Upload these forms with your building permit application (unless they don't apply to your project):
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
- Commitment to general review form (PDF) – unless exempt
Tents
Follow these steps to plan your tent installation, apply for a permit and book inspections.
This page is for any tent or group of tents used for events or temporary installations.
Tip: print this page and use it as a checklist.
On this page:
1. Check if you need a permit
You need a building permit for tents when:
- a single tent is more than 60 m² in area
- a group of tents are more than 60 m² combined
- they are attached to a building
- they are set up less than 3 metres from another building or structure
2. Confirm who can prepare your drawings
The qualifications depend on the tent size and setup.
A professional engineer must design and perform a field review if the tent:
- exceeds 225 m² in area
- is fully or partially enclosed with walls
- contains bleachers
All other tents must be designed by a:
- BCIN-qualified designer – large buildings
- professional engineer
3. Prepare your drawings
All drawings must be to scale and dated.
Include:
- Site plan – show tent location(s) and distances to other tents, buildings, or structures
- Certificate of flame resistance – NFPA 701 or CAN/ULC-S109 standard
- Firefighting provisions – show fire hydrants, fire access routes, and fire extinguishers
If tents (or groups of tents) are larger than 225 m², partially enclosed, or contain bleachers, also include:
- location of exits
- emergency lighting
- number and location of washroom facilities
- tent occupant load
- bleacher design (if applicable)
4. Prepare your forms
Complete the forms that apply to your project.
Contact us if you’re not sure which forms you need.
Forms you need if you’re applying online
Forms you need if you’re applying in person
Bring these completed forms to the service counter on the 2nd floor of City Hall:
- Permit Application Form (PDF)
- Schedule 1 Designer Form (PDF) – if a designer is involved
- Commitment to general review form (PDF) – unless exempt
5. Check permit fees
Tent or group of tents: $197.00 – HST does not apply.
Pay when you apply:
- online – credit card only
- in person – cash, debit or cheque payable to City of Waterloo
We’ll start reviewing your application after we receive payment.
6. Apply online
Submit your application through the building permit portal.
Upload your drawings and forms when you apply.
7. Wait for review
The typical time to review a tent permit application is 10 business days.
Check the building permit timelines and fees page for current timelines.
We may contact you for more information before approval.
8. Get and display your permit
Once approved, your permit package will be available on the portal.
We’ll email you instructions on how to access it.
Print the full package and keep it visible at the work site.
9. Book inspections
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you must book inspections before the work is covered.
Find the required inspections listed on your building permit under "Mandatory Inspections".
Book inspections through the building portal (find it on the left menu):
- the earliest you can book an inspection is the next business day
- you'll need your permit number