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Feature Tent fire code

Fabric tents and cabanas over 400 square feet need a fire code permit, and open-sided ones are exempt up to 700

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.

2,400 Square 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

In the example, three of six layouts need a permitBar chart with 6 points from 10 x 10 cabana with drops to 40 x 60 event tent, in Square feet. Series: Area (sq ft), Permit threshold (sq ft), Open-sided limit (sq ft). Values range from 0 to 2,400.01,0002,0003,00010 x 10 cabana with drops20 x 20 shade tent20 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance20 x 30 tent with sidewalls downTwo 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break40 x 60 event tent10 x 10 cabana with drops: 10020 x 20 shade tent: 40020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 60020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 600Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 1,20040 x 60 event tent: 2,4002,40010 x 10 cabana with drops: 40020 x 20 shade tent: 40020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 40020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 400Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 40040 x 60 event tent: 40040010 x 10 cabana with drops: 70020 x 20 shade tent: 70020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 70020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 700Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 70040 x 60 event tent: 700700
In the example, three of six layouts need a permitBar chart with 6 points from 10 x 10 cabana with drops to 40 x 60 event tent, in Square feet. Series: Area (sq ft), Permit threshold (sq ft), Open-sided limit (sq ft). Values range from 0 to 2,400.01,0002,0003,00010 x 10 cabana with drops20 x 30 tent with sidewalls down40 x 60 event tent10 x 10 cabana with drops: 10020 x 20 shade tent: 40020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 60020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 600Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 1,20040 x 60 event tent: 2,4002,40010 x 10 cabana with drops: 40020 x 20 shade tent: 40020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 40020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 400Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 40040 x 60 event tent: 40040010 x 10 cabana with drops: 70020 x 20 shade tent: 70020 x 30 open-sided tent with 12 ft clearance: 70020 x 30 tent with sidewalls down: 700Two 20 x 30 open-sided tents with no fire break: 70040 x 60 event tent: 700700
  • 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

All articles in Flammability

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DateTrendCategoryTitleSummary
RulesFabric tents and cabanas over 400 square feet need a fire code permit, and open-sided ones are exempt up to 700 FeatureThe 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.
RulesCushioned seats on college dormitory decks and balconies must stay under 80 kW in a fire test, the International Fire Code says FeatureOn dormitory decks, porches and balconies, the International Fire Code requires new upholstered seats to pass cigarette and 80 kW heat-release tests.