Temporary outdoor tents and canopies

Temporary structures for outdoor events

Learn more about temporary tents, canopies, stages and bleachers for events, special functions and the film industry.

What is a special function or event?

A special function or event can be, but isn’t limited to:

  • Weddings
  • Sporting events
  • Charity runs and walks
  • Music performances
  • Street festivals
  • Parades
  • Block parties
  • Film industry productions

Special functions and events are all subject to applicable safety regulations, bylaw rules and licensing requirements. These are intended to help keep everyone safe and ensure they are run responsibly and are respectful of neighbours. The information below will help you determine if you need a development permit, building permit or trade permits for your next event.

If you are hosting a small gathering at your home, typically you will not need any permits from The City.  

Before you apply

Before you apply for permits, decide if your event will have a tent, canopy, stage and/or bleachers. If you will have any of these at your event, review the information below to determine what permits you will need. You will also find information about what you need to include in your application for a faster review process.

The size and complexity of your event will affect how long it takes to review and approve your permits. This can take several weeks or months. Be sure to submit your application well before your event.

Do you need a building permit?

Building safety approval (building permit)

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. The three tiers are:

  • Tier 1: Tents, canopies and multiple clusters of tents or canopies, not exceeding 60 sq. m, and they meet the Tier 1 building code requirements, you don't need a building permit.
  • Tier 2: Tents, canopies and multiple clusters of tents or canopies not exceeding 120 sq. m in area will need a building permit. If each tent or cluster of tents meets the Tier 2 building code requirements, they are eligible for a quick release building permit.
  • Tier 3: Multiple clusters of canopies and tents which cumulatively exceed 120 sq. m require a building permit.


If you need help determining what tier of tent you have, please reference our tent tip sheet.

Refer to the Temporary outdoor tents and canopies building advisory for detailed information about the building code requirements for temporary tents and canopies.

 Regardless of whether your event needs a building permit or not, you still need to check if you need a development permit.

What other permits do you need?

Some events will need more than a building permit. The information below outlines some of the other permits you may need for your event.

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Planning an event? Get the right permits.

Planning an event in Calgary? Learn more about the permits you might need to have to host an event that is safe for staff, volunteers and attendees. We'll walk you through when you'll need a development permit and/or a building permit.

Resources

How much will the permits cost?

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How do you pay for a permit?

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How long will it take to get a permit?

To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information listed on the checklist.

Permit type Our process Timeline

Building permit: Tier 1 – tents and canopies

No permit required.

No inspection required. 

0 days.

Building permit: Tier 2 – tents and canopies

Application is reviewed to ensure it matches the approved development permit and reviewed for safety codes compliance.

May require a development permit.

Approximately 1-2 business days if it qualifies for quick release.  

Building permit: Tier 3 – tents and canopies

Application is reviewed to ensure:

  • it meets the Land Use Bylaw.
  • it does not require a development permit or it matches the approved development permit.
  • it complies with safety codes. 

A site inspection is required.


May require a development permit.

Typically, between 21 and 49 days. 

The timeline may be longer if the application is incomplete or complex.

Development Permit: Special Function – Class 1

60 days to decision + 21 days advertisement/appeal period – Development permit process  

 

Timelines are subject to change based on circulation requirements.  

12-16 weeks
Development Permit: Special Function – Class 2

60 days to decision + 21 days advertisement/appeal period – Development permit process 

 

Timelines are subject to change based on circulation requirements

 

If approved: 1-3 years to commence depending on the type of development permit and land use district 

 

12-16 weeks

What is professional involvement and do you need it?

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.

What are the rules when designing your project?

Where will your event be held?

When you begin planning your event you need to determine where your event will be held. Will it be on public land or on privately owned land? Some rules may depend on the land use district (zone) of the location you have selected. Use the address search below to find the zone for the property where your event will be held.

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Land Use Bylaw information

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How to apply

You can apply for your special function development permit on apply.calgary.ca

Checklists

To avoid delays, make sure your application includes all the required documents, plans and information as indicated on the checklist.

Contact the Planning Services Center to determine the current approved "use" for your proposed address.

National building code information

All events, even those that do not require a building permit,  must comply with the Land Use Bylaw and minimum requirements established in the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition. This including applicable standards for safety of the public and building occupants, health, accessibility, energy, fire, and structural integrity. Businesses are responsible for following the rules and regulations of all applicable governing bodies prior to using the space.

