Christmas Tree Lots

This standard applies to all Christmas tree sales lots within the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara County Fire Department.

Permits

A temporary use permit and business license may be required from the city or town in which the lot is located. Contact the local Planning Department for permit and licensing information.

Tents in excess of 200 square feet or canopies in excess of 400 square feet will require a permit from the Fire Department and must comply with the provisions of the Fire Code. Contact the Fire Prevention Division for a permit application and specific requirements. Note that plastic or membrane covered enclosures utilized only for flocking, trimming, etc., and are not accessible to the public are not regulated.

Site Layout

Trailers or portable buildings temporarily located on the tree lot site shall be within 150 feet of an approved fire apparatus access roadway.

Fenced tree lots shall have a minimum of two (2) remotely located exits if the lot enclosure exceeds 1500 square feet. Exit openings shall be a minimum of three (3) feet in width and unobstructed at all times when the lot is occupied by the public.

Power and Lighting

All exterior lights shall be of a type approved for outdoor use.

Heavy gauge outdoor extension power cords are permitted. Light weight two-wire type extension cords are not allowed. Power cords shall be connected to a receptacle and shall not be subject to environmental or physical damage.

Power generators shall not be accessible to the public and shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from combustible materials and/or property lines.

Fire Safety

Provide one (1) fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A:10BC. In lieu of a fire extinguisher, provide a garden type hose with a shut-off nozzle that is connected to a water source at all times, and long enough to reach all parts of the lot.

Portable heaters shall be located as approved by the Fire Department
Open fires are prohibited unless specifically permitted by the Fire Department.
Post NO SMOKING signs at approximately 40 foot intervals around the lot.

Fire Retardant Treatment of Trees

NOTE: TREES LOCATED WITHIN COMMERCIAL OCCUPANCIES AND PUBLIC AREAS OF APARTMENTS, MOTELS AND HOTELS, SHALL BE FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED.

All "fire-retardant" materials must be applied by an applicator certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Containers of material used must bear the seal or label of the State of California Fire Marshal's Office.

All treated trees shall bear a "Fire Retardant" tag as required by the California State Fire Marshal.

All "flocking" materials must be applied by an applicator certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Containers of material used must bear the seal or label of the State of California Fire Marshal. This application shall not be in lieu of fire-retardant treatment unless the flocking material is listed and labeled as a "fire-retardant chemical" by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

NOTE: THIS STANDARD SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED TO EXCLUDE THE REQUIREMENTS OF LOCAL CITY PLANNING OR BUILDING DEPARTMENTS. OPERATORS OF CHRISTMAS TREE LOTS MUST CONTACT THOSE AGENCIES FOR ADDITIONAL REQUIRED PERMITS AND/OR APPROVALS.