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Chapter 31 — TENTS, TEMPORARY SPECIAL EVENT STRUCTURES

Section 3101

California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

3101.1 Scope. Tents, temporary special event structures and

membrane structures shall comply with this chapter. The provisions of Section 3103 are applicable only to temporary tents and membrane structures. The provisions of Sections 3104 and 3106 are applicable to temporary and permanent tents and membrane structures. The provisions of Section 3105 are applicable to temporary special event structures. The provisions of Section 3106 are applicable to inflatable amusement devices. The provisions of Section 3107 are applicable to outdoor assembly events. Other temporary structures shall comply with the California Building Code .

These building standards govern the use of tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures, including membrane (air-sup- ported and air-inflated) structures and places of assemblage, in or under which 10 or more persons may gather for any lawful purpose.

Exceptions:

1. Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures used to cover or enclose private swimming pools and simi- lar facilities on the premises of private one- and two-family dwellings.

2. Tents used to conduct committal services on the ground of a cemetery.

3. Tents, awnings or other fabric enclosures erected and used within a sound stage, or other similar structural enclosure which is equipped with an over- head automatic sprinkler system.

4. Tensioned membrane roof materials supported by rigid frames or installed on a mast and cable system provided such structures conform to the require- ments of one of the types of construction as described in these regulations.

5. Fabric structures which are part of mobile homes, recreational vehicles or commercial coaches gov- erned by the provisions of Division 13, Part 2, Health and Safety Code (Department of Housing and Community Development).

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §303.(a) and (b)] Scope.

(a) The provisions of California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 2 apply to the sale, offering for sale, manufacture for sale, rental and use of tents within this state.

(b) For building standards relating to tents and membrane structures, see California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9.

Exceptions & meaning →

3101.2 Alternate means of protection. When approved by the

enforcing agency, exceptions to the provisions of these build- ing standards may be permitted, provided alternate means of protection which are at least equal to these regulations in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety are provided.

Exceptions & meaning →

3101.3 Labor camps. Tents used in labor camps for the hous-

ing of employees shall have tight wooden floors raised at least 4 inches (102 mm) above ground level having base- boards on all sides to a height of at least 6 inches (152 mm) or shall have concrete slabs with finished surface at least 4 inches (102 mm) above grade having baseboards on all sides to a height of at least 6 inches (152 mm).

Electrical installations serving and installed within tents shall comply with the applicable requirements of the Califor- nia Electrical Code.

Tents shall not be considered suitable sleeping places when it is found necessary to provide heating facilities in order to maintain a minimum temperature of 60°F (33.3°C) within such tent during the period of occupancy.

Note: See Section 17008 of the Health and Safety Code for definition of labor camp.

Exceptions & meaning →

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