UVA Department of Safety and Security Tent/Site Permit Instructions  

• All tents and air-supported structures erected on State Property or paid for by UVA funds and/or the sites on which they are erected are to be approved and inspected by UVA Fire Safety personnel before they are erected or used. All tents and air-supported structures require a permit. All tents shall be erected in compliance with the current Virginia Construction Code and Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code. Permits applications may be obtained through the Department of Safety & Security Fire Safety Division.
   
• Tents should not be occupied in the event of severe weather or winds in excess of 30 miles an hour. The University Office of Emergency Management offers a service where they will email tent users weather information related to their tents. If you’d like to receive these email notifications, email [email protected] and ask to be put on the tent severe weather alert list. You can email them at any time afterwards to be removed from the list.
   
• Camping Tents are prohibited and will not be granted a permit for any site. “Camping Tent” means any collapsible tent or structure, typically having as its basic components a flexible material supported by a framework, designed, intended, or used as a temporary shelter while camping or on recreational outdoor outings. Camping Tents may include tents known as “pup tents,” “dome tents,” “cabin tents,” “hiker tents,” and “backpacking tents.” A Camping Tent does not include a tent with all sides entirely open and where there is an unobstructed view into such a tent from the outside at all angles.
   
• Firms and/or individual(s) erecting tents must have a bond or insurance that has been reviewed and approved by the University’s Office of Risk Management at 434-924-3055.
   
• It is the responsibility of the installer to contact and coordinate with Virginia 881, (va811.com)
   
• All stages erected on State Property are to be permitted through the office of the UVA Building Official and in accordance with the International Building Codes. Please submit a permit request for stages to [email protected].

Permit and Signature Form Submittal Instructions

Complete applicable sections of the permit application. Prior to permit approval, a signature is required below that indicates the responsible person or persons has read and understands all of the regulations stated above.
Information to include with your application:

• A copy of the flame certificate for each tent (available from the tent vendor)
   
• A diagram or sketch of the exact location of the tent in reference to adjacent buildings, trees, and
  other structures. Label all distances.
   
• A diagram or sketch of the floor plan including any stages, tables, chairs, and the exits from the
  structure. These diagrams can be hand-drawn.
   
• A copy of the Certificate of Insurance approved by the Office of Risk Management.

Tent / Site permit applications are to be submitted at least three weeks prior to the event. Application and signature forms can be submitted via email to [email protected], via Messenger Mail (P.O. Box 400322) or by fax at 434-243-1735. Questions can be directed to the Fire Safety email address or call 434-982-4914.