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Policy

All temporary structures, grandstands and/or buildings used on campus for any reason shall be constructed, erected and used in accordance with this policy. This policy does not cover the erection of tents.

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Authority and Responsibility

Departments affected by this policy are responsible for:

  • Ensuring all affected employees follow the prescribed practices within this policy;
  • Ensuring all concerns noted during inspections are corrected; and
  • Ensuring all drawings, documents and specifications for temporary structures are submitted to Facilities Services Capital Project Delivery at least three months prior to the proposed initial construction date.

Facilities Services Capital Project Delivery is responsible for:

  • Submitting plans to the City of Chicago for review and comment; and
  • Obtaining any necessary permits.

Environmental Health and Safety is responsible for:

  • Reviewing this policy to ensure compliance with current regulations;
  • Conducting inspections of all temporary structures, grandstands or buildings prior to use;
  • Reporting any questionable conditions discovered during the inspection to the responsible department; and
  • Reviewing plans for evacuation routes, fire safety equipment, or additional safety plans.

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Egress and Access Requirements

All temporary structures, grandstands and/or buildings shall meet the requirements for egress and access as found in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Life Safety Code.

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Requirements for Temporary Wooden Grandstands

Temporary wooden grandstands shall comply with all requirements specified by the City of Chicago Municipal Code Chapters 13-84 and 13-88 and NFPA 101 Section 12.4.8, requirements for grandstands.  The design must adhere to the more stringent rule.

  • An outdoor wooden grandstand shall be erected within not less than two thirds of its height and never within ten feet of any existing building;
  • An outdoor wooden grandstand unit shall not exceed 10,000 square feet in ground area or 200 feet in length;
  • Units of the maximum size shall be placed not less than 20 feet apart or shall be separated by walls of one hour fire resistance rating and the number of such units erected in any one group shall not exceed three;
  • Each group of grandstand units shall be separated from any other group by a wall of two-hour fire resistance-rated construction extending 24 inches above the seat platforms or by an open space of not less than 50 feet;
  • The highest level of seat platforms above the ground or the surface at the front of the grandstand shall not exceed 20 feet;
  • Spaces underneath a grandstand shall be kept free of flammable or combustible materials unless protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 101 Section 9.7; and
  • Guards and railings shall be constructed in accordance with the most stringent regulation.

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Drawing Submittal and Approval

All temporary structures, grandstands or buildings shall be inspected by Environmental Health and Safety prior to being utilized. Any concerns noted during an inspection shall be corrected by the responsible department prior to being utilized.

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Inspections

All temporary structures, grandstands or buildings shall be inspected by Environmental Health and Safety prior to being utilized. Any concerns noted during an inspection shall be corrected by the responsible department prior to being utilized.

Reviewed: December 2015

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Regulatory Citations

City of Chicago Building Code (13.84.010) thru (13.84.430)
City of Chicago Building Code (13.88.010) thru (13.88.230)
National Fire Protection Agency 101 Life Safety Code, Section 12.4.8

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