USA Tent Policy
NOTICE: No tents or canopies will be allowed on University South Alabama properties or events unless
authorized by the appropriate University Departments and all provisions outlined in this policy are met.
Events using tents or canopies that do not conform to this policy shall be terminated by the USA Police,
Safety & Environmental Compliance Department and/or the Mobile Fire Department.
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POLICY/PURPOSE: This document provides information and establishes general precautions and
policy for individuals or groups that plan to use tent(s) and/or canopies on University South Alabama
property or events. It provides a single source document of measures required for the safe use of tents and
canopies.
Definitions:
Tent: A structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable material supported by any manner
except by air or the contents that it protects.
Canopy: A structure, enclosure or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any
manner, except by air or the contents it protects, and is open without sidewalls or drops on 75% or more
of the perimeter.
Flame-resistant treatment: A flame retardant that is applied to (or material that is composed of flameresistant material) applied to tents, air-supported, air-inflated or tensioned membrane structures and their
appurtenances, sidewalls, drops and tops of temporary membrane structures, canopies, tarpaulins, floor
coverings, bunting, combustible decorative materials and effects, including sawdust when used on floors
or passageways and meets NFPA 701 standards.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Tents and canopies may only be erected in approved locations with permission from the entity that owns
or controls the space. All tents/canopies erected on USA’s main campus, regardless the dimensions must
have a Dig Permit completed and approved when utilizing tent stakes larger than 12 inches for anchoring
purposes. Contact USA Maintenance Department to start dig permit process 14 days prior to event. Final
approval rests with the Safety & Environmental Compliance Office and/or the Mobile Fire Department.
All tents and canopies having an area of 400 sq. ft. or greater require a Tent Permit. Utilize Tent
Permit form #400 on USA Safety & Environmental Compliance website
(http://www.southalabama.edu/environmental/reports.html) for application and approval process.
The tent/canopy and decorative materials shall be flame-resistant or treated with a flame-resistant
material. A certificate label or affidavit of treatment must be on location with structure.
Tents/canopies must stay 20 ft. from property lot lines, buildings, other temporary membrane
structures, other tents and 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
temporary membrane structure, tent or canopy.
Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any flammable or combustible liquids,
gas, charcoal or other cooking device or any other unapproved devices shall not be permitted inside
or located within 20 ft. of the tent/canopy unless approved by Safety & Environmental Compliance
and/or the Mobile Fire Department.
No smoking is allowed inside of the tent/canopy.
Portable fire extinguishers are required for all tents/canopies. Contact Safety & Environmental
Compliance for type needed, number required and placement. Rental service companies to provide
fire extinguishers for rental tents.
Aisles and exits must be free and unobstructed during tent/canopy occupancy.
Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials shall not be located within any tent/canopy
containing assembly occupancy, except the materials necessary for the daily feeding and care of
animals. Sawdust and shavings utilized for a public performance or exhibit shall not be prohibited
provided the sawdust and shavings are kept damp. Combustible materials shall not be permitted
under stands or seats at any time. The areas within and adjacent to the tent/canopy, shall be
maintained clear of all combustible materials or vegetation that could create a fire hazard within 50
ft. from the structure. Combustible trash shall be removed at least once a day from the structure
during the period the structure is occupied by the public.
All appliances, spotlights, lighting and sound systems shall be powered by electricity only and may
require a separate electrical permit. Use of a generator is acceptable if approved by Safety and
Environmental Compliance and/or the Mobile Fire Department.
All tents/canopies shall be adequately roped, braced and anchored to withstand the elements of
weather and prevent against collapsing. Anchors must be marked with warning tape and or painted.
Tents/canopies may not be erected for more than 30 days. If an extended period is required a new
request for approval and or permit must be submitted.
Occupant Load
The occupant load shall be determined by dividing the floor area of tent structure by (7).
* Example: a 400 sq. ft. tent will allow an occupant load of 400 / 7 = 57 occupants.
Exits
Tents/canopies must have at least the minimum number of required exits as listed below.
* Tents/canopies with occupant loads of 50 or more will also require exit signs that are either
self-luminous or illuminated by internal/external fixtures.
10-199 persons 2 exits required
200-499 persons 3 exits required
500-999 persons 4 exits required
1,000 or more persons contact Safety & Environmental Compliance
Cooking Restriction for Tents - Fire and Life Safety
Open flame or other devices emitting flame, fire or heat or any other flammable or
combustible liquids, gas, charcoal or other cooking device or any other unapproved
devices shall not be permitted inside or located within 20 feet of a tent or other
structure while open to the public unless approved by Safety & Environmental Compliance Office
and/or the Mobile Fire Department.
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Safety & Environmental Compliance Office and/or the Mobile Fire Department
will review and determine approval to cook in a limited size tent is considered when
a Fire and Life Safety Inspection confirms all of the following criteria:
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Area of tent, canopy or awning is 12 ft. x 12 ft. (144 sq. ft.) or less.
Tent, canopy or awning material does not pose a fire hazard.
Separation of 20 ft. minimum from other tents or structures is maintained.
The approved structure is placed on solid ground free of hay, straw or similar
combustible materials.
Cooking and heating equipment is a minimum 10 feet from exits and
combustible materials.
Class K fire extinguisher readily accessible and available for use.
Class 2A 10BC fire extinguisher readily accessible and available for use.
Location of vehicles or equipment does not obstruct means of egress.
LP-gas containers shall be located outside with safety release valves pointed
away from the tent, canopy or awning.
Heaters
Safety & Environmental Compliance Office and/or the Mobile Fire Department
will review and determine approval of any heating d
IMPORTANT NOTE: Mobile County Health Department regulations are more
restrictive for Commercial Food Service Establishments.
A Fire Code compliant Concession Trailer or Stand with a Type 1 hood ventilation
and fire suppression system may be required.
Reference: 2009 International Fire Code
Temporary Wiring: All wiring provided or used by the vendor shall be of a sufficient rating for its
intended use. Common household extension cords shall not be used. When a utility cord is used, only
one device shall be plugged into the cord. Multi-plug adaptors are not approved. Surge protection
devices shall be used when multi-plug extensions are needed. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter) adapters must be utilized when water is present. All cords and adapters must be in good
condition without damage to the protective wire casing.