Service overview
You need a Tent Permit to put up a large tent or canopy for functions or events.
This includes:
- Tents larger than 400 sq. ft.
- Tents larger than 10 ft. by 10 ft. in a City park.
- Canopies larger than 700 sq. ft. with a minimum clearance of 12 feet from other tents.
See the Philadelphia Fire Code Section F105.7 for exceptions.
The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) issues this permit.
Who
Anyone can apply for this license.
Requirements
Permit application
- You must list the dates of the event, installation, and removal.
- You must note if the installation will happen during the weekend or after 4 p.m. on a weekday.
- There is an additional fee for any installation requiring an inspection outside of normal business hours.
Installer
The company installing the tent must have:
- Business Income and Receipts Tax ID.
- Commercial Activity License.
- A current Certificate of Insurance for a minimum of $1,000,000 of General Liability coverage.
Plan requirements
Provide a detailed site and floor plan for tents, including:
- Size and location.
- Tent exits.
- Proposed occupant load.
- Arrangement of the seating and locations.
- Type of heating and electrical equipment.
- Anchoring, if applicable.
Fire safety
Submit documentation that shows tents, membrane structure, and their accessories meet the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701.
If the property is in the floodplain
Temporary structures in the floodplain must be anchored.
Required pre-approvals
Where and when
Online
You can apply online using eCLIPSE.
If you need help filing your application online, you can schedule a virtual appointment.
In person
You need an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person.
Permit and License Center
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
MSB, Public Service Concourse
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Offices close at noon on the last Wednesday of each month.
Cost
There is an additional fee of $200 to set-up on weekends or after 4 p.m on weekdays.
How
You can apply for this permit in person at the Permit and License Center or online using eCLIPSE.
In person
L&I can review most applications while you wait. You are limited to three applications per ticket.
Online
- Only the tent installer or an employee of the tent installer may file the application online.
- The Commercial Activity License for the business must be linked to your eCLIPSE user account.
- Applications are reviewed within five business days.
If your application isn’t approved, you will receive an email telling you what else is missing or required.
When the contractor is ready to start work, request an inspection through eCLIPSE or by calling (215) 255-4040.
Approval documents will be issued upon successful completion of all required inspections.