Tents

We require a permit to set up a tent, canopy or membrane structure for any purpose.

Definition

A tent is a:

  • Portable shelter  
    • Made of heavy cloth, canvas or plastic
    • Supported by a framework of poles
    • Fastened to the ground with cord and stakes
    • Air-inflated or air-supported
  • Structure supported by rigid frames or cable systems 
tables under a tent

Requirements

Our permit requirements for tents vary depending on:

  • The length of time the tent will be up
  • Whether the tent will have certain elements, such as:
    • Electrical cords or lights
    • Piping of heat or air
    • Water
    • Storage or sales
You need this permit Under these conditions
Building permit If your tent is up for 180 days or more
Special event permit If your tent is up for less than 180 days
Electrical permit For electrical cords or lights
Mechanical permit For piping of heat or air
Plumbing permit For water
Temporary use For storage or sales

Read a summary of Minneapolis requirements

Tents must meet these requirements: 

Disability access

The following must comply with Chapter 1341 of the Minnesota State Building Code:

  • Accessibility
  • Parking
  • Seating
  • Signs
  • Ingress and egress for people with disabilities

Read Minnesota State Building Code Chapter 1341

Applications

Fees

See the Director's Fee listing

Submit your application

Submit applications at the City of Minneapolis Service Center

Get help

You can meet with a customer service representative about tent requirements.  

See how to get help at the City of Minneapolis Service Center

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

Minneapolis Development Review

Community Planning & Economic Development

Phone

612-673-3000

TTY

612-263-6850

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Service Center hours
Monday - Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Inspection Services

Special Event Permits

Email Special Events

Phone

612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 510A
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Ken Staloch

Building Inspections
Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Ken Staloch

Phone

612-673-5253