Temporary Structures

Temporary Structures require a State permit and inspection

Tents:
- Exceed 900 square feet of area
- Are to be used for cooking
- Are planned to hold more than 50 people inside
- will be within 20 feet of another structure
Stages (portable platforms greater than 3 inches high)
Inflatables (bounce houses, obstacle courses, …)
Rides (excluding mechanical bull type rides)
Grandstands (portable seating platforms)

Temporary structures on state property require a permit from the state Division of Engineering & Buildings (DEB). A permit is acquired via Longwood's Department of Capital Design and Construction but EH&S typically is the first time interface that helps gather the necessary information. DEB permits require a fee that is typically handled with a University charge code. DEB permits take some time to acquire, so plan to apply at least 30 days ahead of time.

Information that is required for a DEB permit includes:

Manufacturer's Assembly Instructions or Virginia Licensed Professional Stamped Drawings for Engineered Structures
Designed Load or Occupancy Limits
Dimensions Including Height
For Skirts, Drapes, or Other Fabric Attached to the Structure, Certificate of Flame Propagation Criteria to Include Serial Number and Description.
For Stages & Platforms, a Floor Plan Showing:
- Guardrails & Access Stairs
- Location of Furniture/Equipment
- Aisles
- Egress Paths & Exits

Here is an example of an Amusement Device Operating Manual

Procedure Instruction:

The full written procedure is available here Temporary Structure Safety Procedure

Before the Event:

Gather the required information for a DEB permit.
At least 30 days before the event, complete a Temporary Structure Permit Application and send to Capital Design & Construction Department: or for submission to DEB. If you need assistance with the application you can contact EH&S at or call x2940.
For Amusement Devices schedule an independent inspector to conduct the required amusement device inspection on the day of the event. Contact EH&S for a list of nearby state certified amusement device inspectors.

Day of the Event