The College of William and Mary Fire Code Special Event Permit is required for tents and stages used in support of special events.  The permit is issued to the College Special Event Coordinator (CSEC) who is a student, staff, or faculty associated with the special event planning.  All tent permits are issued for a specific event with one exception. Tents may be requested under a Blanket Permit in which more than one temporary structure will be at the same event.  The applicability of the Blanket Permit will be determined on a case by case basis.  All tent permit requests require coordination by the CSEC with the Project Manager, Facilities, Planning, Design, and Construction (FPDC), Assistant Director, Operations & Maintenance, and the Fire Safety Officer.   Please note that the same permit requirements apply if stages are used in support of any College-supported special event.  Permits are not required for tents with less than 900 square feet.

Tent permit applications are submitted at least 15 days in advance of the scheduled special event.  A Certificate of Flame Retardancy for each temporary structure must accompany the permit application.  In addition, the CSEC will include a site plan drawing with the permit application.    

A fire safety inspection is required for every tent, regardless of its size.  The inspection must be performed after the tent is erected and prior to its use. The Fire Safety Officer conducts this inspection.  The CSEC should submit a Facilities Management Work Request to schedule a time for the inspection as well as any other FM services needed to include furniture set-up and electrical connections. 

The CSEC shall comply with the standards set forth under the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Virginia Statewide Building Code and other referenced codes and standards. The CSES should be familiar with Facilities Management Directive 510, Tent and Stage/Platform Permit Procedures in order to ensure compliance with the Codes.   Vendors shall follow the guidelines in Facilities Management Directive 520, Vendor Tent and Stage/Platform Erection Requirements.