Temporary outdoor tents
At events temporary structures, such as tents, stages and bleachers are classified as buildings under the National Building Code (Alberta edition). As a result, they are subject to building code, fire code and safety requirements, even when they are temporary.
Tent size clasification
A public event with groups or clusters of temporary tents or canopies are divided into three tiers. Each tier has different requirements and will determine if you need a building permit.
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Download the tip sheet
Building code requirements for temporary Structures
Structures like tents, canopies, stages, bleachers and interactive art installations must meet building code requirements. When you plan on having any of these structures as part of your event, a building permit may be required.
We review building permits to make sure temporary structures meet building code requirements. Through the review process we will work with you to make sure that all your temporary structures are safe for everyone to use.
Fire safety
Tier 1 and Tier 2 tents must not utilize any open flame device, open flame cooking appliances or gas fired space heaters within. If you plan to use these devices, your tent is considered a Tier 3 tent.
Note: small electrical food warming appliances and small electrical space heaters are permitted.
Tent placement requirements
Tier 1, 2 and 3 tents and canopies must be:- Erected and dismantled under the supervision of an experienced, qualified person.
- Adequately braced, weighted or anchored to the ground as per the manufacturer’s instructions or designed to withstand the elements against collapse or wind uplift.
- Placed on site with a minimum clearance of 3 m from any building, flammable material or vegetation that may spread fire.
- Labeled in conformance with CAN/ULC-S109 “Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films”, including tarps or any coverings in the area.
Permits and inspections
Building permit
Building permits can take some time to process. Make sure you submit your application at least 45 days before your event.
| Tent size | Permit | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| < 60 m² | No building permit needed | ||
| 60 - 120 m² | Building permit needed | ||
| > 120 m² | Building permit and inspection needed |
Development permits
Regardless of whether your event needs a building permit or not, you still need to check if you need a development permit.
Other permits
Some Tier 3 tents may need gas or electrical permits, in addition to a building permit.
Gas permits
Gas permits are required under the two situations below:
- A propane container has a capacity of greater than 454 litres water capacity.
- Containers are manifolded together and the aggregate capacity exceeds 454 litres water capacity.
Electrical permits
An Electrical Permit is required when:
- Temporary wiring (lighting & power) is attached to the steel structure.
- An electrical connection is supplied to the structure from a permanent power source.
- A generator is supplied that is required to be grounded.
- The steel structure is required to be bonded to ground.
- Receptables in outdoor or damp locations are required to be protected by a group fault circuit interrupter – including extension cords that might be plugged into a portable generator, portable power distribution equipment or other source.
Inspections
Tier 1
No inspections are required for Tier 1 tents. You are still responsible for ensuring that your tent(s) are safe and meet the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition.
Tier 2
An inspection is not required for Tier 2 tents.
You can book an inspection or make changes to it by:
- Logging into the online Inspections Booking System using your myID or Vista account. You can find your permit using your JAC and adjust your inspection date/time.
- Calling the Inspections Call Centre at 403-268-5311.
Tier 3
An inspection is required for Tier 3 tents.
You can book an inspection or make changes to it by:
- Logging into the online Inspections Booking System using your myID or Vista account. You can find your permit using your JAC and adjust your inspection date/time.
- Calling the Inspections Call Centre at 403-268-5311.
Please note: inspections take place both as part of the building permit and licensing approval process. They also happen proactively during large events like the Calgary Stampede. City Safety Codes Officers may also exercise discretion to conduct additional inspections.
If a fire inspection is required, contact 311 to book it.
After-hours inspections
Inspections booked outside of our normal operating hours will no longer be charged an after-hours inspection fee. This includes inspection after 4 p.m. on weekdays, all day Saturday, Sunday and on holidays.
Applications submitted online will require you to pay the fee up front. This fee will be refunded within two to three business days.
Professional involvement
Professional involvement is when you hire an architect or structural engineer registered to practice in the Province of Alberta. They will provide you with stamped or sealed plans and schedules if they are required for your permits.
You need to hire a professional when a tent, canopy or a cluster of tents are greater than 300 sq. m in ground cover.
You may need to hire a professional if you are planning to have bleachers at your event. Please refer to the Temporary bleachers at public events building advisory for more information.
Planning Services Centre
Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (MT)
Live chat:
calgary.ca/livechat
Call:
403-268-5311
In person:
Planning Services Centre,
3rd floor, Municipal building
800 Macleod Trail SE
Book an eAppointment for in person services at appointment.calgary.ca
Please note: The Property Research Counter will be temporarily closed from
8:00 - 9 a.m. (MT) on the first Tuesday of each month.