Tents
This checklist has been provided to assist in summarizing the typical requirements to obtain a building permit if you plan to erect a temporary tent and you answer "yes" to any of the following statements:
- Is the tent more than 60 m2 (645 ft2) in aggregate ground area*?
- Will the tent be attached to a building?
- Will the tent be erected less than 3 m (9'-10") from other structures?
*Aggregate ground area refers to the sum of the total area of all tents on site. If the total ground area of all tents on-site exceeds 60 m2 (645 ft2), a permit is required.
Drawings that are prepared by a qualified designer (as defined in the Ontario Building Code) must include:
- The qualified designer’s name
- The qualified designer’s registration number
- The qualification identification number of the qualified designer (Building Code Identification Number: BCIN)
- The qualified designer's signature
- The stamp or statement that the qualified designer has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.
This is the standard building permit application form for all building permits.
This form is to be used only where the Owner is not the Applicant.
This checklist summarizes the most common approvals required.
Owner commitment to have general review undertaken by Architects and/or Professional Engineers
- A detailed Site Plan showing the location of the proposed tent(s) or group of tents, setback from property lines.
- Flame Spread Resistance Information. Every tent, and tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics and films used in connection with tents, shall be certified to CAN/ULC-S109, “Flame Tests of Flame- Resistant Fabrics and Films” or NFPA 701 “Fire Tests for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films”.
- Adequate sanitary facilities shall be provided in accordance with the following Building Code requirements:
3.14.1.8. Sanitary Facilities
(1) Except as provided in sentence (3), the minimum number of water closets for tents shall be determined in accordance with Table 3.7.4.3.E.(2) Article 3.7.4.16. applies to sanitary facilities in Sentence (1).
(3) Sanitary privies, chemical closets or other means for the disposal of human waste may be provided in lieu of toilet fixtures.
In accordance with the Ontario Building Code, a professional engineer shall be obtained under the following circumstances:
- Tents greater than 225m2
- A group(s) of tents (spaced less than 3 m apart) with an aggregate area greater than 225m2
- Tents that contain bleachers or tents that are enclosed with sidewalls
| Description of Tent | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tents up to 225m2 (2,242ft2) | $147.16 |
| Tents > 225m2 (2,242ft2) | $235.44 |
- Submit the complete permit application and all supporting documents using the Public Portal.
- You must register prior to using the Public Portal.
- Follow the steps when completing your application.
- Credit card payment will be required to pay your fees.
- When your application is successfully submitted through the Public Portal, Staff will complete a pre-screen of your application to review it for completeness, compliance with the Building Code, and Applicable Law. A status update will be sent via email within mandated timelines.
- You may also view the status under "My Items" on the Public Portal.
- Application review comments are provided during review to identify any outstanding requirements and to summarize permit fees.
- A permit will be issued when the review is complete and all fees are paid.
The Ontario Building Code turnaround timeframes for the first review of a complete application:
Complete Applications 10 Business Days
Incomplete Applications >15 Business Days