2565 Old Milton Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30009

 678-297-6272    AlpharettaFMO@alpharetta.ga.us

Please find below the fire and life safety code requirements for tents and canopies adopted by the State of Georgia per O.C.G.A. 120-3-3 (See flow chart attached for when required).  This list serves as a guide to ensure your event is safe for the vendors and all participants.  It is not all-inclusive of all required codes but serves as a list of the common issues found by fire inspectors. 

Please submit all requests for tent permits a minimum of 10 business days before permit is desired. Plans must be submitted to the link provided below. ALL tents that require a tent permit are required to be inspected the Alpharetta Fire Marshal's Office during normal business hours before use. An inspection may be requested by calling the Fire Marshal's Office at 678-297-6272. Tents less than 400sqft or canopies less than 700sqft (no sides) do not require a tent permit if they are spaced a minimum of 12ft to all structures and other tents (IFC 3103.2).

Please submit with your application the following application and requested documents. 

TENT PERMIT APPLICATION

Submit Tent Application Here

Safety Checklist

Tents Anchored

• * Must be anchored to withstand elements of weather.  
• * Typically achieved by weighing down all four tent posts with a commercial weight.  
• * All Canopies shall have a minimum of 25 lbs. on each leg tied through the frame.  
  • Commercial products may be purchased on Amazon, at Home Depot, or Lowes. Below are some examples of commercial tent anchors that are available.

For Tents with Cooking Appliances

* No open-flame cooking permitted under the tent.   

• * Combustibles must be a minimum of 3 feet away from the cooking appliance.  
• * A type ABC fire extinguisher with the tent  
• * Any cooking operation that involves grease-laden vapors (i.e. a deep fryer) must have a Class K fire extinguisher in addition to a ABC fire extinguisher within 30 feet. 

• * All fire extinguishers must have a current annual inspection from a State of Georgia certified fire extinguisher inspection company, this means it needs to have an in-date yellow inspection tag on the extinguisher.  
• * Any solid fuel appliances should have a cover (grills and pits).  
• * Must be 10 ft. from any permanent structure or other canopy. 
• * Propane cylinders must be placed securely (won’t tip over) out of the public way. 
• * Designated area for spare and empty propane tanks must be established.  

Power Sources

• * Generators shall be at 20ft from any structure or canopy and not accessible to the public.  
• * Protective mats or other approved means shall be placed over electrical cables passing through walkways. 

If the vendor is found to not be compliant at the time of the inspection, they will have to resolve the issue before being allowed to operate.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a fire inspector by calling 678-297-6272.