Awning and Canopy Construction refers to the regulations governing the design, installation, and maintenance of temporary or semi-permanent structures such as awnings, awning-shutters, roller-curtains, canopies, and tents. These structures are defined in 1935-Miami-Dade-Building-Code_p305_324 under Chapter 49 of the 1935-miami-dade-building-code.
Definitions and Classifications
The code distinguishes between several types of structures:
- Awning: A temporary, movable, detachable canvas protection on a folding metal frame, supported by the building walls (p. 315).
- Awning-Shutter: A rigid structure that can function as an awning or a shutter to close an opening during storms (p. 315).
- Roller Curtain: A canvas protection supported by a roller at the lower edge, raised and lowered by mechanical devices (p. 315).
- Stationary Awning: A detachable canvas protection on a rigid metal frame supported by the building walls (p. 315).
- Canopy: A detachable canvas protection on a rigid frame supported by posts attached to the ground or building (p. 315).
- Tent: A shelter supported by poles and stakes, not attached to a building (p. 315).
Permits and Usage
Installation, removal, repair, or alteration of these structures over public property requires a permit from the building-inspector (p. 315). Business transactions or merchandise display under these structures are prohibited without a special permit (p. 316). Tents for temporary use in fire zones require specific permissions and adherence to prescribed rules (p. 315).
Construction Standards
Materials and Frames
- Fire Zones: In fire-zones No. 1 and No. 2, awnings and stationary awnings must have metal frames. Canopies in these zones may use metal frames supported by heavy wooden posts (p. 316).
- Strength: Frames must withstand ordinary wind pressure. Rafters must not be more than 5 feet apart (p. 316).
- Pipe Sizes: Specific pipe sizes are mandated based on the width of front bars and extensions. For example, front bars up to 3 feet wide require 1/2” pipe, while those up to 20 feet wide require 1” pipe (p. 316).
Installation Over Sidewalks
- Clearance: No metal part of an awning shall be less than 7’6” from the top of the sidewalk, and no cloth part shall be less than 6’6” (p. 318).
- Projection: Awnings may project no more than 9 feet from the building wall and must remain at least 10 inches from the curb line (p. 318).
- Support: Awnings must be equipped with supporting chains or fireproof cables to prevent collapse if the cloth tears or burns (p. 318).
- Removal: When a store is vacated, all awnings and covers over public sidewalks must be removed and stored (p. 318).
Safety and Enforcement
All awning-shutters must be constructed to allow safe operation without danger to the public (p. 317). Permanent fastenings to buildings must be made of non-decaying materials like metal and anchored with lag screws or anchor bolts, spaced no more than 18 inches apart (p. 317). Violations of these regulations may result in penalties as outlined in the general enforcement sections of the code (p. 318).
Related Concepts
- building-permit-process: Permits are required for most awning and canopy installations.
- fire-zones: Material requirements vary based on the fire zone classification.
- code-enforcement-mechanisms: Inspections and penalties ensure compliance with construction standards.