Apply for a Tent Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our Tent Permit applications. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application. 

Step 2.Make sure you have time to apply

This application will take about 20 minutes once you've gathered the required information identified in the steps below. You'll be able to save your application and resume later if you need more time.

Step 3.Make sure you have all the required information

Tent Permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event date. 

Gather the following information before you apply for the permit:

• Flame resistance certificate(s) from the tent rental company

• You’ll need to submit a site plan drawn to scale with your application

  Example Site Plan(PDF, 245KB)

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with an electrical contractor to apply for an Electrical Permit:

• A portable generator
• A temporary drop service

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with a mechanical contractor to apply for a Mechanical Permit:

• Propane
• Liquid, or other fuel for cooking or heating

Will you have food trucks at your event? Get in touch with the Office of Special events to make sure you meet the requirements at specialevents@grcity.us or (616) 456-3378.

All tent, electrical, and mechanical permits will require inspections prior to the event. Please schedule your inspection no later than 15 days prior to your event. 

Step 4.Have your credit/debit card ready

You'll need to enter your credit/debit card information to pay the permit fee. We accept Visa or MasterCard.

There is a flat application fee for the first tent plus an additional fee for each extra tent. There is a maximum fee threshold when you apply for 5 or more tents.  Additional fees apply for any after hours and/or weekend inspection requests.

Call us with additional questions regarding fees - our phone number can be found in the Contact Us section of this page.

Step 5.Apply online

Login to Citizen Access and complete the Tent Permit Application below. 

Apply online in English

Step 6.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.

Step 1.Make sure you have all the required information

Tent Permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event date.

Gather the following information before you apply for the permit:

• Flame resistance certificate(s) from the tent rental company
• You’ll need to submit a site plan drawn to scale with your application

Example Site Plan(PDF, 245KB)

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with an electrical contractor to apply for an Electrical Permit: 

• A portable generator
• A temporary drop service

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with a mechanical contractor to apply for a Mechanical Permit:

• Propane
• Liquid, or other fuel for cooking or heating

Will you have food trucks at your event? Get in touch with the Office of Special events to make sure you meet the requirements at specialevents@grcity.us or (616) 456-3378.

All tent, electrical, and mechanical permits will require inspections prior to the event. Please schedule your inspection no later than 15 days prior to your event. 

Step 2.Have your payment ready

You'll need to pay the permit fee. For in-person payments, we accept cash, check or money order, and debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).

There is a flat application fee for the first tent plus an additional fee for each extra tent. There is a maximum fee threshold when you apply for 5 or more tents.  Additional fees apply for any after hours and/or weekend inspection requests.

Call us with additional questions regarding fees - our phone number can be found in the Contact Us section of this page.

Step 3.Complete the application

Download, print, and fill out the printed application.

Download the Application

Step 4.Submit your completed application to our office

You can drop off your application to our office. Our address is listed in the Contact Us section of this page. If the application is complete and correct, we will issue the Tent Permit at the end of your visit.

Step 5.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information. When approved, we'll send you your permit via email.

Step 1.Make sure you have all the required information

Tent Permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to event date.

Gather the following information before you apply for the permit:

• Flame resistance certificate(s) from the tent rental company
• You’ll need to submit a site plan drawn to scale with your application

Example Site Plan(PDF, 245KB)

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with an electrical contractor to apply for an Electrical Permit:

• A portable generator
• A temporary drop service

If your event includes any of the following, you'll need to work with a mechanical contractor to apply for a Mechanical Permit:

• Propane
• Liquid, or other fuel for cooking or heating

Will you have food trucks at your event? Get in touch with the Office of Special events to make sure you meet the requirements at specialevents@grcity.us or (616) 456-3378.

All tent, electrical, and mechanical permits will require inspections prior to the event. Please schedule your inspection no later than 15 days prior to your event. 

Step 2.Have your payment ready

You'll need to pay the permit fee. For in-person payments, we accept cash, check or money order, and debit/credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express).

There is a flat application fee for the first tent plus an additional fee for each extra tent. There is a maximum fee threshold when you apply for 5 or more tents.  Additional fees apply for any after hours and/or weekend inspection requests.

Call us with additional questions regarding fees - our phone number can be found in the Contact Us section of this page.

Step 3.Come to our office and fill out an application

You'll find our address in the Contact Us section of this page.

You can download and print the application beforehand if you want (click the button below). Otherwise, we'll get you a copy when you come in.

Download the Application

Step 4.We'll review your application

Expect to hear from us within 1-2 business days. We'll email you to confirm receipt of your application. Keep in mind that you might need to revise your application or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information. When approved, we'll send you your permit via email.