Tent Permit Application

A permit is required from the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) for a tent or air supported structure in excess of 200 square feet or for a canopy in excess of 400 square feet in area.

Note: A canopy is a temporary structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in a manner other than by air or the contents it protects and is open, without sidewalls or drops, on 75 percent or more of the perimeter. 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.

Permit Procedures

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



• Check made payable to the City of Seattle. (Permit fee may vary based on attendance)
   
• Plot plan of tent and surroundings.  Floor plan of interior of tent.



• Complete Temporary Tent, Air-Supported Structure Permit Application.
  
  
• Letter of certification that the tent is flame retardant.



• Letter of structural stability



2. Important: Permits requiring inspection outside of regular business hours will be billed by invoice for the inspection. Regular business hours are considered Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
   
   
3. Applications received less than 10 business days prior to the event will assessed a late fee. The late fee is an additional 50% of the original permit fee.
   
   
4. If there is any food being served and/or prepared using propane (LPG) and open flame (i.e. wood and/or charcoal BBQ) then additional SFD and Health Department permits are required. Generally, propane and open flame cooking is not allowed inside a tent.
   
   
5. Only electric powered heating devices are allowed inside the ten or canopy. All other heating devices (e.g. propane, diesel and kerosene fueled) must be outside the tent or canopy and require a separate permit issued by the the Seattle Fire Department.
   
   
6. The Seattle Fire Department does not issue permits for tents or air-supported structures erected for more than 4 weeks. 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:   January 13, 2009