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Permits, violations & licenses

Get a Tent Permit

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:

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

 For encroachments on the public right-of-way 

More +

For tents larger than 10 ft. by 10 ft. on Fairmount Park property 

More +

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

Fee per tent
$126

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

1
Get any required pre-approvals before you apply.
2
Visit the Permit and License Center.

L&I can review most applications while you wait. You are limited to three applications per ticket.

3
L&I will either issue your permit or request more information.

Online

1
Log in to your eCLIPSE account and apply for a permit. Upload all required documents and pay the filing fee.
  • Only the tent installer or an employee of the tent installer may file the application online.
  • Applications are reviewed within five business days.
2
If approved, you will receive a notice to pay balance

If your application isn’t approved, you will receive an email telling you what else is missing or required.

3
Once you are approved, schedule an inspection.

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.

Forms & instructions


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