This page outlines the permit and fire safety requirements for temporary tents and membrane structures erected within the City of Smyrna.  Other temporary structures erected for a period of 180 days or longer, membrane structures that are erected on buildings, parking garages, balconies, decks or other structures, would require a building permit issued by Community Development.  Any questions about the requirements outlined below should be directed to the Fire Marshal's Office, during regular office hours, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Temporary tents and membrane structures shall be approved by the Fire Marshal's in accordance with the adopted fire code.

Definitions:

TENT:  A structure, enclosure, umbrella structure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.

MEMBRANE STRUCTURE:  An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered structure as defined by the International Building Code and not otherwise defined as a tent.

Approval Required:  Temporary tents or membrane structures having an area in excess of 400 S.F.  shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a permit from the Fire Marshal’s Office.  To avoid the permit requirement on multiple tents there must be a 12 foot fire break every 400 to 700 S.F.

Exceptions:

• Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

• Tents open on all sides which comply with ALL of the following:

  • Individual tents having a maximum size of 700 S.F.

  • The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of 12 feet, not exceeding 700 S.F. total.

  • A minimum clearance of 12 feet to all structures and other tents. 

Use Period:  Temporary tents, air-supported, air inflated or tensioned membrane structures shall not be erected for a period of more than 180 days within a 12-month period on a single premises.

TO OBTAIN A PERMIT...

STEP 1 - Submit a permit application and supporting documents to Community  Development.  A $100 special event permit fee will be assessed at the time of submission.

To obtain a permit application, contact: Kelly Moon at (678) 631-5363

Brawner Hall

3180 Atlanta Road SE 

Smyrna, GA 30080

 
Supporting Documentation (attach to application):

• Detailed site plan that shows all the following items:

  1. Property lines

  2. Any structures on the property and on adjacent “lots” adjacent to proposed tent location. 

  3. Existing parking spaces (mark all designated handicapped parking spaces, accessible aisles and accessible routes).

     • Note - Tents cannot block existing accessible signs/parking spaces or fire department access without prior approval from the Fire Marshal.

• Floor plan showing means of egress facilities and seating locations.

• NFPA 701 flame spread certification information for all sections of tents or membrane structures and their appurtenances; sidewalls, drops, tarpaulins, and marquees; floor coverings, bunting and combustible decorative materials and effects.

STEP 2 - You will be contacted by the Fire Marshal's Office once your application packet has been reviewed.   You may be asked for additional information during this step in order to approve your application.

STEP 3 - Scheduled a Fire Marshal Inspection once you have received an application approval notification.   The  inspection must be scheduled by the responsible party for a date at least one business day prior to the use and/or occupancy of the tent or structure. The approved tent plan must be available at the inspection location.   

IMPORTANT: An inspection must be performed prior to any issuance of a permit.

Smyrna Fire Marshal’s Office

Brawner Hall, 2nd Floor

3180 Atlanta Road SE 

Smyrna, GA 30080

(770)431-3555 OR fireprevention@smyrnaga.gov
 

For Reference : Tent Inspection Checklist

NOTE: Inspections are conducted during normal business hours. 

STEP 4 - Retrieve issued permit from Community Development

For Reference : Tent Inspection Checklist