Tents

Permit Applications can be obtained:

• Online at the Building Permit Applications Page
• At Town Hall, 1 Municipal Centre Drive, Building Department - Second Floor

Section 1.3.1 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires a submission of a Tent Permit application when;

• the total ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 60.0 sq.m. (646.0 sq.ft.);
• when they are attached to a building, and;
• the Tent is constructed closer than 3.0 metres (9'-8") to any property line, to other buildings and/or structures and to combustible material or vegetation.

• Access to a tent or group of tents must be available for fire fighting;
• The support frame structure and anchorage system for tents larger than 225 sq.m. (2,422 sq.ft.) must be designed and reviewed by a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) once erected;
• Fabrics for tents must meet specific standards for flame resistance;
• Adequate sanitary facilities must be available for the duration that a tent is in place.

Notes:

When a tent or a group of tents measure less than 60.0 sq.m. (646 sq.ft.) in total ground area, a Tent Permit is not required. This only applies if the tent(s) are not attached to a building and are constructed more than 3.0 metres (9'-8") from other structures.

Section 3.14 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) requires a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) to review and stamp a Tent Permit when;

• the total ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 225.0 sq.m. (2422.0 sq.ft.);
• the total ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 225.0 sq.m. (2422.0 sq.ft.) and are closer than 3.0m (3-10”) apart;
• the tent or group of tents contain bleachers, and;
• the sidewalls are enclosed.

The Professional Engineer must complete the Commitment to General Reviews by Architect and Engineers form.

The Ontario Fire Code (OFC) contains specific requirements for tents which exceed 30.0 sq.m. (323 sq.ft.) in size. The Town's Fire Department must be consulted before submission of any Tent Permit application.

In addition, written approvals from the Town's Planning approval, permits and approvals from other Public agencies may be required. Therefore it's recommended that the Town's Building Department be consulted when considering the erection of a tent(s).

The Town will need the following information;

• Completed application form;
• Site/Plot plan illustrating property lines, other buildings, proposed location of the tent or tents, sanitary facility location and their capacity, drawn to scale with marked dimensions.
• Information that will allow confirmation of access for fire fighting;
• Documentation confirming sufficiency of compliance with flame resistance;
• Internal tent layout identifying the location of tables, exits, seating number, aisle widths, etc.;
• Exit signs above exit doors;
• Fire extinguishers next to exit door(s); and
• Any necessary approvals and/or permissions from other agencies.