Temporary Structure Permit Information

What Changed for Temporary Structures

2022 → 2025 California Building Code

For event organizers, vendors, and engineers  |  Monterey County HCD Building Services

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The 2025 California Building & Fire Codes took effect January 1, 2026. The 2022 code no longer applies to new temporary-structure submittals. The County has replaced its old over-the-counter (OTC) tent handout with one integrated policy that brings wind, accessibility, fire/life safety, and inspection requirements together in a single place.

What changed, and why

Quick answers

Small tent? Tents ≤400 sq ft, ≤72 hours, no mechanical systems, not on a raised platform, and not in Zone 3 need no construction permit — but flame-resistance documentation must be on site, and a special-event/encroachment/ABC approval may still apply.

Fastest path for a repeat vendor? Approve your tent(s) once as a Masterplan, then file a short site-plan permit per event. Masterplan users pay reduced plan-check fees.

Tents, Membrane Structures, Stages, and Special Event Installations
2025 California Building Code | Effective January 1, 2026 | Monterey County HCD Building Services Division

1. Definitions and Tent Classification

1.1 Tent Defined
A tent is a portable shelter of fabric, canvas, plastic, or similar membrane material, supported by one or more poles or a frame, and secured by stakes, guy lines, or ballast. The term "tent" includes traditional pole tents, frame tents, clear-span structures, canopies, marquees, and inflatable membrane structures. Stages, raised platforms, towers, trusses, rigging systems, grandstands, and videoboards are addressed by their own size and use thresholds in Section 2-4 below.

1.2 Total Area
Total area for purposes of this policy means the cumulative area of all connected, adjacent, or visually-continuous tent structures on the permit site. Subdividing a single installation into multiple permits to avoid a higher tier is not permissible. Two adjacent 400 sq ft tents that share egress or function as one installation are treated as an 800 sq ft installation.

1.3 Wind Zone Classification
All permits under this policy require a wind zone determination at submittal. The Monterey Peninsula and County coastal areas contain three distinct wind zones per the Plan Review Checklist Section A-1, established under CBC §1609.3 authority based on documented site wind history.

2. Permit Tier Framework

Permits are issued under one of five tiers determined by the more restrictive of: (a) tent size and total area, (b) wind zone classification, or (c) presence of high-risk features. A site that qualifies for a lower tier on size alone but is in Zone 3 advances to Tier 4 regardless of size.

2.0 Tier 0 — No Permit Required

 Tents satisfying ALL of the following do NOT require a permit. Title 19 flame-resistance documentation must still be present on the site and available to inspectors.

• Total tent area is 400 sq ft or less
• No mechanical systems (electrical service*, HVAC, cooking equipment)
• Installation does not exceed 72 consecutive hours (3 days)
• Not on raised platform elevated more than 30 inches above grade
• Site is NOT in Zone 3 (Exposed Coastal Bluff / Ocean Promontory)

Note: This exemption is from the construction permit requirement only. Other approvals — special event permit, encroachment permit, ABC license, etc. — may still apply.
*See Vendor Electrical Guide

2.1 Tier 1 — Medium OTC (401–800 sq ft)
Eligibility Conditions — ALL must be satisfied

• Total tent area between 401 and 800 sq ft
• No mechanical systems located in the tent interior (electrical, HVAC, cooking)
• Installation does not exceed 72 consecutive hours
• Not on raised platform elevated more than 30 inches above gradeSite is NOT in Zone 3

Submittal Requirements

• Special Event Questionnaire (Accela online OR fillable PDF to specialevents@countyofmonterey.gov)
• Manufacturer's installation specifications
• Site plan showing tent location, setbacks, fire lanes (20 ft clear), and exits
• CCR Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 flame-resistance certificate (NFPA 701 test report OR California State Fire Marshal listing).Manufacturer labels alone are NOT sufficient per code.

Inspection
Fire inspection only. No County building inspection required for Tier 1.

2.2 Tier 2 — Large OTC (801–2,000 sq ft)

Eligibility Conditions — ALL must be satisfied

• Total tent area between 801 and 2,000 sq ft
• No mechanical systems located in the tent interior (electrical, HVAC, cooking)
• Installation does not exceed 72 consecutive hours
• Not on raised platform elevated more than 30 inches above grade
• Site is NOT in Zone 3

Submittal Requirements

• Special Event Questionnaire (Accela or PDF)
• Engineered drawings stamped by California-licensed PE for plan review — including ASCE 7-22 wind calculations atapplicable Zone 1 or Zone 2 design wind speed
• ASCE 7 Hazard Tool printout for the specific site address (latitude/longitude documented)
• Manufacturer's installation specifications
• Site plan showing tent location, setbacks, fire lanes (20 ft clear), exits, accessible route from parking/drop-off, and accessiblerestroom location
• Floor plan showing exits, tables, seating layout, accessible transaction surfaces at vendor counters, and occupant loadcalculation
• CCR Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 flame-resistance certificate (NFPA 701 test report OR CSFM listing) 

Inspection — Two Options

1. County building inspection. Standard fees apply; after-hours or weekend inspections incur added fee.
2. Engineer letter of observation: applicant contracts the Engineer of Record or another California-licensed PE to inspectinstallation and provide a stamped, signed letter of observation to the County prior to event opening. The signingengineer assumes professional responsibility for the inspection.

