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Permit guideTorontoBuilding PermitsTents & Temporary Structures

Tent and temporary structure permits

You need a building permit for the temporary construction of a structure, such as a tent or a temporary sales pavilion.

From Toronto’s own pages, checked Oct 2026.

  1. Check whether you need a permit

    • Building Permit for the temporary construction of a structure, such as a Tent or a Temporary Sales Pavilion
  2. Only if you place a portable classroom on the site of an existing school

    Portable classrooms

    Building permit for the placement of a portable classroom on the site of an existing school

    Site Plan

    • Site plan showing property lines, lot area (referenced to a current survey)
    • Key plan showing location of existing/proposed construction.
    • Location of all existing/proposed buildings with overall dimensions and setback dimensions to property lines and adjacent buildings.
    • Summary of permitted and proposed zoning provisions.
    • Indicate Fire route, fire department connections and fire hydrants.
    • All parking/loading spaces. Include Barrier Free information such as: curb cuts, designated accessible parking spaces, access ramps and all associated details.

    Grading Plan

    • Existing and proposed grades, including sidewalk elevations.
    • Proposed finished floor elevations of all floor levels.

    Architectural Plans

    • Dimensioned floor plans for each level showing existing and proposed uses of all spaces, including all plumbing fixtures, reflected ceiling and associated details.
    • Provide existing/proposed construction, interior/exterior wall assemblies, fire separations and structural framing above.

    Roof Plan

    • Existing and proposed roof layout showing roof structure, skylights, roof slopes, ventilation and including any screening requirements for mechanical roof top equipment.

    Elevations

    • Exterior finishes with roof slopes, window/door type, locations and sizes including height of sills above floor level.
    • Provide area of exposed building face, percentage/area of unprotected openings and required limiting distance(s).
    • Show exterior signage, canopies, decks/landings, stairs, guards/handrails.
    • Provide overall building height dimension.

    Sections

    • Cross section(s) to show existing/proposed building construction and specifications of all floor, wall, and roof assemblies.
    • Show floor to floor, floor to ceiling, and overall building heights.
    • Detail fire separations, stairs, landings, guards, and handrails.

    Construction Details and Notes

    • Building materials and specifications of all wall, floor and roof assemblies with typical wall section and typical roof detail
    • Provide guard details including connection detail
    • Door and room finish schedules

    Required Forms

    Fees

    Fee Effective Jan. 1, 2026

    • Permits for Non-certified Portable Classrooms: $214.79/portable
    • For Certification: $214.79/portable
    • Permits for Certified Portable Classrooms: $77.31/portable

  3. Prepare your plans0 of 9

    You need an account to see these 9 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.

  4. Complete the forms6

  5. Submit your application

    • Please note: not all projects are eligible for email submission. Review the list of eligible applications and detailed email submission process.
    • To submit an application by email please use the ‘Email’ button on top of the Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish.
    • Please DO NOT include any personal information on your Building Plans (e.g., the homeowner’s name or phone number). Building Plans submitted for Permit are subject to disclosure in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

  6. Pay the fee

    Fee Effective Jan. 1, 2026

    • Permits for Non-certified Tents: $1.55 for first 225m2 (≈ 2,422 sq ft), plus $0.40 for each additional m2
    • For Certification: $214.79 (up to two tents), plus $38.67 for each additional tent
    • Permits for Certified Tents: $214.79/tent
    • Permits for Trailers, Sales Pavilions, and Temporary Buildings: $15.46

Written from Toronto’s own pages as published on 20 October 2026. The municipality decides what a permit needs: confirm with it before you apply. Legal notice

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