Memorandum
To: Deans, Directors, and Department Heads
From: Carolyn Elfland, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services
Subject: Permit Requirements for Tents and Canopies
Date: August 31, 2007
The NC Fire Prevention Code (NCSFC) requires tents, canopies and other membrane structures to be evaluated for fire and life safety and a permit issued prior to any event that utilizes such a structure. The North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) has notified us that the University must submit plans and other documentation to DOI and receive a permit for any tent greater than 200 square feet or anycanopy greater than 400 square feet erected on State-owned property.
The University Fire Marshal, in the Department of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS), will be responsible for Carolina’s compliance with this requirement. Any unit holding an event involving the use of a canopy or tent that meets or exceeds the size parameters listed above must submit a Tent/Canopy Permit Application to the Fire Marshal for review and submission to DOI. The application may be found on the EHS website at EHS will serve as liaison to DOI and provide notification to the applicant unit when DOI has issued the permit.
The Fire Marshal is available to assist any unit with completion of the application and/or with creating the required drawing. Please note there are regulations regarding such things as fire lanes, means of egress, and cooking, cooling, heating, or electrical equipment that must be met. Some of the information required by the application (such as the tent manufacturer’s flame retardant certificate) may not be readily available. We strongly recommend that units begin the permit application process well in advance of the scheduled event, and that the application and plans be submitted to EHS a minimum of 30 days in advance of the scheduled event to ensure adequate time for approval. Please note that if your unit utilizes similar tents or canopies repeatedly in the same location, it is possible to submit one permit request for multiple days. We recommend that units frequently utilizing tents and canopies contact the University Fire Marshal as soon as possible to discuss the most efficient way to comply with this new permit requirement.
Please call contact the University Fire Marshal, Billy Mitchell, by phone at 962-5507 (office) or 883-7025 (cell), or by e-mail at f you have questions or need assistance.