Tents

A building permit is required for a tent or tent-like shade structure. A building permit is NOT required where the tent(s) are:

• (a) not more than 60 m2 in aggregate ground area,
• (b) not attached to a building, and
• (c) constructed more than 3 metres from other structures.

A tent or tent-like shade structure not subject to building permit may be subject to regulations under Zoning By-law 1-88 as amended / By-law 001-2021.

Tents intended to be installed between November 15 and April 15 are to be designed to support snow loads.

Please contact 905-832-8510 to inquire.

Designer requirements

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
• Tents must be designed to support all anticipated loads as prescribed in the Building Code

Drawing requirements

A PDF copy of the construction drawing must be provided.

All drawings must be provided on standard-sized sheets to a minimum scale of 1:75 or 3/16ths equals one foot.

Drawings are to be fully dimensioned, signed and dated, and include information such as:

• Site Plan or survey showing the temporary tent location including the setbacks from the tent to the property lines, other tents and buildings located on the property.
• Access route for fire fighting (easily accessible for emergency personnel).
• Tent floor plan including (but not limited to):
  • Aisle widths, proposed floor layout, occupant load, aisle widths, exit locations, fire extinguisher locations, bleachers, sidewalks, sanitary facilities
• Structural and fire protection design specification of the tent including:
  • Underwriters Laboratories Canada (CAN/ULC) fire resistance or flame spread rating for the tent material
  • Installation specifications for the tent
  • Structural specifications to support snow loads for tents intended to be installed between November 15 and April 15

Additional requirements

• Commonly Used Applicable Laws & Building Permits (PDF)
• Building Permit Applicant Authorization Form (PDF)
• Schedule 1 Designer Information Form (if applicable) (PDF)
• Owner's Letter of Undertaking Respecting General Review (PDF)
• General Review Commitment Form (PDF)
• Land and Building Use Declaration (PDF)
• Any other documents that are important for the project