or charcoal bar-be-que) then additional SFD and Health Department permits are required.  Generally, propane and open flame cooking is not allowed inside a tent.
   
   
4. If the tent/air-supported structure is heated and the power source for the heater is anything other than electric, an additional SFD permit is required.  Only electric heaters are allowed inside the tent.  All other heaters' fuel source must be on the exterior of the tent.  Generally, in the case of propane heaters, the propane must be a minimum of 10 feet away from the tent and required exit(s).
   
   
5. The Seattle Fire Department does not issue permits for tents or air-supported structures erected for more than 4 weeks (28 days).  Tents or air-supported structures erected for more than 4 weeks must obtain permits from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD).

Questions? Please call the Seattle Fire Marshal's Office at 206-386-1450 and ask for the Special Events Division.

Last Modified:   December 26, 2012