Fire and Life Safety

Fire Marshal Permit

After you submit your event for review, you may be informed that your event requires review and approval by the State Fire Marshal. The following reasons require approval from the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

• Use of open flame (charcoal or propane BBQ/grill top, candles, fire performers, etc.)
• More than 700 square feet of of canopies if sides are open, or 400 square feet if enclosed
• Enclosing any space with fencing, barricades
• 201 chairs or more in a space not typically used in that manner
• Fairs or expos
• Installation of temporary structures (includes membrane structures and tents)
• Change of occupancy type or configuration in a designated space

If any of these conditions are present, you will need to include an annotated diagram of your event as part of your submission. The process for a State Fire Marshal Special Event Permit does have a cost associated with it, and you will be contacted for charges once the bill is processed.

General Event Safety

Environment, Health and Safety reviews an event to make sure that it can meet the space requirements and gives stipulations for the event. Stipulations are sometimes specific to the event area, but may also include general stipulations such as:

• All building exits, pathways, stairways, and disabled access ramps must be maintained clear at all times.
• All fire hydrants and fire department connections must be maintained clear and visible at all times.
• A minimum 20 feet clearance is required in fire lanes at all times to allow for emergency vehicle access.
• The turning radius for emergency vehicles onto the fire lanes must include a minimum of 50 feet clearance at all times.
• Vehicles cannot be parked in fire lanes.
• A minimum 20 feet clearance is required between a canopy and a building (umbrellas can be used instead).
• A maximum of seven 10 feet x 10 feet canopies (without siding) can be next to each other before a 12 feet break is required between the next canopy or group of canopies. (With siding, the maximum is 4).

Use the Outdoor Space Area Fire Safety Requirements document as a guide when planning an outdoor space event at SDSU.