Yes! Except…. when they don’t.
Because temporary tents do have building code requirements, your municipality (also known as the Authority Having Jurisdiction) may require you to have a building permit. However, they may also waive this requirement, as explained below.
The best choice is to call the authority having jurisdiction right away to determine if they will require your temporary tent structure to have a building permit.
Please note that tents intended for permanent use or occupancy, such as outdoor vehicle shelters, storage, or restaurant patios, must conform to the applicable requirements from either Part 3 or 9 of the BC Building Code (i.e. permanent tent structures used as carports must conform to the Building Code’s Part 3 or 9 requirements for storage garages), and almost always need a building permit.
Why do temporary tents need a building permit?
Tent structures, as understood in the BC Building Code, are temporary structures which have Part 3 requirements that must be reviewed by an authority having jurisdiction.
While not a defined term in Division A, Section 1.4 of the Building Code, the Notes to Part 3 explains that:
“….the word “tent” as used in the Code is intended to refer to a temporary shelter which is used at an open air event such as a fair or an exhibition. A tent will normally be constructed of a fabric held up by poles and attached to the ground by ties.” (A-3.1.6)
The requirements for tent structures can be found in Subsection 3.1.6 of Division B of the BC Building Code and pertain to exiting and egress, occupancy and use, spatial separation, clearance from flammable material, tent material flame resistance, and location of electrical systems. These requirements are reviewed by an authority having jurisdiction and granted approval in the form of a building permit.
Why might the requirement be waived?
Given that tent structures are temporary buildings, the authority having jurisdiction may waive the need for a building permit on the basis of Clause 1.1.1.1.(2)(f) which states the Building Code need not apply to:
“….with the permission of the authority having jurisdiction, temporary buildings including i) construction site offices, ii) seasonal storage buildings, iii) special events facilities, iv) emergency facilities, and v) similar structures.”
As such, you are best to consult with your local authority having jurisdiction to determine if your tent structure will require a building permit.
Give us a call if you need help!