Temporary tent and garden centre permits

Check whether you need a permit

• A building permit is required for a temporary structure (tents and garden centres) if it is greater than 60 metres (≈ 197 ft) square.
• Regardless of the size of the temporary structure, if it is located within three metres of another structure or attached to a structure you will require a building permit.

Project preparation

• Verify that your plans, proposed dimensions and location are permitted under the Town of Oakville's zoning by-laws which regulate the use, shape and location of structures on properties.
• Development charges may apply to some tents, such as a garden centre ancillary to a retail use, or an industrial tent.
• A non-residential development charge form may need to be submitted so the town, region and school boards can review the scope of work and determine if charges apply.
• Development charges must be paid prior to building permit issuance.

Prepare your plans0 of 7

Digital copies of drawings and documents are required, scaled to size and flattened. Typically, an engineer is retained for the project.

You need an account to see these 7 items.It’s free. Use Sign in at the top of the page to create one, then tick the items off on any device and print them as a checklist.

Complete the forms3Download the set4 forms

• Commitment to general reviewif structure exceeds 225 square metres (≈ 2,422 sq ft)Form
• Non-residential development charges formForm
• Oakville Permit Application AuthorizationForm

Submit your application

• If it is your first time using our online services, you need to create a user name and password. If you have an existing account, you can use the same username and password.
• Provide information about your project and upload your drawings and documents. You do not need to provide the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.
• Save files in Vector PDF format, unlocked/editable, greyscale, flattened into a single layer and free of comments.
• Please name your files according to the standardized naming conventions. This saves significant time in processing your application.
• The review and approval process of your submitted documents regarding your building permit application will be processed through the ePlan, powered by ProjectDox software, if your application requires drawings to be uploaded.

Pay the fee

• The total fees depend on the size, type and use of the proposed project or building. The exact cost of your permit will be calculated once we pre-screen your request.
• The minimum fee for a building permit is $200.
• You will be prompted to pay a $100 pre-screening fee when you submit your request online. This non-refundable deposit will be credited towards the total cost of your permit.
• Building Services - Rates and Fees
• There may be additional fees such as development charges or deposits you need to pay before your permit is issued.
• Credit card up to $10,000 payable by signing into your town account
• Email transfer up to $10,000 through your financial institution to buildingrequests@oakville.ca
• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) in any amount with direct payment to the Town of Oakville’s bank account. Please direct the EFT notification to accountsreceivable@oakville.ca and notify Building Services once payment has been made at buildingrequests@oakville.ca
• Cheques are still accepted made payable to the Town of Oakville, and mailed or delivered to Building Services, 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville.