Permit guideKitchenerBuilding PermitsTents & Temporary Structures
Tents, demountable stages and outdoor patios
Tents require a building permit when the area of the structure exceeds 60m² (≈ 646 sq ft) (645sf) or when the area of two or more tents exceeds 60 square metres (≈ 646 sq ft) (645 square feet (≈ 59.9 m²)).
The municipality lists what to submit. CodeEase shows what the building code asks of it. See CodeEase →
Check whether you need a permit
- Tents require a building permit when the area of the structure exceeds 60m² (≈ 646 sq ft) (645sf) or when the area of two or more tents exceeds 60 square metres (≈ 646 sq ft) (645 square feet (≈ 59.9 m²)).
- Two or more tents are considered a group of tents if the tents are not more than 3.0 metres (≈ 9 ft 10⅛ in) apart.
- more than 60 sq.m (≈ 646 sq ft) (646 sq.ft (≈ 60 m²)) in area and any part of its platform(s) is more than 3m (≈ 9 ft 10⅛ in) in height above adjacent grade level, or
- more than 225 sq.m (≈ 2,422 sq ft) (2422 sq.ft (≈ 225 m²)) in combined area, or
- any part of the platform or any roof, wall or structure attached to or located on any of the platforms is 5m (≈ 16 ft 4⅞ in) or more in height above adjacent ground level.
- more than 3m (≈ 9 ft 10⅛ in) high above adjacent ground level,
- designed to carry superimposed specified loads greater than 115 kg, or
- would create a hazard to the public.
- new or modified
- permanent or temporary/seasonal
- located on grade (examples: sidewalk, parking lot, etc.), or located on a structure (examples: raised deck, platform, etc.).
- If you previously had an approved outdoor patio application and are looking to renew the application, visit our downtown patios page.
A tent that may not need a permitA tent or group of tents may not require a permit if they are:
- less than 60 square metres (≈ 646 sq ft) (645 square feet (≈ 59.9 m²)) in total (aggregate) ground area;
- not attached to a building; and
- constructed more than 3 metres (≈ 9 ft 10⅛ in) from all other structures
- Only if tents require a building permit
Tent
Fees
- permit fee: $163 per site
- Permit and rebate fees are due when the permit is submitted. We must receive the fees in order to start the permit review timeline and process.
Application requirements
- application form
- site plan
- interior plans
- fabric specifications and certificate (material must meet the requirements of CAN/ULC S109-M or NFPA 701)
- tent information form
- letter of approval from our transportation division if you’re building the tent on a city road (call 519-741-2379 for more information)
Larger than 225 square metres
If your tent is larger than 225 square metres (≈ 2,422 sq ft) (2421 square feet (≈ 224.9 m²)):
- structural plans stamped and signed by a professional engineer, including framing and anchorage details
- commitment to general review form (architect or engineer)
Site plan
Show the location of the tent in relation to:
- other structures
- property lines
- Please show dimensions less than 3 metres (≈ 9 ft 10⅛ in) (10 feet (≈ 3.05 m)).
- If your tent will be up for more than 14 days, you need to apply for a site plan.
Site plan locations
Include these locations:
- fire routes
- overhead wires
- washrooms
Interior plans: no walls
If setting up a tent with no walls, show the location of:
- furniture
- fire extinguishers
Interior plans: with walls
If setting up a tent with walls, show the location of:
- furniture
- fire extinguishers
- means of egress
- exits
Interior plans: after dusk
If using a tent after dusk, show the location of:
- exit signs
- emergency lighting
More information
- if you need hydro service, visit the Electric Safety Authority website or call 1-877-372-7233
- if you need a copy of your building plan or property survey, you can submit a request online
- Only if you need a permit for demountable stage(s) or demountable support structure(s)
Demountable stages and demountable support structures
Fees
- permit fee: $163 per event per property
- Permit fees are due when the permit is submitted. We must receive the fees in order to start the permit review timeline and process.
Application requirements
- application form
- commitment to general review from (engineer)
- demountable stage & demountable support structure information form
- site plan
- structural plans stamped and signed by a professional engineer, for stage(s) and any/all support structures, including framing and anchorage details
- elevation drawing
- stage floor plan / layout and details, applicable to stages only
- flame resistance specifications and certificate for any tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics or films attached to the demountable stage or demountable support structure (material must meet the requirements of CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701)
Site plan
Show the location of the demountable stage and/or demountable support structures in relation to:
- other structures
- property lines
Site plan locations
Include these locations:
- fire routes
- overhead wires
Stage floor plan/layout drawing and details (for stages only)
Floor plan drawing of the stage platform showing:
- overall dimensions
- egress stairs
- travel distance
- guard locations (if guards required by OBC)
Other details
Other general information and details to be provided:
- stair details
- guard details (if guards required by OBC)
- ramp construction details (if applicable)
More information
- if you’re erecting a stage or support structure on a city road, contact our transportation division (call 519-741-2379 for more information)
- if you need hydro service, visit the Electric Safety Authority website or call 1-877-372-7233
- if you need a copy of your building plan or property survey, you can submit a request online
- Only if you will need a patio application for outdoor patios associated with a building, or a suite within a building
Outdoor patios
Fees
However, other fees may be applicable:
- encroachment agreement fees (when the patio is located on city property)
- site plan approval fees (when the patio is subject to site plans approval)
- building permit fees (when the patio includes a structure such as a roof, deck, or tent that required a separate building permit)
Application requirements
Required plans
- site plan drawing that identifies the location and boundary of the patio in relation to the property boundaries, building(s), and other site structures and features.
Patio layout drawing
patio layout drawing, must include:
- overall dimensions of the patio
- entrance of the patio and building/restaurant
- location of entrances / exits for the existing adjacent building / restaurant
- show location of any fencing or planters used to define the patio (e.g.: flowerpots, fencing, painted lines, etc.)
- location of all tables and chairs
- sizes and dimensions of all tables and chairs (e.g., 2’ square)
- proposed number of chairs at each table
- host/hostess stand if applicable
- widths of all walkways/aisle ways
- distance between tables/seating and edge of patio
- location of any structures (roof, pop-ups, shade sails, tents, etc.). A separate building permit may be required for these structures, see the patio guidelines for more information regarding patio structures
- location of exterior mounted sprinkler / standpipe fire house connections (if applicable)
- locations of existing trees and furniture (e.g.: light posts, planters, garage bins, bollards, etc.)
- exterior mounted fire department connections (sprinkler/standpipe), if applicable
- curbs and parking spaces (if applicable)
Written from Kitchener’s own pages as published on 23 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice