Event Safety

See ASUC Student Union Event Services Policies.

• Use the Event Permit portal to apply.
• For guidance, review the Event Permit Procedures.

Effective November 1, 2026, a fee of $100 will be assessed for each fire permit issued for campus events.

Not all campus events require a fire permit. Permits are generally required when an event involves specific activities, equipment, or conditions that present additional fire and life safety considerations.

The need for a permit is determined by the activities and conditions associated with the event, rather than the event's name or type alone.

The following are examples of conditions that may require a fire safety permit:

• Assembly permits: Any event having 50 or more people

• Tents and temporary structures: Tents, canopies, or membrane structures with a cumulative area greater than 400 square feet

• Open flames: Candles, torches, fire pits, flame effects, or other open-flame activities

• Cooking operations: Temporary cooking equipment, grills, or cooking involving propane or other fuels

• Generators: Temporary generators and associated fuel storage or distribution

• Compressed gases: Temporary use or storage of regulated compressed gases

• Other hazardous activities:Activities involving hazardous materials or other conditions requiring a permit under the California Fire Code

Examples of events that may require permits include:

• Tailgates involving cooking equipment, propane, or generators.

• Outdoor festivals with tents, food vendors, or temporary electrical equipment.

• Barbecues and cookouts involving open flames or fuel-fired cooking equipment.

• Concerts or performances involving generators, special effects, or large assembly areas.

• Commencement celebrations involving tents, cooking, or other regulated activities.

• Receptions and galas involving open flames, tents, or temporary cooking operations.

The fee is assessed for each required permit, not as a flat fee for the overall event.

For example:

• A 75-person reception requires an assembly permit and will be charged $100.

• An outdoor 75-person reception held in a 600 square foot tent requires two separate fire safety permits and will be charged $200.

• An outdoor 75-person reception held in a 600 square foot tent with space heaters requires three separate fire safety permits and will be charged $300.

Events that do not involve activities or conditions requiring a fire safety permit will not be assessed a fire permit fee. Routine meetings, lectures, and other standard campus gatherings generally do not require a separate fire safety permit unless regulated activities or special conditions are present.

The Campus Fire Marshal’s Office will determine which permits are required during the event review process.

For questions regarding fire safety permits or fees, please contact Fire Prevention at fireprevention@berkeley.edu or (510) 642-3073.

A food permit is required for any event where food will be provided to the general PUBLIC (or campus community) to reduce the risk of food contamination and foodborne illness.

Access food permit application.

For more details on the proper preparation, transportation, display, and disposal of the food products see: Safe Food Handling Practices.

Locations may be reserved through the following resources:

• Event Services- (510) 642-1141 or eventservices@berkeley.edu
• Classroom Management- (510) 664-9181

• Contact the appropriate Building Coordinator for the facility.

You can find the seating capacity for all classrooms at the Office of the Registrar. For all other spaces on campus, or if you are planning on anything other than its normal use, please contact Fire Prevention at 510-642-3073 orfireprevention@berkeley.edu.