Vendor Info - Tent Requirements

This one-page overview outlines the requirements for tents, canopies, and temporary structures at the La Grange Farmers Market. These rules are in place to ensure public safety, accessibility, and compliance with Village of La Grange fire, building, and life-safety standards.

1. General Requirement

Vendors who use tents, canopies, or other temporary structures must ensure that all equipment is properly secured, safely operated, and compliant with applicable safety codes.

Market staff reserve the right to require correction or removal of any structure that is deemed unsafe or non-compliant.

2. Tent Use Disclosure

As part of the vendor application, vendors must disclose:

  • Whether a tent or canopy will be used

  • The number of tents or canopies

  • The approximate size of each tent

This information is used for site planning, safety review, and spacing/layout coordination.

3. Tent Sizes & Space Considerations

  • Standard market spaces provide approximately 144 square feet of usable area

  • Common tent size: 10’ × 10’

  • Larger tents may be permitted but require advance disclosure and approval

  • Actual space dimensions and orientation may vary based on site conditions and accessibility needs

4. Tent Anchoring & Weights

All tents and canopies must be properly secured at all times.

Minimum requirements:

  • 10’ × 10’ tents: minimum 40 pounds per tent leg

  • Larger tents: additional weight is required

Weights must:

  • Be securely attached to each tent leg

  • Remain in place for the full duration of the market

  • Not create tripping hazards

Stakes or ground penetration are not permitted.

5. Cooking, Heating & Open Flame

The following rules apply under or near tents:

  • Open flames are not permitted under tents or canopies

  • Cooking is permitted only under tents that are open on all sides and may require additional approvals

  • Heaters must be UL-listed and secured to prevent tipping

Vendors must disclose the use of cooking equipment, heaters, or other heat sources in advance.

6. Fire & Life Safety Acknowledgment

Vendors using any of the following must acknowledge additional safety requirements:

  • Cooking equipment

  • Heaters

  • Open flame (where permitted outside of tents)

Failure to comply may result in immediate correction or removal from the market for that day.

7. Generators & Fuel

If a vendor uses a generator or fuel:

  • Generators must be located at least 20 feet from tents or structures

  • Generators must not be accessible to the public

  • Fuel or flammable liquids must be stored at least 50 feet from tents and canopies

Quiet, well-maintained generators are strongly encouraged.

8. Compliance & Enforcement

By participating in the market, vendors agree that:

  • All tents and temporary structures must comply with Village of La Grange building, fire, and life-safety codes

  • Market staff may require immediate correction of unsafe conditions

  • Non-compliant tents or equipment may be removed during market hours

Repeated or intentional violations may affect future participation.

9. Questions

Vendors with questions about tent requirements are encouraged to contact market staff before market day to avoid delays or compliance issues.

This document is a plain-language summary intended to support safety and clarity. It does not replace applicable local codes or enforcement authority.