Temporary Structures

A temporary structure is considered to be a tent or membrane structure erected for a period of more than 45 days but less than 180 days that is used for special short term events such as revivals and carnivals; assemblies, circuses and sporting events; and for the sale of items such as sparklers; Christmas trees; pumpkins, stuffed animals or flowers.

Tents erected for camping and for events in single family residences do not require a building permit. Building permits are only required for temporary tents and membrane structures that are larger than 10' x 12' or any size membrane structure used for the sale of items such as sparklers, Christmas trees, pumpkins, stuffed animals or flowers.

Applying for a Temporary Structure Permit

Building permits for the erection of temporary structures in unincorporated Miami-Dade County can be obtained from the Miami-Dade County Permitting & Inspection Center, 11805 SW 26th Street (Coral Way), on Monday through Friday, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The department will recognize a tent erector company as a qualified applicant. A general contractor or a specialty contractor can also serve as a qualified contractor. For further details, please refer to Chapter 10 of the Code of Miami-Dade County or Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes.

You will be required to bring:

• A completed permit application signed by a qualified applicant;
• Two completed sets of plans showing all property lines, together with dimensions of same; all street(s) or avenue(s) on which the property is located; the location, setback, dimensions and description of all existing buildings, light standards, driveways, customer parking areas and the size, location and setbacks of the temporary structure(s); the location and number of restroom facilities.
• Plans detailing the temporary structure must comply with the Florida Building Code (FBC), and NFPA 102; and should contain product approved drawings and Notice of Acceptance from Miami-Dade County if applicable.
• All plans must include structural calculations and a copy of the Class A flame spread certification.
• Additionally, if bleachers or stages are being used, these items must be detailed and structural calculations are required.
• Plans must be signed and sealed by a State of Florida licensed architect or engineer.

Inspections

Please have the approved plans and permit card posted at the job site. Call for an inspection 24 hours in advance.

If the structure is part of a major event, the County will be able to station inspectors at the site during the time of erection of the structure. Inspectors will be available to address problems or issues which arise and require immediate attention. For further information, please contact the County at 786-315-2000.

Exemptions

Under Section 553.73(9), Florida Statutes, temporary sets, assemblies or structures used in commercial motion picture or television production, or any sound-recording equipment used in such production, on or off the premises, are exempt from compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Recurring events

If your event occurs annually and you re-use the same membrane structure,

Each year you will be required to submit

• a completed permit application, the site plan, landscape plan and soil improvement certification as required by code.
• You also must submit all other event specific documentation, such as, but not limited to: letters of authorization, dates and hours of events, and Florida Department of Health approval.

The actual specifications for the membrane structure do not need to be re-submitted. You will only need to indicate the permit number from the previous year on your site plan.

• Additionally, you will need to submit a notarized affidavit from the tent manufacturer authorizing the use of the drawings.
• At the time the permit is ready to be issued, the design professional/ engineer will be required to sign and seal copies of the drawings that have been reproduced from the County's archives.
• You also must submit all other event specific documentation, such as, but not limited to:
  • letters of authorization,
  • dates and hours of events, and
  • Florida Department of Health approval.