Do I need a Permit?
Refer to the table below as a means to help you decide whether to apply for a Tent Permit.
Keep in mind, code requirements may still apply even if a Permit is not required. The City of Oxford will process any Tent Permit application that is received.
| Tent Size/Configuration | Permit Required? |
|---|---|
| Single tent with an area of 200 square feet or less | No |
| Single tent with an area greater than 200 square feet but no more than 400 square feet | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code |
| Single tent with an area greater than 400 square feet but no greater than 700 square feet, which is open on all sides | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code |
| Single tent with an area greater than 400 square feet but no greater than 700 square feet, which is enclosed on one or more sides | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code, Ohio Fire Code, and International Fire Code (as referenced by the Ohio Building Code) |
| Single tent with an area greater than 700 square feet | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code, Ohio Fire Code, and International Fire Code (as referenced by the Ohio Building Code) |
| Multiple tents placed side by side with a minimum fire break clearance of at least 12 feet between tents and structures (clearance area must be free from guy ropes or other obstructions), where no one tent exceeds 700 square feet and all tents are open on all sides | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code but only if at least one tent is 200 square feet in area or larger; otherwise, no permit is required |
| Multiple tents placed side by side without a minimum fire break clearance of 12 feet between tents but having at least 12 feet of clearance distance from structures (clearance areas must be free from guy ropes or other obstructions), where all tents are open on all sides and the aggregate area of all tents does not exceed 700 square feet | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code but only if at least one tent is 200 square feet in area or larger; otherwise, no permit is required |
| Any other scenario involving multiple tents which does not fully adhere to one of the above descriptions | Yes, required by the local Oxford Zoning Code, Ohio Fire Code, and International Fire Code (as referenced by the Ohio Building Code) |
Essential Information
- To allow for a sufficient amount of time for processing and review, it is important to apply for a Tent Permit as soon as possible prior to a scheduled event.
- No open flame devices, heaters or cooking devices, parked vehicles, or gas engines are allowed within 20 feet of a tent. At no time can an open flame, or straw and other combustible materials, be placed under or near a tent.
- Keep and maintain clear exits and aisle ways inside.
- Under the Zoning Code, tents are not permitted to interfere with access drives into or within the property, or block any required parking spaces.
- Under the Zoning Code, tents cannot be raised for a period exceeding 3 days on any residential property.
- Under the Zoning Code, no more than 2 tent permits per residential property are permitted each year.
- Download National Inspection Corporation Tents Handout »
Apply for a Permit
To apply for a Tent Permit, use the button below to access our online portal powered by GovWell. Once logged on to the portal, Tent Permits can be found under the Building Permits category.