When a permit is required:

• Operating a carnival, fair, concert, festival.
• Conducting an event in which alterations are made to the existing exit configuration, character or use of the facility. 
• When using a liquid or gas-fueled vehicle or equipment for display or competition inside an assembly occupancy.
• Separate permits are required for use of candles, open flame devices, flammable or combustible liquids or gases.
• Pyrotechnics/Special effects
• Cryogenics
• Any time a material or operation is introduced into an assembly occupancy that could possibly pose a hazard.

Download Temporary Place of Assembly Info (PDF)

Click the links for more information:

• Permit Fees
• Fairs & Carnivals
• Concerts & Festivals
• Cooking
• Open Flame/Candles
• Pyrotechnic
• Fire Act/Performance
• Air & Tent Structures
• Portable Heaters
• Displaying Vehicles

Fairs/Carnivals:

Fire lanes:   A fire lane(s) with a minimum width of 20 feet must be provided to access all areas of the event.

Vendors: See Cooking

Tents and Canopies: See Air-supported Structures

Stage placement: Subject to review by the Fire Marshal's Office. Stages and/or platforms should not be of a size and/or placed in such a way as to obstruct/block fire lanes or exits from any buildings or fenced areas where the public might be present.

Concerts, Festivals, Large Fairs

Merchandise: The Fire Marshal's Office shall review the following:  Merchandising sales locations in order to ensure that fire lanes and/or exits are not obstructed and/or blocked. Items to be distributed/give-a-ways will be looked at in order to review any item that may cause harm to either performer or members of the audience. Those items deemed hazardous may be denied/banned.

Stage diving: Not Allowed. It creates an unsafe condition for the audience and security staff.

Special Effects: Any special effect using hazardous materials requires review and approval by the Fire Marshal's Office. For fireworks, see Pyrotechnics.

Staging: Props over patrons & stage size placement are subject to review and approval.

The Fire Marshal's Office will review the following and make recommendations when applicable:

• Line queuing and line control
• Security plan and/or issues
• House lighting

Barricade: When a barricade is utilized, the distance from the stage and/or any object protruding from the down stage edge shall be set by the Fire Marshal's Office. Generally the minimum allowed distance is 7 feet.

Cooking

Separate permits are required for LPG (propane) and open flame (charcoal, wood, etc.) cooking activities.

Permits are not required for electric cooking operations or for operations using "Sterno" canisters to heat pre-cooked food or butane canisters less than 8 ounces in size.

Permits may be obtained for a single event or for the calendar year (January 1, 200X through December 31, 200X).

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.  (A late fee may be charged if application is not received at least 10 days prior to the event.)

Representatives of the Fire Marshal’s Office will not accept payment for applications in the field.

Fire Extinguishers:  Fire extinguishers are required for all cooking operations irregardless of whether or not a permit is required.

The type of fire extinguisher(s) required varies with the type of fuel used. The following types of fuel or operations require specific fire extinguishers as noted:

Cooking operations taking place that lack the appropriate fire extinguisher will be ordered to cease operation immediately until the required fire extinguisher can be obtained.

Fire extinguishers must be affixed with a tag that indicates they have been serviced within the past 12 months. Exception: New fire extinguishers (those purchased within the past 12 months) may pass inspection by having the receipt showing the date of purchase taped or otherwise attached to the fire extinguisher.

Fuel:  Quantities of fuel that may be stored on site vary on a case-by-case basis depending upon several factors. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (206) 386-1450 and request to speak to a representative of the Special Event Section to determine the specific amount applicable for your activity.

Open Flame & Candles

For use of more than one candle a permit is required and the type is subjected to review. Any open flame device other than a candle is subject to review and a permit maybe required.

Pyrotechnics (fireworks)

General requirements for approval of pyrotechnics include the following:

• Operation must be under the direct supervision of a State of Washington Licensed Pyrotechnician.
• Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of two (2) million dollars. (Certificate must be reviewed and approved by the City of Seattle Office of Risk Management.)
• Product list
• Product placement
• Outdoor displays may require FAA approval

Fire Acts & Performances

Any act which incorporates the use of fire, must be reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal's Office. Requirements can vary based on the amount and method in which fire is utilized. Because of the varying requirements, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (206) 386-1450 and request to speak to a representative of the Special Events Section.

Air-supported Structures

A tent or air-supported structure in excess of 200 square feet or for a canopy in excess of 400 square feet in area is subject to approval and review by the Fire Marshal's Office

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

The following is information the Fire Marshal's Office requires in order to properly review and approve the structure:

• Plot plan of tent and surroundings.
• Floor plan of the interior of the tent.
• Letter of certification that the tent is flame retardant.
• Letter of structural stability

If you have any questions regarding the above information or are not sure that your planned event will require a permit, please contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 206-386-1450 and request to speak to a representative of the Special Events Section.

Portable Heaters

Electric heaters may be operated in a Place of Assembly (this includes outdoor service/seating areas) and do not require a Fire Department permit. Heaters using flammable/combustible liquids (e.g. diesel) as a fuel source are allowed with restrictions and require a Fire Department permit.

"Mushroom type" propane heaters (e.g. upright heaters with self-contained propane fuel source) and any other heaters designed so that the propane source is located inside the Place of Assembly are prohibited..

Heaters that operate with the propane fuel source located outside the Place of Assembly (or where patrons/public might gather) and the heated air is pumped into the assembly area (e.g. salamander heaters) are allowed but require a Fire Department permit. The propane generally must be a minimum of 10 feet from the Place of Assembly.

Displaying Gas-Powered Vehicles

Using a liquid or gas-fueled vehicle or equipment in a Place of Assembly for display is allowed under the following conditions:

• Maximum fuel allowed 1/4 of a tank or 5 gallons whichever is less.
• All gas covers shall be taped or have a locking type gas cap.
• Battery cables shall be disconnected and taped.
• Vehicles with no fuel gauge or with broken fuel gauge shall not be allowed on the event floor and shall not be displayed, unless the Fire Marshal's Office gives prior approval.