50.07.200 Tents and Air Supported Structures

The requirements of this part shall apply to all tents, except those used exclusively for construction purposes.

(a) Area Limitations and Setbacks.

No tent shall be erected to cover more than 75 percent of the premises on which it is located.

(b) Setback to Property Line and Other Structures.

(1) Tents used for assembly purposes which cover 1500 square feet or more of ground area shall be located at least 20 feet from any other structure or adjoining property lines.

(2) Concessions and other tents not used for assembly purposes need not be separated from each other and may be located less than 20 feet from other structures.

Poles and other members supporting tents shall be of sufficient size and strength to support the structure safely without exceeding the stresses.

(d) Wind Load.

(1) All tents shall be adequately guyed, supported and braced to withstand a wind pressure or suction of not less than 10 pounds per square foot.

(2) The poles, guys, stakes, fastenings and similar devices shall be of sufficient strength and so attached as to resist a wind pressure of at least 20 pounds per square foot of projected area of tent.

(e) Certification of Flame Proofing. All tents used for assembly purposes or in which animals are stabled and all other tents used by the public in places of outdoor assembly shall be effectively flameproofed. The owner shall furnish a certificate or a test report by a recognized testing engineer or laboratory as evidence that such tents have the required flame resistance.

(f) Fire Hazards.

(1) The ground enclosed by a tent used in connection with a place of outdoor assembly and for a distance of not less than 10 feet outside such structure on all sides shall be cleared of all flammable material or vegetation which will transmit fire.

(2) The premises shall be kept free from such flammable material during the period the premises are used by the public.

(3) No smoking or unapproved open flame of any kind shall be permitted in any tent while occupied by the public. "No Smoking" signs shall be conspicuously posted in all tents open to the public.

(4) Combustible and flammable liquids shall be isolated in accordance with NFPA 30.

(g) Every tent occupied by the public shall have at least 2 standard exits located at or near opposite ends of the structure.

(1) In tents used for assembly purposes, exits shall be provided on 3 sides if the capacity exceeds 600 persons and on 4 sides where the capacity exceeds 1000 persons.

(2) Exits shall be uniformly distributed but in no case shall the line of travel to an exit be greater than 150 feet.

(3) The total width of exits from a tent used for assembly purposes shall be not less than 44 inches per 100 persons. Exit openings shall comply in all respects with the requirements of NFPA 101.

(h) Electrical Installations.

(1) Electrical systems in all tents used as places of outdoor assembly shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the NEC. All such systems shall be maintained and operated in a safe and workmanlike manner.

(2) The electrical system and equipment shall be isolated from the public by proper elevation and guarding. All electrical fuses and switches shall be installed in approved enclosures. Cables laid on the ground or in areas traversed by the public shall be placed in trenches or protected by approved covers.

(i) Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed as specified in NFPA 10.

(j) Illumination; Exit Lights and Signs.

(1) All exits, aisles and passageways leading to exits in tents used as places of outdoor assembly shall be kept adequately lighted at all times when the structure is occupied by the public. Artificial illumination having an intensity of not less than 2.5 foot-candles at the floor line shall be provided when natural light is inadequate.

(2) Exit lights and signs complying with the requirements of NFPA 101, shall be provided in all tents used as places of outdoor assembly where more than 100 persons can be accommodated.