Tents and Canopies

Are all of the city code appropriate? Here is a look at the one about tents and canopies

Backyard tents not cool in Tampa
By JANET ZINK, Times Staff WriterPublished May 29, 2006

The city says they can turn into deadly missiles during hurricanes. You're allowed to set one up, but for only 30 days.

"It's a health, safety and welfare issue," said Curtis Lane, director of Tampa's code enforcement department. Other local jurisdictions don't regulate the tents, but Tampa has concerns.

High winds could hurl the tent down the street, turning the poles into deadly missiles, Lane said."


Here is what other communities think about this issue

Sally Eichler, codes compliance director for St. Petersburg, said large canopies, often used to protect cars or boats, require a permit in the city.

But there are no rules regulating what some call "screen rooms."

"The expectation is that it would be taken down in preparation for any kind of a storm or high wind," she said. "It makes more sense to go after the big things."

Larry Lara, code enforcement program manager for Pinellas County, chuckled when he heard about Tampa's rules.

"There's different community standards for different communities, but my gosh," he said, then apologized for making light of Tampa's regulations."

Perhaps this is one that should be brought back to City Council to be changed. Keep the part about not having the canopies in your front driveway, but remove the part about tents in back yards.


"Sec. 27-148. Tents.
Tents may be erected only as temporary structures provided that the activity for which the tent is being used is consistent with the uses permitted in the underlying zoning district. There shall be no extension to the duration or time frame for which a tent may be erected as specified in this section. Structures erected for longer periods of time than allowed by this section must be designed as permanent structures and comply with current building codes, land development regulations and fire codes.
(a) Tents one hundred (100) square feet or less in covered area are subject to the following limitations:
(1) Tents are allowed on public right(s)-of-way during special events or festivals as designated and approved by city council pursuant to a parade, block party or road festival permit, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of such permit, or on private property located contiguous to a public right-of-way that has been closed during a parade, block party or festival. Tents are also allowed in City of Tampa parks if approved by the City of Tampa Parks Department in connection with an event of limited duration, on residential property when erected for five (5) days or less for an activity normally associated with a residential use, or as otherwise provided by law.
(2) One (1) tent of this size may be permitted per zoning lot or portion thereof, only as an accessory to an existing approved principal structure. An exception to this condition may be given when multiple tents are requested in conjunction with a major festival and when an approved assembly permit for the zoning lot has been issued through the City of Tampa Fire Marshal's office.
(3) A tent may be erected for no more than thirty (30) total cumulative days during any consecutive twelve-month period.
(4) The tent must be placed in compliance with the minimum setback requirements of the underlying zoning district.
(5) The tent may not block access to any required parking spaces, or impede the safe passage of any vehicle in a parking lot.
(6) All tent installations shall comply with the latest edition of the applicable Fire Safety Codes.
(7) All electrical, plumbing or mechanical installations shall be permitted through the applicable City of Tampa Departments.
(8) Tents shall be taken down in cases of impending tropical storms twenty-four (24) hours in advance."