SF Fire Regulations


PLEASE NOTE: All SF Coffee Festival vendors are expected to comply with the following rules. We have provided additional resources to help you source fire retardant materials and treatment appliers for existing displays. Please bring all certifications and proofs of treatment to the event. Thank you for helping us keep SF Coffee Festival safe for all our vendors and visitors!

All booth walls and/or displays shall be either:

  • Made from non-combustible materials

  • Treated and maintained in a flame retardant condition by an approved flame retardant solution process as stated below

  • Meet the flame and smoke density ratings as stated below*


*Combustible materials having a flame spread rating of less than 225 and a smoke density rating of less than 450, as determined by ASTME 84 (Tunnel Test), and certified as such, comply with the NFPA codes listed below.
Please Reference NFPA 701 and 101-10.3.1, 10.3.5, and 12.7.5 (all) for more information.

Booth construction material and furnishing regulations


  • Wood that is properly treated

  • Drapes, hangings, curtains, and props

  • Foam core board (PVC) shall be a certified flame resistant type. No exceptions

  • Poster paper and banners

  • Decorative fabrics

  • Motion picture screens

  • Dried flowers that have been properly treated

  • Cut flowers in water, in small quantities

  • Potted plants in soil, in small quantities

  • All other decorative materials, including plastics



Acceptable materials for booth walls, displays and furnishings (must meet regulations as stated above)



  • Cardboard

  • Plywood under ¼” thickness

  • Oil paper

  • Tarpaper

  • Nylon

  • Materials that cannot be flame treated

  • Untreated material

Booth Unacceptable materials for booth walls and/or displays





Storage of empty cartons/boxes in or behind booth area is not permitted.

Booth Storage of Boxes & Combustible Materials

Sterno, hot boxes and electric hotplates are allowed, but all cooking and heat source arrangements must be pre-approved. All heating/cooking equipment should be approved by Craft Hospitality prior to the show and included in Food Permit paperwork. 

Proper inspected and tagged fire extinguishers (2 A 10 BC) must be provided by the food vendor.

Indoor cooking

Propane tanks and charcoal grills are allowed outside the buildings with permission and approval of Craft Hospitality prior to the event. 

Outdoor cooking

Vehicles and trailers

If you are driving in any vehicles or trailers and leaving them on-site (and indoors) for display:

  • You must let us know (if you haven't already)

  • They are subject to the flammability material and furnishings requirements listed above

  • It must have a smoke alarm mounted on the interior-top.

  • You must have a small fire extinguisher

  • You cannot have more than a 1/4 tank of gas in the tank

  • The battery must be disconnected

  • Propane tanks indoors are prohibited

  • Generators must be removed and are not permitted.

Registered_Flame_Retardant.jpg

Example of the Seal of the State of California Fire Marshal

The state of California requires that all tents have a "Registered Flame Retardant" tag sewn (see below) into the fabric or that equivalent manufacturer documentation be provided. Please reach out to your tent’s manufacturer if this tag is damaged or lost.

If your tent has treated fabric, the name and registration number of the approved applicator and approved chemical used, and the date of treatment.

If your tent has registered fabric, the trade name and registration number of the approved fabric, and the date of production.

A tent’s maximum size is 10’x10’.

All tents must have a fire extinguisher (2 A 10 BC) and smoke detector inside. These items will be the responsibility of the Booth Vendor.

All indoor tents should be approved in writing by Craft Hospitality LLC prior to the show.

Indoor Tenting