The North Carolina Fire Code mandates that a permit be pulled to erect a tent having an area in excess of 800 square feet. Tents that are smaller than 800 square feet, tents that are open on all sides not exceeding 1800 square feet, funeral tents, and recreational tents do NOT need a permit and are not in the scope of the fire department.
Tent permit fees are $50, and payment can be made in multiple ways:
-To submit a tent application and pay via our online City View portal go to (https://www.cityofgastonia.com/construction-permits-related-information.html) and look under operational permits for detailed instructions. There's also a video on that page that details exactly how to apply for an operational permit.
-mailing a check or money order to City of Gastonia Collections PO Box 1748 Gastonia, NC 28052.
-Pay via credit card by visiting the Garland Center located at: 150 S. York Street Gastonia, NC 28052. Note we do not take credit cards over the phone, you will have to visit the Garland Center.
If the tent you are installing meets the scope of the fire code, you will need to fill out the below form, AND submit the following documents in PDF or JPG form: site plan showing how the tent will affect the location, proof that the tent will meet the flame propagation requirement, and any other pertinent information. Please go to https://www.cityofgastonia.com/tent-submittal-requirements.html for full tent submittal information.
Submittals must be made at least 72 hours prior to the tent being set up. After the application is submitted correctly and the permit fee is paid, it will be reviewed by the fire department and city zoning. If approved, an officlal permit will be issued by the fire department allowing the tent to be installed, and a time will be setup via email between the applicant and the Fire Marshal’s Office to inspect the tent before it can be used.
