Temporary Structures

Temporary Structures Information and Instructions

• If the tent is greater than 400 sq ft a permit is required.
• Tent may be anchored by weights or driven spikes; if secured via driven spikes line locates are required prior to permitting.
• If anchoring via in ground, please ensure line locates have been completed, this needs to be requested well in advance of event. Visit this link Pre-Excavation Notification and Sign-Off Sheet.pdf
• Structure shall be fire resistant. This can be determined to be flame resistant through NFPA 70, Test Method 2, tagged, certification stamp, or flame test at each
• 20-foot separation shall be provided between the structure and other tents, canopies, parked vehicles, or internal combustion engines. For the purpose of determining required distances, support ropes and guy wires shall be considered as part of the tent/canopy. Contact EHS for questions or variance at 205-348-5910 or Environmental Health & Safety | The University of Alabama
• If tent has sides, exits from tent/canopy shall be evident, evenly spaced, maintained free of obstructions and aisle shall have clearances of at least 48 inches provided in the tent/canopy where required.
• Minimum number of exits are as follows
  • 10-199 TWO exits with a minimum exit width of 72 inches
  • 200-499 THREE exits with a minimum exit width of 72 inches
  • 500+ FOUR exits with a minimum exit width of 96 inches
• “Exit” signs will be provided on closed sided structure for occupancy loads of 50 or more.
• Exits signs shall have emergency power for occupancy loads exceeding 300.
• One fire extinguisher (Type 2-A) shall be provided for structures up to 500 square feet. For structures larger than this please contact EHS for additional requirements.
• Open flame cooking, or cooking that could emit sparks, is not allowed in structures designated for public occupancy or within 20 feet of structures designated for public occupancy. Storage and use of liquid fuels are not permitted in temporary structures.
• If there is a generator – Generators or transformers shall be separated from temporary structures by not less than 20 feet and isolated from contact with public by physical guard or enclosure not less than 3 feet from the power source.
• A 10lb ABC fire extinguisher shall be provided for each generator or transformer, or where gas is stored.
• One trained crowd manager shall be present for every 250 people for occupancies of 250 and above.
• Structure shall be designed to safely resist ground wind speed of 45mph.
• Temporary structures shall be fully, or partially disassembled anticipation of high wind events as required to ensure campus safety.
• Minimum design loads must be met and documented by a licensed professional according to the industry standards prior to permitting.

Please contact EHS if you have any questions or concerns. This information will be reviewed prior to permitting.

Application for Temporary Structure

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General Event Information

Name of Event *

Date *

Date of Delivery/Erection *

Location of Structure: *

Date of Removal *

Time of Event *

Projected Number of Attendees *

Contact Information

Name of Organization/Chapter/Department *

Name of Responsible Person for Event *

Responsible Person's Phone Number *

Responsible Person's Email Address *

Name of Production Company (if Applicable) *

Production Company Phone Number *

Production Company Email *

Structural Information

Type of Structure *

• Stage
• Canopy
• Tent
• Other

Purpose of Structure *

Tent Number *

Will you have a generator? *

• Yes
• No

Where applicable, are stairs and handrails in place? *

• Yes
• No
• N/A

Will there be fire extinguishers present? (These will need to be in addition, not pulled from, already assigned location) *

• Yes
• No

Is tent greater than 400 sq ft? *

• Yes
• No

What is the anchoring method? *

If anchored in the ground, have line locates been completed?:

Is structure certified as flame resistant? (Documentation required by tag, stamp or flame test) *

• Yes
• No

Upload documentation of certification of flame resistant structure here:

Click or drag files to this area to upload. You can upload up to 2 files.

Is 20-foot separation provided between the structure and other tents, canopies, parked vehicles, or internal combustion engines? (For the purpose of determining required distances, support ropes & guy wires shall be considered as part of the tent/canopy) *

• Yes
• No

Does the tent/canopy have flaps/sides? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please describe: *

Are exits from tent/canopy evident, evenly spaced, maintained, free of obstructions, and are aisle clearances of at least 48 inches provided in the tent/canopy where required? *

• Yes
• No

Are "EXIT" signs posted? *

• Yes
• No

Will there be any open flames, gases, such as charcoal grill within 20 feet of the tent/canopy? *

• Yes
• No

Will event staff be on duty prior to and during events to monitor conditions in and adjacent to tent/canopy and assist with evacuation in the event of an emergency? *

• Yes
• No

All decorations and/or special effects have been submitted? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please describe:

Submit