Citing safety concerns, the Southold Town board just got a bit tougher when it comes to erecting a tent around town.
The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to enact new legislation that would require inspection of tents before events.
According to the new law, tents must comply with requirements of the New York State building code, and standards, which include sufficient exiting to a public way. In addition, tents over 200 square feet must be made of flame resistant materials; all electrical supply must be ground fault interrupted at the souce; and tent stakes must be capped or covered in a way that will present no hazard to the public.
Other regulations state that no cooking will be allowed under the tent, all exiting aisles should be at least six feet wide, and if an event takes place after sunset, illuminated exit signs and emergency exit lighting must be provided, on a separate circuit.
Exit paths should not have tent stakes in the way, with no guy ropes unless maintained more than seven feet above grade, the law states.
Fire extinguishers must be onhand, and a tent permit can be revoked by the building inspector or code enforcement official if the tent does not comply with standards.
The new law does not apply to single family homes or private residences.
Tents set up for special events or temporary activities must be removed promptly after the event; the duration of the tent permit will be determined by the building inspector or code enforcement, with a maximum of 30 days.
In addition, a tent permit will not be issued if the parcel has an open building permit or is the subject of a pending site plan review, or is subject ot town code violations.
A permit is also required from the state for tents with an occupancy of 300 or more, except if owned, leased or operated by a religious, charitable, educational, fraternal, service, veteran or volunteer fire organization.
A $50 permit fee will be paid upon filing for an application for a permit.
Those found to be out of compliance with the code will be subject to a $1,000 fine for a first offense, and up to $2,500 for a second offense and subsequent conviction within 36 months.
One resident asked if not-for-profits are exempt.
Town Attorney Martin Finnegan said the law was put in place to ensure safety; he said while the state did exempt charitable organizations from review, locally, the tent is subject to review by the fire marshal.
