Tent or Canopy

[MikeHoncho]

I've learned a lot in the short amount of time I've been on it. I'm putting together a reference sheet for IFC 2021 codes related to Chapter 31, specifically tents and canopies. The reason for this is the large amount of events we have at a fairgrounds that include food vendors that utilize the typical pop-up "canopies" you see at every youth sporting game. The typical set up is a grill or some means of cooking food under the structure while the public stands out from under it to purchase and the structures are side by side in a long row. The IFC definitions do not seem to really give much detail to assist. The commentary gives more and the verbiage makes me believe they fall into the "tent" category but the example pictures show a Ez-Up. Talking to some SMEs makes me believe the picture might be in error.

If the descripted shelter is a tent, I'm having issues finding the ability (within the code) for the allowing of tents used for cooking (no public) to be placed within 20 feet of one another. Assistance is appreciated.

 

[Gregg Harris]

The aggregate area of multiple tents separated by less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 900 square feet unless approved in accordance with Section 3103.2.

 

[ICE]

Canopies used in a commercial setting are required to have a State Fire Marshall approval. I used to encounter the issue at carnivals and a university. Now I can’t say that I relied on a code because I used to shoot from the hip. I required fire extinguishers and I would not allow any cooking appliance or BBQ under a canopy.

 

[MikeHoncho]

The aggregate area of multiple tents separated by less than 12 feet (3658 mm) shall not exceed 900 square feet unless approved in accordance with Section 3103.2.

Code number? the only verbiage that is like that is 700 square feet and it is pertaining the a exemption for a permit/approval - 3103.2 Exemption 2.2

 

[MikeHoncho]

Canopies used in a commercial setting are required to have a State Fire Marshall approval. I used to encounter the issue at carnivals and a university. Now I can’t say that I relied on a code because I used to shoot from the hip. I required fire extinguishers and I would not allow any cooking appliance or BBQ under a canopy.

I have never come across any working that includes "state fire marshal" in the IFC. Is this a state thing?

 

[ICE]

Well Mike, I’m not the one to ask about the legality of what I do. The canopy either has a large tag with the State Fire Marshal seal or it is not going to be approved for use. I’m not even sure that there were permits for all of the food and beer stands. I was there to inspect the carnival so I would give them a freebie. Not sure they appreciated that but I’m not out there to make friends.

 

[TheCommish]

Most commercial tent and canopies have the "fire marshal rating" is born out of the Hartford Circus tent fire and canvas tents. the Harford Circus tent fires linked here was a tragedy July 6, 1944 that killed 167 person. Waterproofing at the time was commonly a mixture of paraffin and gasoline.

My bigger concert wiht temporary structures is the hold down do to wind events, and the miss us of ballast. See the Indiana State Fair stage collapse linked here. this tragedy was do to inadequate ballasted of support straps, jersey barriers (4400LBS) were use to anchor the guyed strap.

Locally, I had a holiday event with a 40 x 80 tent on a parking (they wish to avoid driven stakes through the asphalt) lot which where were ballasted with undersize block of concrete, the calculation showed they needed 2250lbs blocks for the each guy, considerably more that the original blocks that were as is recall 250 lbs.

NFPA 701 cover tents, canopies and flammability
IBC chapter 31 covers temporary structures over 120 sf.

 

[steveray]

Don't they all just all basically fall under membrane structures in 3102 and/ or 3103?

 

[SCBO1]

Membrane structures;
2021 IFC 3103.2,

No Permit for:
400 sq ft (20x20) not seeing the little pop-ups larger than that. If they are they should have the tag somewhere on the tent approved and with fire retardant material. All the fireworks tents that I inspected had this requirement attached to the tent or they were not allowed. Fire department would get on them for flammables under the tent, cardboard, straw and wood chips typically.

Permit require:
Exception allows for up to 700 sq ft if your permitting them, with12-ft clearance between tents and nearby buildings.

 

[mtlogcabin]

2018 IFC
3106.5.1 Separation from tents or structures.
Cooking appliances or devices that produce sparks or grease-laden vapors or flying embers (firebrands) shall not be used within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a tent or temporary structure.

Exceptions:

1. Designated cooking tents not occupied by the public when approved by the fire code official.

2. Tents or structures where cooking appliances are protected with an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.12.

 

[Joe.B]

I have never come across any working that includes "state fire marshal" in the IFC. Is this a state thing?

It's a CA thing.

Office of the State Fire Marshal | OSFM

osfm.fire.ca.gov

 

[MikeHoncho]

2018 IFC
3106.5.1 Separation from tents or structures.
Cooking appliances or devices that produce sparks or grease-laden vapors or flying embers (firebrands) shall not be used within 20 feet (6096 mm) of a tent or temporary structure.

Exceptions:

1. Designated cooking tents not occupied by the public when approved by the fire code official.

2. Tents or structures where cooking appliances are protected with an automatic fire-extinguishing system in accordance with Section 904.12.

Ok, this code is included in the 2021 version. Section 3106 is Outdoor Assembly Event. Can I assume a "Taste of ***" with food vendors in pop up tents (no public access into) would be considered a Outdoor Assembly Event? I read the section as a concert, grouping of persons with the inclusion of a food vendor with a pop up tent. Your help is much appreciated.

 

[ICE]

My bigger concert wiht temporary structures is the hold down do to wind events

They complain bitterly about pounding four foot stakes in their parking lots.
I was at a property for an inspection when I noticed an easy up over a car. Each leg was stuck in a pail of concrete. I advised the lady to get rid of that. She didn’t take my advice. The BMW suffered mightily.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Can I assume a "Taste of ***" with food vendors in pop up tents (no public access into) would be considered a Outdoor Assembly Event?

Yes you can.

 

[SCBO1]

The typical set up is a grill or some means of cooking food under the structure while the public stands out from under it to purchase and the structures are side by side in a long row.

We don't see the cooker under the (structure) tent, they are usually outside of the tent getting wet during a rain shower, the burger flipper is in the dry.