Purpose and Scope
Purpose: To ensure public safety by following the Ohio Building Code and Ohio Fire Code and to protect University grounds (underground utilities, buildings, trees) when erecting temporary structures.
Scope: Anyone wishing to set up a temporary tent or canopy that must be permitted by the State of Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance (DIC).
Policy
Permits are required for :
- All tents over 200 square feet
- Canopies over 400 square feet
- A canopy is defined as any tent with at least 75% of sides open
- See Ohio Building Code 3102.1 and Ohio Fire Code 2403.2 for details
Exceptions from Permit, Review, and Inspection:
- Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
- Canopies open on all sides that comply with the following:
- Individual canopies having a maximum size of 700 square feet (~26' x 26') (65m square)
- The aggregate area of multiple canopies placed side by side with a minimum clearance of less than 12 feet (3658mm), not exceeding 700 square feet (65m squared)
- A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to all structures and other tents
- Examples of tents that are exempt from permit, review, and inspection are canopies that are often set up for tailgating events. These canopies can be secured using sand bags if needed. Staking of these exempt canopies is prohibited.
Customers requesting permitted tents/canopy must be made to the Special Facilities Operations Manager (513-529-8012) with the following information:
- Determine the scope of the event that requires a tent or canopy.
- What is the desired tent size?
- What will be inside the tent?
- How many occupants will be inside the tent?
- Determine the desired location.
- Is the space reservable? If so, has it been reserved?
The Special Facilities Operations Manager will coordinate review and approval of the proposed space with:
- Director of Grounds .
- Is the location irrigated?
- Will staking of structure be permitted? If not, are concrete blocks or water barrels permitted?
- Is there access to water if required to fill barrels?
- Is there clear and safe access for installation contractor?
- Will the structures fit the location and allow clearance to buildings, trees and light poles?
- Electric Shop Manager
- Are there any underground utility concerns that would prevent the location being used?
- Tent Contractor
- Miami University does not have nor erect tents that require permitting
The tent/canopy contractor will need the following information to submit to the State of Ohio Division of Industrial Compliance (DIC) to apply for a permit. The Special Facilities Operations Manager will help facilitate customers providing this information to the contractor.
Detailed site plan, which shall include:
- Vicinity map identifying the general location of the site
- Enlarged area plan that identifies the location of the proposed tents, permanent buildings/structures in the vicinity, other temporary structures (such as a stage), restroom facilities, and all equipment provided for utilization of the proposed tent (such as generators, heater/AC units and propane tanks). If electric for the tent is provided from a permanent onsite source, identify the location of the onsite electric.
- The site plan shall identify the distance between the proposed tents and the other items listed above. If the tent is using stakes and guy wires for anchoring, the distance shall be specified from the stakes.
Floor plan, which shall include:
- The location/spacing of the tent frame legs, and designation of whether the tent is installed with sidewalls.
- Arrangement of furnishings/seating within the tent, with declaration of design occupant load.
- Declaration of use of tents (A-2 eating/drinking, A-3 general assembly without eating/drinking, B clerical or training staff space, or M merchandise sales).
- Location and width of exits. When more than one exit is required (see IFC Table 3103.12.2), they shall be spaced at approximately equal intervals around the perimeter of the tent.
- Location and type of all electrical and heating equipment.
Structural analysis/details for all tents, which shall include:
A structural analysis provided by the tent manufacturer or tent installer with the following requirements:
- Analysis based on the specific span and bay spacing of the proposed tent
- Design wind speeds specific to enclosure configuration (with sidewalls or open)
- Maximum reaction diagram for the design wind speed
If a structural analysis is not available for the proposed tent, weather emergency evacuation wind speed shall be 20 MPH for an enclosed tent or 25 MPH for an open tent, and max occupant load shall be 55 people.
The type and location of the ballasts/anchors for the tent. If the structural analysis does not specify anchoring methods, or the type of ballasts/anchors proposed do not match the structural analysis, the installer shall provide the Staking/Ballasting Certification.
Weather Emergency Evacuation Plan: If the tent frame and/or proposed ballasting/anchorage is not designed to withstand a wind speed of 90 mph allowable/114 mph ultimate design, the Weather Emergency Evacuation Certification shall be provided.
Fire Watch Plan: If the occupant load of the tent exceeds 100 people, or if the tent is located within 20' of a building, a fire watch plan shall be submitted unless sprinklers are being provided.
Supplemental information:
- Specification sheets for electrical devices and generators to confirm proper listing for the proposed environment.
- Specification sheets for exit signs to confirm compliance with IFC 3103.12.6.1.
- Specification sheets for heating/air conditioning equipment to confirm proper listing.
- Copy of the flame propagation certificate to confirm compliance with IFC 3104.2.
All forms for submittal can be found at the DIC website below:
https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance/building-plan-approval-and-application/applications-and-forms/application-for-tent-permits
Revision History