Commercial cooking and canopies at public events

If you are a food vendor or are cooking at public events, follow these guidelines.

You need a Type 1 fire safety permit if you are:

• A cooking vendor using an open flame or flame producing device
• Using a tent or canopy of any size in connection with cooking or heating:
  • Food
  • Beverages
• Using a large tent or canopy:
  • Larger then 900 square feet
  • More than 30 feet in any one direction

The permit costs $100. Payment is due at time of inspection.

You need to apply at least 10 business days before the event.

If you are doing commercial cooking, you are required to have a class K fire extinguisher.

Your cooking equipment shall be made for commercial use. You are not allowed to use residential cooking equipment.

Propane tanks

• Secure propane tanks to prevent them from falling over
• Propane tanks and equipment must comply with NFPA 58/2004
• Do not store or use them in buildings/tents
• Keep them at least 5 feet from heat sources

If your cooking operations produce grease laden vapors, you need to have a ventilation hood and fire suppression system. Your fire suppression system needs to be inspected and have a current inspection tag from an approved company.