Fire department inspection is required in both options.

2.3 Tier 3 — Construction Permit with Inland Waiver Eligibility

Tier 3 applies to installations exceeding OTC ceiling but qualify for the Inland Special Inspection Waiver. Tier 3 installations require a full construction permit but may avoid the requirement to hire a third-party Special Inspector when all five waiver conditions are satisfied.

Eligibility Conditions for Inland Waiver — ALL FIVE must be satisfied

1. Inland Zone: Site is in Wind Zone 1 OR Zone 2 per Section 1.3 above. Zone 3 sites do NOT qualify.
2. Size Limit: Total tent area is less than 5,000 sq ft (4,999 sq ft maximum).
3. Duration Limit: Permitted installation is 7 consecutive days or less.
4. No High-Risk Features: No raised patron platforms over 30 inches AND no heavy suspended videoboards or concertrigging.
5. HWAP & Affidavit: Active High Wind Action Plan with 30 mph 3-second-gust evacuation threshold AND Lead On-SiteInstaller signs the County Installation Affidavit under penalty of perjury that installation matches the engineer's SSIspecifications exactly.

Submittal Requirements
Stamped structural calcs meeting Zone 1 or Zone 2 design wind speed; ASCE 7 Hazard Tool printout; topographic factor Kzt analysis if applicable; Statement of Special Inspections (SSI) per CBC §1705; complete HWAP per Section E; accessibility site plan per Section D; Title 19 certificates; fire clearance; WUI clearance if applicable.

Inspection
Building inspection AND fire inspection required. Third-party Special Inspection requirement is WAIVED when all five conditions above are satisfied AND Lead On-Site Installer Affidavit is submitted. The SSI document itself is still required.
Building Official discretion: The waiver may be denied for cause even when all five conditions appear satisfied. Documented prior compliance failures, vendor history, or site-specific concerns are grounds for requiring third-party inspection.

2.4 Tier 4 — Construction Permit with Mandatory Third-Party Inspection
Tier 4 applies when any of the conditions below are present. No waivers are permitted. A licensed, County-approved third-party Special Inspector must physically verify the installation prior to occupancy.

Mandatory Triggers — ANY of the following

1. Coastal Bluff Site: Any structure on a Zone 3 site exceeding 12 ft ridge height. Examples: Pebble Beach oceanside fairways(17th/18th), coastal bluff edge, ocean-facing Del Monte Forest margin.
2. Massive Clearspan: Total tent area 5,000 sq ft or larger.
3. Extended Duration: Installation exceeding 7 consecutive days.
4. High-Risk Features: Raised VIP platforms over 30 inches OR heavy suspended videoboards, concert rigging, or LED wallsover 400 lbs.
5. Risk Category III or IV: Any structure requiring Risk Category III or IV classification per ASCE 7-22 Table 1.5-1.
6. Building Official Determination: Any installation where the Building Official determines a waiver is not appropriate basedon site, vendor history, or installation complexity.

Additional Submittal Requirements for Zone 3 Sites
Zone 3 sites carry a 110 mph rebuttable default. An applicant may rebut it by providing a documented exposure-category determination under ASCE 7-22 §26.7 (upwind fetch / terrain roughness) AND treatment of local wind history under §26.5.1 demonstrating the proposed design wind speed is appropriate for the specific site — prepared by a licensed meteorologist or wind engineer. Where the Building Official accepts the analysis, it governs; where it is not provided, the 110 mph default stands. The ASCE 7 Hazard Tool mapped value alone is not sufficient for Zone 3 sites.

0.65 Reduction Factor Limitation at Zone 3: Where the 110 mph default applies and the 0.65 wind load reduction factor under CBC §3103.6.1.2 is claimed, the effective post-reduction design capacity shall not be less than 95 mph (3-second gust). This maintains a defensible safety margin consistent with the documented peninsula wind pattern and the §1609.3 / §26.5.1 authority.

