§ 14-64. Tents, Membrane Structures and Air-Supported Structures.

(A)

Permit Required. A permit, in accordance with Section 14-39 of this Code, from the Fire Department having jurisdiction shall be required to erect or operate a tent, membrane structure, or air-supported structure covering an area in excess of 900 square feet or of any size where a hazardous use or process occurs (such as cooking operations).

(B)

Scope. For the purpose of this section, a place of assembly shall include any carnival, circus, dance hall, sideshow, skating rink, tent show, theater, or any other engagement or offering, exhibition, production, or other place of assemblage in or under which 50 or more persons may gather for any purpose.

(C)

Application. Tents, membrane structures, and air-supported structures covering an area in excess of 900 square feet must meet the applicable provisions of Chapter 11 of the NFPA-101 edition adopted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code as adopted and amended from time to time. Tents, membrane structures, or air-supported structures covering an area in excess of 900 square feet or of any size where a hazardous use or process occurs (such as cooking operations) that are exempt from the Florida specific version of NFPA-1 and NFPA-101 or the rules and regulations of the State Fire Marshal as all of same may be amended from time to time are prohibited from use within the boundaries of Miami-Dade County unless the responsible party wishing to use the tent, membrane structure or air supported structure obtains a permit, in accordance with Section 14-39 of this Code.

(D)

Structural Design Load Requirements. Tents, membrane structures or air-supported structures and their appurtenances shall comply with the requirements of applicable section(s) of the adopted Florida Building Code.

(E)

Flame propagation performance. A certificate or affidavit shall be submitted with the permit application and a copy retained at the premises on which the tent, membrane structure or air-supported structure is located, attesting to the following information relative to the flame propagation performance of the fabric:

(1)

Meets the applicable flame propagation performance criteria contained in NFPA 701 as adopted and amended from time to time.

(2)

Identifies the tent, membrane structure or air-supported structure fabric tested.

(3)

Date the fabric was last tested.

The Chief Fire Official can require re-testing and/or re-certification of the fabric of any tent, membrane structure or air-supported structure to determine compliance with the applicable flame propagation performance criteria based on fabric condition, age of last test, damage, chemical contact or any reasonable cause

(F)

Standby Services. Standby services may be required in accordance with section 14-63 of this article.

(G)

Food/Cooking Vendors at Short Term Events.

(1)

Vendors utilizing any cooking process capable of producing smoke or grease laden vapors shall comply with the following requirements:

(i)

No portion of the tent, membrane structure or air supported structure may be accessible to the general public.

(ii)

The tent, membrane structure or air supported structure shall be outfitted with not more than one sidewall.

(iii)

Egress from the tent, membrane structure or air supported structure shall be unobstructed and immediately available on at least two sides of the structure.

(iv)

Travel distance to reach the outside of the tent, membrane structure or air supported structure shall not exceed 20 feet.

(v)

At the time of inspection and during cooking operations there shall be at least one (1) Class K fire extinguisher and at least one (1) 4 A: 80 B:C extinguisher (additional extinguishers may be required depending on appliances utilized).

(vi)

There shall be at least 10 feet separation from other structures including other tents, membrane structures or air supported structures that are not utilizing any cooking process capable of producing smoke or grease laden vapors.

(vii)

Only electric and gas fueled appliances shall be permitted. Solid fuel burning appliances or devices utilizing briquettes, hardwood, or charcoal shall not be permitted under a tent, membrane structure or air supported structure under any circumstance.

(viii)

Fuel supplies and their related hosing and/or electrical cords shall be installed and maintained in accordance with their applicable NFPA standards.

(2)

Vendors or catering operations not capable of complying with the above requirements must provide exhaust and fire protection in accordance with the edition of NFPA 96 adopted by the Florida Fire Prevention Code for all appliances capable of producing smoke or grease laden vapors.

(Ord. No. 16-89, § 3, 9-7-16)