If your event requires a development permit there are two types that you may need: Special Function – Class 1 or Special Function – Class 2. More information on both development permit types is provided below.

If you are having more than one special event this season at the same address (parcel), please allow time between events to completely dismantle the tent and restore the area to its original condition before the next event begins. Otherwise, a development permit may be required.​

Special function - class 1  accommodates educational, social, recreational, sporting and worship events such as weddings, birthdays, trade shows and ceremonies or allows expansion of the uses already occurring on the property. These functions have a minimal effect on the surrounding neighbourhood. If you do not meet all the special function - class 1 rules, you will require a development permit. View the advisory bulletin.

Class 1 events do not require a development permit provided they meet all  the following rules:

• Maximum 60 consecutive days; maximum 120 days in a year.
• Maximum one storey in height for any associated temporary structures, like a tent.
• May be located anywhere on the property, except for within the corner visibility triangle.
• Not located in the floodway*.

If you do not meet all the special function - class 1 rules listed above, you will need a development permit. View the advisory bulletin for more information.

*Note: a development permit is required for special functions that take place in the floodway to assess potential safety issues.

Otherwise, a development permit is required.​​

Special function - class 2 accommodates the temporary expansion of a commercial licensed establishment, including a conference and event facility, drinking establishment, restaurant and night club, brewery, winery and distillery. These events may have higher impacts in the community and a development permit is generally required. Review the special function - class 2 rules for an exemption list.

Generally, a development permit is required. However smaller, short term events do not require a development permit provided they meet ALL the following rules:

• Maximum three consecutive days; maximum 15 days in a year.
• Maximum one storey in height for any associated temporary structures like a tent.
• Maximum size restrictions for any associated temporary structures like a tent:
  • under 125 sq. m when within 45 m of a residential district
  • under 300 sq. m in the downtown and East Village
  • under 75 sq. m in districts that only allow small drinking establishments (C-N1, C-N2, I-E, I-R, CC-ER and CC-EPR)
• Tents must have no openings, except emergency exits, loading bay doors or non-opening windows, on a façade that faces a residential district unless that façade is separated from the residential district by a street.
• May be located anywhere on the property except for within the corner visibility triangle.
• Not located in the floodway *.

*Note: A development permit is required for special events that take place in the floodway to assess potential safety issues.

To allow adequate time to resolve any issues that may arise, it is recommended that you apply early, starting with a pre-application meeting. You can apply up to 12 months before your event.​

Contact the Planning Services Centre if you are unsure if a development permit is required.