Subject: Temporary Membrane Structures, Temporary Event Structures, and Tents  

Revised: April 2025 

Purpose: An operational permit is required to erect or construct any temporary membrane structure(s) or tent(s) exceeding 400 square feet or multiple membrane or tent structures with a combined area of more than 700 square feet (37 m2) without required separation of 12 feet on all sides. Additionally, all special event structures shall be required to obtain approval and permit prior to being erected or constructed for any purpose.  

Definitions:        Temporary – Any construction of a building or structure, tent or membrane structures, or any planned event which will be in operation for less than 180 days. 

Temporary Membrane Structure – An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered structure that is erected or constructed for a temporary use. 

Temporary Event Structure – Any ground supported structure, platform, stage, stage scaffolding or rigging, canopy, tower supporting audio or visual effects equipment or similar structures erected or constructed for a temporary use.  

Tents – A structure, enclosure, umbrella structure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drop, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects. 10 X 10 popup tents can be clustered together in groups of 4 and must have a 12-foot fire break between each cluster.  

Fees: Permit Fees are based type and quantity of structures.  

Requirements: Each temporary membrane structure, temporary event structure, or tents permit will be issued once an application has been completed appropriately, all applicable documents have been uploaded, and a fire and life safety inspection has been successfully passed.  

Applications will be completed electronically, and all required documentation shall be uploaded electronically. There shall be no paper submissions for these permits. Permit application shall be completed and submitted through the approved Harris County software program. Once the application is received along with all required documentation, the Fire Code Official will conduct a review, and schedule an inspection for when the structures or tents are set up and ready for use. When the permit process is complete, and authorization is given, the applicant will be notified that the permit is issued, and the duration of the permit will be indicated.  

All temporary membrane structures, temporary event structures, or tents the permit applications will begin with generalized information requirements. This information will pertain to the structure or tent provider, event address, event dates, etc. Furthermore, if the temporary membrane structure, temporary event structure, or tent(s) are associated with a Special Event, the permit application shall be accompanied by the project number of the associated Special Event. 

All temporary membrane Structures, temporary event structures, and tents associated with a Special Event, SHALL have application packet submitted a minimum of 20 business days excluding weekends and holidays, prior to the event start date. A failure to turn in a completed application 20 business days prior to the anticipated start date of the event, shall result in double permit fees. All Temporary Membrane Structures, Temporary Event Structures, and Tents application packets shall complete the approval process no later than 10 days before the schedule start date of the event or approval shall not be authorized. 

When applying for a Temporary Membrane Structures, Temporary Event Structures, and Tents operational permit the applicant shall provide the following information: 

Temporary Membrane Structure: 

• Layout of temporary membrane structure set to include walls, entrance and exits, electrical, fire extinguishers, etc. 

• Site map including location of membrane structures, proximity to other structures, locations of fire apparatus access, firefighting water supply, etc.  

• Design plan showing anchor points and anchor types. 

• Copy of membrane structure certification including UL listing and compliance for fire rating, wind, and weather rating. 

• Written description of use of the temporary membrane structure.  

Temporary Event Structure: 

• Site map including location of the temporary event structures, proximity to other structures, locations of fire apparatus access, firefighting water supply, etc.  

• Summary sheet showing building code used, design criteria, loads and support reactions. 

• Detailed construction and installation drawings showing entrance and exits, electrical, fire extinguishers, etc. 

•  Design calculations 

• Operating limits of the structure explicitly outlined by the registered design professional including environmental conditions and physical forces.  

• Effects of additive elements such as video walls, supported scenery, audio equipment, vertical and horizontal covering.  

• Means for adequate stability including specific requirements for guying and cross-bracing, ground anchors or ballast for different ground conditions. 

Tents: 

• Layout of tent set to include walls, entrance and exits, electrical, fire extinguishers, etc. 

• Site map including location of tent(s), cluster count, fire breaks, proximity to other structures, locations of fire apparatus access, firefighting water supply, etc.  

If one or more of the requested documents does not apply to your location, please submit in writing a reason for not submitting. 

Denial: If it is determined that an application fails to meet the requirements as set forth in this standard or the applicant refuses to provide all required documentation, the fire code official shall not issue a permit, but shall return the application to the applicant with explanation for refusal.  

Revocation: The fire code official is authorized to revoke a permit where it is found that there has been false statements or misrepresentation as to the material facts in the application or supporting documentation on which the approval and issuance was based, the permit was issued to a different person or firm than named on the permit, the permittee failed, refused or neglected to comply with orders or notices duly served in accordance with the provisions of this code within the time provided therein, or the permit was issued in error or in violation of an ordinance, regulation or this code.