Events must also comply with the Alberta Fire Code also known as the National Fire Code (Alberta Edition). 

According to the National Building Code - 2023 Alberta Edition, structures such as tents, air-supported structures, stages, and other festival-type structures are classified as buildings. Therefore, they are subject to safety regulations and building permit requirements.

Some of the examples are as follows:

  • towers to house speakers and lighting
  • seating
  • dance and viewing platforms
  • roofs, towers and masts
  • marquees
  • decorative items, like archways, signs, and sideshows

Building code requirements

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.

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.

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.

The occupancy loads for tents and canopies are:

  • Tier 1 – not more than 60 people.
  • Tier 2 – not more than 90 people.
  • Tier 3 – can have more than 90 people.

Read the Temporary outdoor tents and canopies Building Advisory for more information on the safety regulations that temporary tents and canopies are subject to.

If you are thinking about having bleachers at your event, read the Temporary bleachers for public events building advisory. It provides you with the information you need to know about the building code requirements for temporary bleachers at events.

Some Tier 3 tents may need gas or electrical permits, in addition to a building permit.

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.

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.

 Please see –  the Temporary outdoor tents and canopies Building Advisory for additional details about the Building Code requirements listed above. 

How to prepare your application?

1. Prepare the application details

You will need to know:

  • The event address
  • The dates of the event, including set up and take down dates.
  • Who is applying (the contractor, designer, architect, owner, etc.)

2. Prepare the required documents and plans

  • For your development permit application:
  • For your building permit application:

Make sure you include a site plan in your application. Below are samples of what a site plan looks like and some tips on what to include in them. 

 

If you have any questions about what is needed for your application, please contact the Planning Services Centre.
 

An incomplete application may result in delays to the review timeline

 

Apply

Tips for a smooth application process

Before you apply

Download the development permit or building permit checklist and check each application requirement as you prepare to submit your application. Items listed on the checklist are the minimum requirements. We might need more information after we review your application.

Provide all required documents on the checklist, including drawings, supporting material, and any additional forms. If you are not sure if something is required, contact the Planning Services Center

Use sample drawings to review what you need to include on your plans.

Double check your documents are completed and make sure you have all required items on your plans before you upload them.

After you apply

The Planning Services Centre may contact you for more information required for your application. Follow-up on requests for more information as quickly as possible. This will help us process your application faster. 

Use the Job Access Code (JAC) to check status updates for your application on calgary.ca/vista

  • You’ll get a JAC by e-mail after you’ve submitted your application. If you did not receive a JAC number, contact the Planning Services Center.
  • Checking your application’s status using your JAC will provide you with timely updates about the status of your application.

What is a complete application?

A complete application means that you have provided all the necessary requirements for our teams to complete their reviews. You provide everything listed on the complete application requirement list, including plans, supporting documents and payment.

An application for a building permit may be refused if the reviewing Safety Codes Officer requests missing or additional information and documents and they aren’t supplied within 90 days of the request. If a permit is considered for refusal, the applicant will be given notification in writing and 30 days to submit missing information. For more information on complete applications, please review building advisory A19-002 building permit complete application.

Where can you apply for your permits?

To apply for a development permit for a special function online, please call 403-268-5343. They will provide you will access to OneDrive to submit your application. 

Apply online

To apply for a building permit online, you need a myID account. Create a myID account.

Apply in person

Drop off your application at:
3rd floor, Municipal Building
800 Macleod Trail SE

After you apply

How to check the status of your permit?

After you submit your development or building permit application online, you will get a confirmation email with a Job Access Code (JAC).

To track your development or building permit application and check its status, enter your Job Access Code in Vista.

If you need help or have questions, contact our Planning Services Centre

What Inspections do you need?

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Inspection information

How do you book your inspections?

Everyone can book inspections online through the inspections booking system.

The inspections booking system provides a streamlined experience for you to better manage your inspections. You can book, reschedule or cancel your inspections through the online tool.

Please note, inspections can be booked up to 10 business days in advance and occur Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We continue to do our best to accommodate booking requests. Some dates may be unavailable due to inspection capacity.

What to do if you want to make changes?

What happens if you need to extend your permit?


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


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This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​

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