Places of Assembly

Many restaurants, event sites, schools, hospitals, healthcare facilities and others find it necessary to set up temporary tents and structures to support their operations.

Please note that in addition to guidance below, many local municipalities have adopted specific requirements in relation to local planning regulations and zoning ordinances. These must be followed.

Definitions

Assembly Occupancy

NFPA defines an Assembly Occupancy as an occupancy (1) used for a gathering of 50 or more persons for deliberation, worship, entertainment, eating, drinking, amusement, awaiting transportation, or similar uses; or (2) used as a special amusement building, regardless of occupant load. (NFPA 101 Ch. 3.3.190.2*)

Places of Assembly

RSA 155:17(I) defines a Place of Assembly as a room or space in which provision is made for the congregation or assembly of 100 or more persons for religious, recreational, educational, political, social or amusement purposes or for the consumption of food or drink. For the purpose of this definition such room or space shall include any occupied connecting rooms, space or area on the same level or in the same story, or in a story or stories above or below, where entrance is common to the rooms, space or areas, and it shall mean a tent or area covered by canvas, in which provision is made for the congregation or assembly of 50 or more persons for religious, recreational, educational, political, social, or amusement purposes or for the consumption of food or drink. For the purpose of this definition of such tent and area covered by canvas it shall include connected tents, spaces or areas covered by canvas where entrance is common to the tents or canvas-covered areas.

Tent

NFPA defines a Tent as a temporary structure, the covering of which is made of pliable material that achieves its support by mechanical means such as beams, columns, poles, or arches, or by ropes or cables or both.

Guidance

• Tents 400 square feet or greater shall meet the requirements of the tent inspection checklist.
• If temporary heating is installed, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided
• Tents located adjacent to a building shall not obstruct egress or sprinkler systems under canopies
• Fire protection system inspections shall be completed in accordance with the State Fire Code
• For properties that fall under the State Building Permit Program's jurisdiction, a permit request should be submitted through the MyGov portal. Please direct any questions to dos.fmo.inspec@dos.nh.gov or call (603) 223-4289.
• For Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) that have local regulations or ordinances, a permit template is available in our searchable Forms & Documents library.  Document Category is Places of Assembly | Document Type is Permits & Inspections