Section 3104 Temporary and Permanent Tents and Membrane Structures

Tents and membrane structures, both temporary and permanent, shall be in accordance with this section. Permanent tents and membrane structures shall also comply with the California Building Code.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §340] Existing Small Tents.

Existing small tents are exempt from California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 2.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §341] Existing Membrane Structures and Other (Large) Existing Tents.

Existing membranes of membrane structures and large (10 or more capacity) existing tents may continue to be used provided evidence of satisfactory flame resistance is available to the enforcing authority. Such evidence may be in the form of certification that the fabric passes the standard small scale flame resistance test as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 regulations or through passage of effective field tests.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §321] Abatement of Fire or Panic Hazards.

Any condition that presents a fire hazard, would contribute to the rapid spread of fire, interfere with the rapid exit of persons from the tents, or interfere with or delay the extinguishment of a fire, shall be immediately corrected as ordered by the enforcing authority.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §315.(a)] Flame Resistance Standards.

1. All tent fabrics and all interior decorative fabrics or materials shall be flame resistant in accordance with appropriate standards set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8.

   Tent tops and sidewalls shall be made either from fabric which has been flame resistant treated with an approved exterior chemical process by an approved application concern, or from inherently flame-resistant fabric approved and listed by the State Fire Marshal.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §332.(a)] Flame Resistance.

1. All tents manufactured for sale, sold, rented, offered for sale, or used in California shall be made from non-flammable material or one of the following flame-resistant fabrics or material approved by the State Fire Marshal:

   1. Fabrics complying with the State Fire Marshal’s requirements for flame resistance for exterior use, as set forth in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8, or

   2. Fabrics complying with the flame-resistance requirements set forth in “A Specification for Flame-Resistance Materials Used in Camping Tentage” published in 1975 by Canvas Products Association International, hereinafter referred to as CPAI-84.

      Exceptions:

      1. Tents used for committal services at cemeteries.
      2. Tents or similar fabric enclosures used within a sound stage or equivalent enclosure equipped with an overhead automatic fire extinguishing system.

Membrane structures or tents shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the identification of size and fabric or material type.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §334.] Requirements Pertaining to All Tents.

All tents manufactured for sale in California shall be labeled in accordance with the appropriate provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 335.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §335.(a) and (b)] Labeling of Tents.

1. Each section of top and sidewall in large tents shall have a durable label, permanently affixed, bearing the following information:

   1. The Seal of Registration.
   2. If treated fabric, the name and registration number of the approved application concern and approved chemical used, and the date of treatment.

   3. If registered fabric, the trade name and registration number of the approved fabric, and the date of production.

      In lieu of attached labels, the required information may be applied directly to the fabric by print, stamp or stencil.

2. Small tents shall have a permanently affixed label bearing the information in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 335, subsection (a), or shall comply with the provisions specified in CPAI-84 (1975) which reads as follows:

   1. Certification. A statement that the materials used in the manufacture of the item meet the flame resistance requirements of CPAI-84.
   2. Manufacturer Identification. An identification of the manufacturer of the item. If the item bears a private label, it shall identify the private labeler and shall also contain a code mark which will permit the seller of the item to identify the manufacturer to the purchaser upon request.
   3. Code Number. A number enabling the manufacturer to identify from his records the suppliers and suppliers’ lot numbers of the certified materials used in the item. The manufacturer shall also maintain records identifying the parties to whom he sold camping tentage. Further, he shall maintain records identifying items manufactured from lots of certified material. Records shall be maintained for four (4) years.
   4. Warning label.

   

   This warning label or its equivalent must be permanently affixed to the tent at one conspicuous location, and must block letters on a white background. The first paragraph of the body of the label must be placed in a conspicuous location on each carton containing the tent.

An affidavit or affirmation shall be submitted to the fire code official and a copy retained on the premises on which the tent or air-supported structure is located. The affidavit shall attest to all of the following information relative to the flame propagation performance criteria of the fabric:

1. Names and address of the owners of the tent or air-supported structure.
2. Date the fabric was last treated with flame-retardant solution.
3. Trade name or kind of chemical used in treatment.
4. Name of person or firm treating the material.
5. Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §315.(d)] Flame Resistance Standards.

1. (d) Certificates of Flame Resistance or other documentation affirming the requirements of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 315, subsection (a) shall be made available upon request of the enforcement authority.

Hay, straw, shavings or similar combustible materials shall not be located within any tent or membrane structure containing an 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.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §315.(b)] Flame Resistance Standards.

1. (b) Sawdust, shavings, or other combustible material used on the floor or ground shall be made flame resistant or when approved by the enforcing authority shall be kept adequately damp when tent is occupied.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §326.(b)] Hazard Abatement.

1. (b) Hay, straw, trash and other similar flammable material shall be stored more than 50 feet from any tent except upon approval of the enforcing authority.

   Exception: Tents to which the public is not admitted.

Smoking shall not be permitted in tents or membrane structures. Approved “No Smoking” signs shall be conspicuously posted in accordance with Section 310.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §316] Smoking Prohibited.

Smoking is not permitted in any tent and in any adjacent areas where hay or other highly flammable materials are kept. “No Smoking” signs shall be conspicuously posted in all tents open to the public and wherever otherwise specified by the enforcing authority.

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 feet (6096 mm) of the tent or membrane structures while open to the public unless approved by the fire code official.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §317] Fireworks and Open Flames.

