The 2024 International Fire Code requires a permit for a tent over 400 square feet, exempts open-sided tents up to 700, and asks for an NFPA 701 certificate.
2,400Square feet, 40 x 60 event tent · +100.0% on the period
In the example, three of six layouts need a permit
Worked example: floor area of six fabric layouts against the 400 sq ft permit threshold and the 700 sq ft open-sided exception in Section 105.5
Area (sq ft)
Permit threshold (sq ft)
Open-sided limit (sq ft)
Example with round numbers, not a real property. The 400 and 700 square foot figures are from Section 105.5 of the 2024 IFC.Source: codes.iccsafe.org
The 2024 International Fire Code requires a permit for a tent over 400 square feet, exempts open-sided tents up to 700, and asks for an NFPA 701 certificate.