Tristan Ishtar
VP of Sales
Today’s theme park and resort designers and architects must balance between authentic tropical design and rigorous safety standards that would protect thousands of daily visitors.
Whether you’re designing a resort poolside bar, a theme park attraction, or a zoo exhibit, thatch roofing and bamboo installations must meet stringent building codes that prioritize public safety without compromising the immersive experience your guests expect.
Grasping these requirements isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating spaces that can operate safely for decades while maintaining their tropical charm.
Fire Rating Requirements for Commercial Thatch Applications
Any commercial application—whether it’s a restaurant, theme park, resort, or hospitality venue—must use fire-retardant materials. This isn’t a recommendation; it’s a fundamental requirement that applies across all commercial projects where public safety is at stake.
The building code landscape for thatch materials centers around two key ASTM standards:
- ASTM E-84 – Covers fire rating requirements for interior applications, measuring how materials perform in enclosed spaces where smoke and flame spread could trap occupants
- ASTM E-108 – Addresses exterior fire rating standards, focusing on how materials behave when exposed to external fire sources and weather conditions
- Class A Fire Rating – Represents the gold standard for commercial applications, indicating the highest level of fire resistance available
- Inherent Fire Retardancy – Occurs when fire-retardant chemicals are mixed directly into the material during manufacturing, creating superior protection compared to topical coatings
- Universal Commercial Requirement – Every public-facing project—from tiki bars to theme park attractions—must meet these standards regardless of size or scope
Documentation and Approval Process Requirements
Successfully obtaining building code approval for thatch and bamboo materials requires submitting the right documentation at the right time in your project timeline. Recognizing this process can prevent costly delays and ensure your materials pass inspection on the first review.
Required Documentation Package
Building officials typically require a complete materials submittal package that includes third-party test reports showing ASTM compliance, detailed product specification sheets, and manufacturer certifications. The documentation must clearly demonstrate how your specific materials meet both fire rating requirements and any applicable regional standards.
Submission Timeline and Process
Submit material approvals during the design development phase, well before construction begins. Most building departments require 2-4 weeks for materials review, though complex projects or specialized jurisdictions may take longer. Working through your general contractor often streamlines the process since they maintain established relationships with local building officials.
What Happens During Review
Building officials evaluate your materials against applicable fire codes and regional requirements, often consulting with fire marshals for commercial applications. Common rejection reasons include incomplete test reports, materials that don’t meet local wind ratings, or certifications from non-recognized testing facilities.
Testing Standards and Certification Requirements
Not all fire-retardant certifications carry equal weight with building officials, and recognizing the difference can save months of delays and costly material replacements during your project approval process.
Third-Party Testing Requirements
The most critical factor in certification credibility lies in who conducts the testing. Many overseas manufacturers provide in-house testing certificates claiming their materials meet fire-retardant standards. However, these certificates often fail to satisfy building officials because they lack the independent verification that third-party testing provides.
U.S. Standards Compliance
Building officials consistently require materials to meet U.S. testing standards, regardless of where the materials are manufactured. This means even the highest-quality materials from reputable international suppliers must undergo testing at U.S. facilities to gain approval. Working with suppliers who grasp this requirement and have already invested in proper U.S. testing can dramatically streamline your approval process.
Material Treatment Options
When materials don’t inherently meet Class A fire ratings, treatment options become available. Some materials can be treated after manufacturing to achieve the required fire rating, though this approach typically costs more and takes longer than selecting materials with inherent fire retardancy.
Regional Building Code Considerations and Special Requirements
While ASTM fire ratings provide the foundation for all commercial thatch projects, regional building codes often add layers of additional requirements that can significantly impact material selection and project timelines.
Miami-Dade County exemplifies how regional codes can exceed national standards. Projects in this area must meet hurricane wind ratings and additional structural requirements that go far beyond basic fire safety. These stringent hurricane codes and wind ratings apply to all South Florida water park and resort projects.
Regional codes don’t replace national fire safety requirements—they build upon them. This means materials must satisfy both the base ASTM standards and any additional regional performance criteria. A material that passes ASTM testing might still fail local wind resistance or humidity exposure requirements.
Early consultation with local building officials becomes crucial in these specialized jurisdictions. What passes approval in Nevada might require additional testing and certification in coastal Florida. Planning for these regional variations during the design phase prevents costly surprises during the permitting process.
Get Expert Code Compliance Guidance for Your Project
Moving through building codes for thatch and bamboo installations requires more than just comprehending the regulations—it demands working with suppliers who have proven experience in commercial applications. With over 22 years of successful projects ranging from major theme parks to luxury resorts, amaZulu has built relationships with building officials nationwide and knows exactly what documentation and materials will satisfy even the most stringent regional requirements.
Whether you’re planning a small restaurant renovation or a large-scale resort development, amaZulu’s team can quickly assess your project scope and recommend materials that meet all applicable codes while delivering the authentic tropical atmosphere you envision. Contact amaZulu today at (877) 243-5309 to discuss your project requirements and receive expert guidance that will keep your approval process on track from start to finish.
Tristan Ishtar
VP of Sales
With over 11 years at amaZulu, Tristan brings deep expertise in tropical building materials and a customer-focused approach. He serves as a trusted consultant for architects and designers, providing expert guidance without high-pressure sales.
