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Permits for Temporary Structures

Permits for the use of temporary structures on Virginia Tech property must be requested through an established permitting procedure. Applications for permits can be made using the online application link below. Applicants are responsible for complying with all Virginia Tech and Virginia state code requirements for temporary structures.

Permits are required for:

  • Tents
    • Greater than 900 square feet  (or, greater than 900 square feet for the combined square footage of multiple tents located within 20 feet of each other)
    • Having an occupancy of 50 people 
  • Events when participants are anticipated to exceed 300 people
  • All stages and platforms
  • All amusement devices (rides, coasters, inflatables, etc.)
  • Any structure to be located within 20 feet of another structure, equipment, or plantings
  • All construction trailers
  • Any similar temporary structures

Applicable Virginia Tech documents:

Permits for Temporary Structures — Guidance document from the Office of the University Building Official that summarizes key requirements for temporary structures.

Virginia Tech Policy No. 5406, Requirements for Temporary Structures/Tents/Stages/Amusement Devices — University policy on the use of temporary structures on Virginia Tech property.

Virginia Tech Design and Construction Standards Manual — University standards for structures and support spaces on Virginia Tech property.

Application process:

  • Consult the Permits for Temporary Structures document.
  • Organize a site plan.
    Site plans include the type and size of the structure, the anchoring devices, extra support equipment (lighting at night, generators/power, etc.), and distances from the structure to other structures (temporary or permanent), plantings, paths, or equipment.
  • Acquire engineered plans and calculations for the structure, if applicable.
    Ballasted tents, tents greater than 2,400 square feet, and any structure within 20 feet of another structure require engineered plans and calculations to address wind loads and safety.
  • Layout the floor plan.
    Floor plans include size of the structure and measured layouts for chairs and tables, means of egress, exit signage or lighting, accessible paths, tent sidewalls, and equipment or accessories within the structure.
  • Prepare the plans for submission with the online application.

Additional Resources:

For Help:

  • Contact the Office of the University Building Official if you have questions about the process or about the documents that are required for the permit. 
  • If you have a tent that will be secured to the ground using stakes, read this staking pocket guide.

Contact

David Brown
Building Code Plan Reviewer/Inspector
davidsb22@vt.edu
540-231-2785

VTUBO-g@vt.edu

Aerial view of the people and large tents at the International Street Fair.
Hokie Family Game Day large tent with people, orange and maroon balloons, and two football players made from balloons at the tent entrance.
Fall 2019 graduation commencement inside the coliseum with a stage, rows of people in front, and people in the stands.
Giant, shiny and bright, multi-colored inflatable slide at Grad Bash with one happy student sliding down with her hands held high in the air.
2021 Homecoming tailgate on the lawn at the Holtzman Alumni Center with large tents and lots of people.
2017 Gobblerfest on the Drillfield with huge numbers of people among scattered small tents and carnival rides including a big Ferris wheel.
Hokiebird is on the Ferris wheel at GobblerFest and is ready to go for a fun ride.
Arched overhead stage lighting structure with light boxes and spotlights equally spaced along the top.