A tent is defined as a portable shelter of skin, canvas, plastic or the like, supported by one or more poles or a frame and often secured by rope fastened to pegs in the ground or ballast weights on the ground. Tents fall into four categories:

1. Small – No Permit Required
2. Medium – Over-the-Counter, 401 sq. ft. to 800 sq. ft.
3. Large – Over-the-Counter, 801 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft.
4. Extra Large – Construction Permit

Tents meeting ALL the following criteria do not require permits:

• A tent with area 400 square feet or smaller (total area ≤ 400sq ft.)
• No mechanical systems (electrical, HV/AC, cooking)
• Set up for no more than 72 hours (3 consecutive days)
• Not on elevated platform raised from ground more than 30 inches 

Tents meeting ALL the following criteria are eligible for over-the-counter permitting for medium tents:

• A single tent greater than 400 square feet and less than 801 sq. ft., or any combination of tents with a cumulative total area greater 400 sq. ft. and less than 801 sq. ft.
• No mechanical systems located in the interior of the tent (electrical, HV/AC, cooking)
• In use for no more than 72 hours (3 consecutive days)
• Not on elevated platform raised from ground more than 30 inches
• Tent must have a permanently affixed label bearing identification of flame-resistant fabric, size and fabric or material type, to be reviewed by inspector

• Manufacturer’s specifications of installation
• Site plan
• Floor plan of the proposed tent, displaying exits, tables, and seating
• A signed affidavit stating that tent is installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and state and local regulations

• Affidavit can be found on the County of Monterey’s Special Events webpage.

Inspection requirements: No building inspection is required for medium sized tents, however a fire inspection is required.

Tents meeting ALL the following criteria are eligible for over-the-counter permitting for tents 801 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft.:

• A single tent greater than 800 square feet and less than 2,001 sq. ft., or any combination of tents with a cumulative total area greater 801 sq. ft. and less than 2,001 sq. ft.
• No mechanical systems located in the interior of the tent (electrical, HV/AC, cooking)
• In use for no more than 72 hours (3 consecutive days)
• Not on elevated platform raised from ground more than 30 inches
• Tent must have a permanently affixed label bearing identification of flame-resistant fabric, size and fabric or material type, to be reviewed by inspector.

• Engineered drawings for plan review
• Manufacturer’s specifications of installation •
• Site plan
• Floor plan of the proposed tent, displaying exits, tables, and seating
• A signed affidavit stating that tent is installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications and state and local regulations
  • Affidavit can be found on County of Monterey ’s Special Events Webpage

• Building Inspection (two options):
  • Option 1: Schedule a County inspection. Please note that for after hours or weekend inspections, an added fee may apply
  • Option 2: Contract a licensed engineer to perform the inspection. Provide a letter of observation stamped and signed from the licensed engineer prior to the County prior to final inspection
• A fire department inspection is required

All special event hosts should complete the Special Event Questionnaire available online at County of Monterey Accela Citizen Access, simply log in, click “building”, then “Create an Application”. Alternatively, a fillable PDF can be downloaded here.

Upon receipt of the special event questionnaire, the HCD Permit Center team will advise the special event host as to construction, land use, encroachment and any other permitting requirements based on the case specific details of the event.

Regarding a special event where an OTC tent permit will be required, the customer must bring the following documents to the Permit Center:

• Completed Permit Center Special Event Questionnaire, either online or on paper
• The items listed under “Submittal requirements” above
• A form of payment – cash, check, or credit card (Visa or MasterCard)

Upon arrival at the Permit Center, a Permit Technician will evaluate the special event host’s application materials to ensure the proper documents are all submitted. If the documents are found to be in compliance with the OTC tent permit criteria, the Permit Technician will have the customer sign the affidavit. After the customer has signed the affidavit, the Permit Technician will provide the customer with the following:

• A copy of the provided site plan, stamped for approval and initialed by the Permit Technician
• A copy of the signed affidavit
• A copy of the manufacturer specifications for the tent
• If applicable, a copy of engineering plans, a copy of the layout of the inside of the tent
• A receipt of fee payment

Please Note: If applicable, inspection fees for tents 801 sq. ft. to 2,000 sq. ft. will be assessed and collected prior to issuance