Operational Evacuation Flexibility (The “Full Design” Bypass): The 30 mph evacuation threshold is mandatory whenever an engineer applies the 0.65 wind load reduction factor permitted under CBC §3103.6.1.2. If an applicant requires a higher evacuation threshold for operational flexibility (e.g., 40 mph), the applicant must forfeit the 0.65 reduction factor and engineer the structure to withstand the full, unreduced ASCE 7-22 wind pressures for the applicable zone, subject to Building Official approval.

3.Non-Tent Temporary Structures

Stages, platforms, towers, trusses, grandstands, and videoboards are NOT eligible for OTC permitting under any tier. These structures require a construction permit and full Plan Review Checklist submittal regardless of size:

4.Universal Requirements (All Tiers)

The following requirements apply to all temporary structures regardless of tier, including Tier 0 no-permit installations.

4.1 Title 19 Flame-Resistance Documentation
All fabric, canopy, and decorative materials must carry a current CCR Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 8 flame-resistance certificate. The certificate must be supported by either (a) an NFPA 701 test report, OR (b) a California State Fire Marshal listing.

4.2 Fire Clearance
Fire clearance from the applicable Fire Protection District is required prior to permit issuance for all tiers above Tier 0. Applicable districts include Monterey County Regional Fire Authority, Pebble Beach Community Services District Fire, Carmel Highlands Fire, Cypress Fire, and others by site. Confirm applicable district at submittal.

4.3 Accessibility (CBC Chapter 11B)
Accessibility requirements apply to all public-occupancy temporary structures without duration exemption per CBC §11B-201.3. Required for Tier 2 and above; encouraged but not enforced for Tier 0–1.

• Accessible route minimum 44" clear width from parking, drop-off, or public way to all public-access areas
• Running slope ≤ 1:20; cross-slope ≤ 1:48; firm, stable, slip-resistant surface
• Ramps where rise > 6 inches require handrails on both sides per §11B-405.8
• Minimum one accessible portable toilet per gender designation, on accessible route, on firm/level surface
• Tent entry threshold ≤ ½ inch; accessible transaction surface at each public-facing vendor counter (36" wide × 34" high)
• Private events within a permitted public footprint (VIP zones, sponsor activations, hospitality tents) are NOT exempt
  

4.4 Fire & Life Safety

• Minimum 20-ft separation between tent and adjacent structures or fuel sources per 2025 CFC §3107, unless a reduced clearance is explicitly approved in writing by the local Fire District
• Exit signs and emergency lighting per 2025 CFC Chapter 10 / CBC §1008
• Aisles minimum 44" clear for occupant loads > 50
• Maximum travel distance to exit: 200 ft un-sprinklered per CBC Table 1017.2
• Type ABC fire extinguisher (minimum 2A:10B:C) at each exit and cooking area

4.5 Fire Watch (CFC §403.11 / §901.7)

• Fire watch required when ANY of:
• Occupant load exceeds 1,000 persons
• Pyrotechnics, open flame, or heat-producing equipment used inside or adjacent to tent
• Fire protection or alarm systems are impaired or not installed
• Cooking operations within or adjacent to tent

4.6 Wildland-Urban Interface (CWUIC)
Sites within mapped WUI zones must additionally satisfy CWUIC requirements per Plan Review Checklist Section F: 30-ft separation from combustible vegetation absent Defensible Space waiver, 20-ft generator/fuel storage setback, 10-ft cooking equipment setback.

Seismic Exclusions and Permit Duration
Structural packages specifying an installation duration greater than 7 days (up to the 180-day maximum) cannot rely on a 7-day seismic design exclusion. For lightweight temporary structures — where wind shear (a function of surface area) typically governs over seismic base shear (a function of mass) — the Engineer of Record must include basic seismic calculations on the plans demonstrating this fact and explicitly state “Wind Governs.” This resolves the contradiction between a 7-day code exclusion and a permitted duration of 8–180 days. The County is not requiring seismic moment-frame design for lightweight tents; it is requiring that the submittal’s stated duration and its structural exclusions be internally consistent.

Masterplans, Site Permits, and the Inland Special Inspection Waiver

1. The Two-Step Permitting Process

 Approving a temporary structure under the 2025 CBC is a two-part process. Both steps are required.

Step 1 — Masterplan: Countywide approval of your engineer's calcs, structural members, and baseline staking/ballastcharts — the engineering of your specific products.

Step 2 — Site Permit: Site-specific permit for every event proving the Masterplan structure fits the property. A Masterplan alone does NOT authorize installation.

Note: If your event includes a structure not covered by your Masterplan (e.g., your Masterplan covers pole tents but you're installing a frame tent), that structure is treated as a Custom submittal requiring full structural plan check. Confirm Masterplan coverage before submittal.

