Halloween Haunted House Guidelines

RE: Halloween Haunted House Guidelines

The following safety guidelines must be followed when constructing and operating Halloween haunted castles or funhouses, especially those passage maze exhibits.

Municipal Code No.	Guideline
15-8-260	Wood partitions used for the construction of a passage maze shall be of fire retardant plywood or of non-combustible materials.
13-160-220	Passage (aisle) space shall be a minimum 13-84-230 of thirty six (36) inches wide.
13-160-140	Emergency exits shall be provided every one hundred fifty (150) feet of travel distance within a passage maze.
13-160-250	Emergency exits within the passage maze shall swing in the direction of exit travel.
13-160-710	Illuminated electric exit signs shall be located to indicate emergency exits leading from the passage maze.
13-84-250	Floors of the passage maze shall be illuminated at all points of passage intersections. Wiring methods shall meet the approval of the Department of Buildings.
15-4-580	All scenery and decorations shall be of fire retardant materials or non-combustible materials.
115-8-400	Materials used for interior wall and ceiling finish shall be Class I (0 to 25 flame spread, 200 smoke development.)
115-12-350 15-4-090	The use of synthetic urethane foam plastics is prohibited.)
15-4-620	Scenery or decorations shall not be placed so as to conceal any means of egress.
15-4-870	Primary means of egress from the building shall not be locked or otherwise fastened.
15-4-880	Exits shall not be obstructed in any way that would obstruct persons leaving the building.
15-16-640	Approved fire extinguishers shall be provided at the entrance and exit of the passage maze or other display.
15-4-090	The use of machines or other apparatus using flammable liquids to create a fog or mist effect shall not be permitted.
15-4-090	The use of candles is prohibited.
2-36-310	No more than six persons shall travel 15-4-090 through a maze or display at anyone time.
15-4-640	Persons familiar with the exhibit shall be posted at the entrance and exit of the passage maze or display to assist patrons in the event of a fire or emergency.
15-4-930	Smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, pipe, or cigarette is prohibited.

We are not attempting to discourage Halloween activities, but the construction of such exhibits must comply with the Municipal Code. The safety of the citizens is our primary concern. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in the closure of unsafe exhibits by members of the Fire Prevention Bureau.

If you have any questions, please contact the Bureau of Fire Prevention at 744.4723.