George Mason University

Tents, depending on their size, must undergo a permitting and inspection process. Specific requirements for tents can be found in the Temporary Structure Permit Guide. All permit applications (if required) must be submitted in a timely manner as described in the Temporary Structure Permit Guide.  All tents must abide by the following minimum requirements:

• Be placed at least 20 feet from the exterior of surrounding buildings.
• Not block:
  • Any means of ingress or egress of other structures;
  • Emergency fire lanes; or
  • Any equipment that pertains or aids in the suppression of a fire (e.g., fire hydrant, fire department connection, or post indicator valve).
• Open flames or cooking devices may not be used under tents. All cooking appliances or open flames to include grills may not be used within 20 feet of a tent.
• May not be occupied when local winds are forecast or known to be greater than 40 miles per hour.
• All tents are subject to removal by the Event Coordinator, EHS, Facilities Management, or vendor due to severe weather.
• Provide adequate clear paths for egress/exiting.
• Maintain a copy of the Tent Permit (if required) on-site.
• Have original manufacture’s tags attached indicating that the material of the tent is flame retardant (if tent is 400 square feet or greater).
• Tents may only be occupied during daylight, unless code compliant electrical lighting is provided.
• Properly marked and lighted emergency exits (for tents with sidewalls and 900 square feet or greater).
• Additional regulations may be stipulated in the permit issued by the Commonwealth.