2. Submittal Information

When applying for a site permit using an approved Masterplan, provide all of the following:

• Site & Floor Plans: Show a minimum 20-ft fire separation per 2025 CFC §3107 from parking/drop-off to all public areas.
• Accessibility Compliance: Accessible route, one accessible toilet per gender (firm/level surface), tent threshold ≤ ½", accessible transaction surface at each public-facing counter (36" wide × 34" high). See Checklist Section D.
• Title 19 Flame-Resistance Certificates: CCR Title 19, Div 1, Ch 8 certificate for all fabric — NFPA 701 test report OR CSFM listing required.Manufacturer labels alone are insufficient.
• High Wind Action Plan (HWAP): Required for Zone 3 sites, submittals using the 0.65 reduction factor, OR Inland Waiver submittals. Mustmandate full evacuation at 30 mph 3-sec gust.
• Statement of Special Inspections (SSI): Engineer's checklist of staking depths / ballast weights. ALWAYS required for tents over 12 ft regardlessof waiver status.

3. Special Inspections & the Inland Waiver

CBC §1705 mandates Special Inspections for any tent over 12 ft peak height. The engineer must ALWAYS provide the SSI checklist. The Inland Waiver waives ONLY the requirement to hire a third-party inspector — it does NOT waive the SSI document.

4. Plan Check Fees

County rewards standardized Masterplan use with reduced fees.

• Masterplan Users: Reduced plan check fees per County hourly fee schedule — administrative base + site plan review + inspection.
• Custom or Unvetted Tents: Full structural plan check fee for ASCE 7-22 calculation review.
• Masterplan Validity: Valid through the 2025 CBC cycle; renewal required at the next code cycle.

2025 California Electrical Code (CEC) | Special Event & Temporary Structure Installations

Temporary electrical systems for special events are governed by 2025 CEC Article 590 (temporary installations), Article 250 (grounding/bonding), Article 445 (generators), and Article 702 (optional standby). This guide summarizes when permits are required, generator thresholds, and grounding requirements.

1. When an Electrical Permit Is Required
A temporary electrical permit is required when any of the following apply:

• Any generator over 15 kW: Permanent or temporary, regardless of duration. Includes any generator powering a temporary structure, vendor booth, or public-access area.
• Generators 15 kW and under: Permit required when serving a permitted temporary structure, feeding distribution panels/hardwired equipment, OR combined with other generators/utility. Cord-and-plug only, no permit required.
• Any distribution panel, spider box, or feeder over 50 amps: Per CEC Article 590, temporary distribution over 50 A requires permit, GFCI protection for all single-phase 15/20/30 A receptacles, and inspection prior to event.
• Any connection to permanent building electrical service: Tying into existing service via transfer switch, interlock kit, or hardwired connection requires a permit regardless of load. Cord-and-plug to an existing receptacle does NOT exempt the temporary installation from CEC 590.
• Stage lighting, sound, or DMX-controlled systems served by feeder taps: Lighting trusses, video walls, sound, and DMX-controlled systems require permit when fed by anything other than cord-and-plug from a permitted source.

2. Electrical Submittal Requirements
When a permit is required, submit alongside the temporary structure permit application:

• One-Line Diagram: Showing generators, main disconnect, distribution panels, feeders, circuits, and grounding electrode system. Stamped by CA-licensed electrical engineer for installs over 100 kW aggregate OR any Zone 3 site.
• Generator Specifications: Make/model, kW/kVA rating, fuel type/capacity, sound rating (dBA at 23 ft), emissions cert. 
• Load Calculation: Per CEC Article 220, showing generator capacity meets connected load with diversity factors. Required for multiple panels or aggregate load over 50 kW.
• Grounding & Bonding Plan: Identifying generator as separately derived or not per CEC 250.30/250.20(D); ground rod locations, EGC sizing per Table 250.122, neutral-to-ground bond point.
• Fuel Storage Plan: Required if propane > 125 gal or diesel > 660 gal on-site. Triggers separate Fire District review.

3. Generator Grounding
The most common inspection violation is incorrect generator grounding. CEC 250.30 and 250.20(D) require classification as a separately derived system OR not, based on the transfer switch type. Neutral-to-ground bond must occur at ONE point in system.

4. Additional Requirements at Every Installation

• GFCI Protection (CEC 590.6): All 125 V single-phase 15/20/30 A receptacles must have GFCI protection. Higher-amperage receptacles require GFCI per CEC 590.6(B) OR assured equipment grounding program.
• Cable Protection & Routing: Cables crossing pedestrian areas require cable ramps. Vehicle-path cables require buried conduit or rated drive-over protection. Aerial spans over 8 ft require strain relief per CEC 590.4.

Temporary Structure Permit Submittal Checklist