Tents and Other Membrane Structures

Do I Need a Tent Permit?

A tent permit is generally required when a tent is more than 900 square feet. For reference, a 30' × 30' tent is 900 square feet.

A 30' × 30' tent does not exceed the 900-square-foot threshold. A tent larger than 30' × 30', such as a 30' × 40' tent, would exceed 900 square feet and require a permit.

Multiple tents may also require a permit when they are placed close together. If tents are less than 12 feet apart, their square footage is added together when determining whether the 900-square-foot threshold has been exceeded.

Public Events

If your event is:

• On public property, such as a park, public parking lot, street, or other public space; and
• Open to the public

A tent permit is required when:

• A tent is more than 900 square feet; or
• Multiple tents are less than 12 feet apart and their combined area is more than 900 square feet.

Example: Two 20' × 30' tents placed less than 12 feet apart have a combined area of 1,200 square feet and require a tent permit.

Private Events on Private Property

For a private event on private property, such as a backyard birthday party, graduation party, wedding, or other invitation-only gathering, a tent permit is not required when the tent is 900 square feet or less.

A tent permit is required when:

• One tent is more than 900 square feet; or
• Multiple tents are less than 12 feet apart and their combined area is more than 900 square feet.

Example: A 20' × 30' tent in your backyard for a private party is 600 square feet and does not require a tent permit based on size.

Multiple Tents

When tents are less than 12 feet apart, their areas are combined. Examples:

• Two 20' × 20' tents = 800 square feet — permit not required based on size
• Three 20' × 20' tents = 1,200 square feet — permit required if the tents are less than 12 feet apart
• Tents separated by 12 feet or more are evaluated individually

Permitted tents must comply with the applicable requirements of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Chapter 31 — Tents and Other Membrane Structures.

When Do I Need a Special Event Permit?

Some events require a Special Event Permit instead of a standard Tent Permit.

A Special Event Permit is required when an event:

• Has more than 50 people; and
• Includes multiple activities, equipment, or hazards that require Fire Marshal review.

This applies to both public and private events. Examples may include a combination of:

• Multiple tents totaling more than 900 square feet
• Generators
• Cooking or food preparation
• Propane tanks or other compressed gases
• Food trucks
• Other equipment or activities requiring Fire Marshal approval
• Road Closures
  
  

If your event has up to or more than 50 people and includes multiple permit-related activities or equipment, it is considered a Special Event and you should apply for a Special Event Permit.

If you are unsure whether your event requires a Tent Permit or Special Event Permit, contact the Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal for assistance.