Fireworks, open flame or any device emitting flame or spark shall not be used in or immediately adjacent to any tent while open to the public, except when approved in writing by the enforcing authority.

Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided as required by California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 2, Article 3, Section 319.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §319.(a) through (c)] Fire Extinguishers and Other Fire Protection Equipment.

1. One Class 2-A fire extinguisher shall be provided in every tent having a floor area between 500 square feet and 1,000 square feet plus one 2-A fire extinguisher in each auxiliary adjacent tent. One additional extinguisher shall be provided for each additional 2000 square feet or fraction thereof.
2. At least one Class 10 B-C fire extinguisher shall be provided with each generator or transformer.
3. At least one Class 10 B-C fire extinguisher shall be provided in kitchen, dining areas, and at locations where flammable or combustible liquids or flammable gases are used, stored, or dispensed.

Fire hose lines, water supplies and other auxiliary fire equipment shall be maintained at the site in such numbers and sizes as required by the fire code official.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §319.(d) and (e)] Fire Extinguishers and Other Fire Protection Equipment.

1. (d) Tents having a capacity of 1,000 or more persons shall be protected on each of the long sides with fire hose lines of at least 1¹/₂-inch internal diameter and of sufficient length to reach either end of the tent. The water supply shall be either from the public water mains or from tanks having a capacity of not less than 500 gallons. There shall be at least 65 pounds of flowing pressure at the nozzle of the hose line when a ¹/₂-inch tip is used.
2. (e) The enforcing authority may modify or waive any of the requirements of this section [Title 19, Division 1, Section 319] and may accept other types of fire extinguishing equipment in lieu of that required by Title 19, Division 1 regulations if, in the authorities’ opinion, reasonable and adequate protection will be afforded.

LP-gas equipment such as tanks, piping, hoses, fittings, valves, tubing and other related components shall be approved and in accordance with Chapter 61 and with the California Mechanical Code.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §325] Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

Liquefied petroleum gas shall not be stored or used in connection with any tent unless the storage containers, equipment, fittings, appliances, placement, use and operation complies with the provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Article 5, Subchapter 1, Chapter 4.

Flammable and combustible liquids shall be stored outside in an approved manner not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from tents or membrane structures. Storage shall be in accordance with Chapter 57.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §324.(a) and (b)] Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

1. Liquids having a flash point below 200°F shall not be stored in any tent nor less than 50 feet from any tent.
2. Flammable or combustible liquids shall be stored and dispensed in accordance with the provisions of the California Fire Code. The enforcing authority may permit limited quantities of flammable or combustible liquids required for display and normal merchandizing.

When a compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas) powered vehicle is parked inside a place of assembly, all the following conditions shall be met:

1. The quarter-turn shutoff valve or other shutoff valve on the outlet of the CNG or LP-gas container shall be closed and the engine shall be operated until it stops. Valves shall remain closed while the vehicle is indoors.
2. The hot lead of the battery shall be disconnected.
3. Dual-fuel vehicles equipped to operate on gasoline and CNG or LP-gas shall comply with this section and Sections 3104.18.1 through 3104.18.5.3 for gasoline-powered vehicles.

Where, in the opinion of the fire code official, it is essential for public safety in a tent or membrane structure used as a place of assembly or any other use where people congregate, because of the number of persons, or the nature of the performance, exhibition, display, contest or activity, the owner, agent or lessee shall employ one or more qualified persons, as required and approved, to remain on duty during the times such places are open to the public, or when such activity is being conducted.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §320] Fire Safety Personnel.

The owners or operators of any tent used as a place of assemblage shall provide at least one qualified fire safety person in every tent having a capacity of 500 persons and one additional qualified person for each 1,000 additional persons or fraction thereof. Such persons shall be on duty in the tent at all times when the tent is open to the public. They shall be proficient in the handling of fire extinguishers and equipment and shall be familiar with the fire and panic safety regulations. The individual designated under this section shall meet the approval of the fire authority having jurisdiction.

Exception: The enforcing authority may waive or modify the provisions of this section if, in his opinion, public safety will not be jeopardized.

Combustible vegetation that could create a fire hazard shall be removed from the area occupied by a tent or membrane structure, and from areas within 30 feet (9144 mm) of such structures.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §326.(a)] Hazard Abatement.

1. All flammable vegetation within 50 feet of any tent shall be removed.

The floor surface inside tents or membrane structures and the grounds outside and within a 30-foot (9144 mm) perimeter shall be kept free of combustible waste and other combustible materials that could create a fire hazard. Such waste shall be stored in approved containers and removed from the premises not less than once a day during the period the structure is occupied by the public.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §326.(c)] Hazard Abatement.

1. (c) Combustible waste shall not be permitted to accumulate on the grounds either inside or outside of tents. Such waste shall be stored in approved containers until removed from the premises.

Exits, aisles and passageways shall not be blocked or have their minimum clear width obstructed in any manner by ticket offices, turnstiles, concessions, chairs, equipment, animal chutes, poles or guy ropes, or anything whatsoever, nor shall they be blocked by persons for whom no seats are available.

In occupancies having fixed seating, and on request of the owner or manager, the enforcing agency may permit modifications from the provisions of this code to accommodate seating for handicapped persons using mechanical aids such as, but not limited to, walkers and wheelchairs.