Temporary Tent Permit for Events

Many community festivals and events have tents that may require a tent permit. This package provides event organizers wishing to have tent structures on their site with the information necessary to understand the regulations and the approval process that will apply for a Temporary Tent Permit to be issued.

Information regulated by the Ontario Building Code (OBC), The Ontario Fire Code (OFC), The Ontario Electrical Safety Code and the Technical Standards and Safety Authority also contain regulations and this information is included in this package.

You will need to submit the Temporary Tent Permit from the application section and supporting documents with your Municipal Event Application to be reviewed.  Once your application has been reviewed and deemed acceptable a permit is issued and you will be notified that the permit is ready to be picked-up.

You are required to have the tent structure inspected by the Building and Fire Departments prior to using the tent for any occupancy

The OBC contains the following requirements for a tent permit:

  • A tent or group of tents less than 60m2 (645ft2) in aggregate ground area, not attached to a building and 3M (10ft) from other structures do not require a Temporary Tent Permit
  • A tent or group of tents greater than 50m2 (645ft2) and up to 225m2 (2420ft2) in aggregate ground will require a Temporary Tent Permit
  • A tent or group of tents greater than 225m2 (2420ft2) or a tent with enclosed sides require the information listed in the Temporary Tent Permit package application and a Qualified and Registered Designer* and Professional Engineer. **

When determining occupant load use the following calculations (OBC 3.1.717.10):

Non-fixed seats                       0.75M2 (8 sq ft)/person                     

Dining & Alcohol                     1.1m2 (12 sq ft)/person

Exhibition Areas                      2.8m2 (84 sq ft)/person

Examples of interior drawings and site plans are provided in this package. Please note hand drawn maps will be accepted as long as they are to scale.  GIS map can be provided for site plans.

General Safety Requirements: 

  •  “NO SMOKING” signs shall be displayed throughout the tent area and at the main entrance.
  • Security staff responsible for the tent shall use a whistle or similar signaling device to alert occupants in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation.
  • A cellular phone must be made available at all times for the purpose of calling 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
  • A valid Certificate of Inspection issued by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) shall be provided if electricity is being used. (ESA is the authority having jurisdiction over all electrical installations, including portable generators.)
  • NOTE: Inquiries regarding applicable permits shall be made directly to ESA at 1.877.372.233.
  • Electrical extension cords shall only be used on a temporary basis and in a manner to prevent fire/trip/strangulation hazards.
  • The exhaust from all portable generators shall be discharged in a safe direction and away from the tent area.
  • A valid Inspection Certificate (Director’s Order #FS-056-06) issued by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) shall be provided if propane or natural gas is being used. (TSSA is the authority having jurisdiction over propane/natural gas equipment.)

Fire Department Tent Requirements 
In accordance with the Ontario Fire Code, the following requirements must be satisfied for tents exceeding 30 m2 (322 sq ft) in area:

  • All tents shall be in conformance with the Ontario Building Code.

NOTE: Inquiries regarding applicable permits shall be made directly to the Building Department at 905-372-1005.

  • Flame proofing treatment of the tent material shall be renewed as often as necessary to ensure it will pass the match flame test in NFPA 705 “Recommended Practice for a Field Flame Test for Textiles and Films”.
  • Tents, 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”.
  • Hay, straw, shavings and similar combustible materials other than those necessary for the daily feeding and care of animals, shall not be permitted within any tent used for assembly occupancy.
  • If a tent does not have a fire alarm system that conforms to the Building Code or an approved fire alarm system, a responsible person shall be employed for fire watch duty as specified in the fire safety plan.
  • A portable fire extinguisher with a minimum 2A, 10B, C rating shall be provided near each exit from the tent.
  • “EXIT” signs shall be displayed at each exit from the tent.
  • All waste receptacles shall be of non-combustible construction.
  • Access shall be provided to and around all tents for firefighting and other emergency purposes.
  • Cooking within tents or under canopies that are greater than 120 sq. ft. in area (eg. 10’ x 12’) is prohibited.

 

 

 

Due to each municipal event having different timelines, please coordinate your other required application  timelines with your  Temporary Tent Permit application and submit all documentation at the same time. 

Please complete the following form for your Temporary Tent Permit Application. 

To apply for your temporary tent permit visit, https://ca.cloudpermit.com/login

For any additional questions or inquiries please contact the Event Coordinator.

Event Coordinator: jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca