Planning a tent bigger than 20’x30′? In Ontario it needs a building permit. JH Party and Tent Rentals supplies every drawing and certificate your city asks for, and we can apply for the permit for you.
Do I need a permit for my tent?
Under the Ontario Building Code, tents over 646 sq ft (60 m²) need a building permit. The limit counts all tents on your property together, and a tent must not be attached to a building and must be at least 3 m from other structures.
- No permit needed: 10’x20′ pop-up tents and 15’x20′, 20’x20′, 20’x25′ and 20’x30′ frame tents (600 sq ft or less)
- Permit needed: 20’x40′ frame tents and larger, all 30′ and 40′ wide frame tents, and pole tents from 40’x40′
- Two or more tents: they’re added together. For example, two 20’x20′ tents (800 sq ft in total) need a permit.
Public events, festivals and events in parks may also need an event or park permit from your town. Ask your town early. We supply the tent documents for those applications too.
Documents we supply
- Engineer drawings for your tent
- Tent anchor drawings showing how the tent is staked or weighted
- Fire retardant certificates for the tent fabric
Two ways to get your permit
Option 1: We get the permit for you
We apply to your city with all the drawings and certificates and take care of the paperwork. The cost is our $500 permit service fee plus the $300 city fee, added to your quote.
Option 2: You apply yourself
We send you all the drawings and documents your city requires, and you submit the permit application to your city’s building department.
Tell us early
Your city needs time to review a permit application, so let us know you need a permit when you book your tent. That gives us time to prepare the documents or apply for you.
Not sure what size you need? See our tent rental price guide, browse our tents, or find your city on our areas we serve page. We deliver all over Ontario.
Questions about permits? Call or text (905) 427-5959, email info@jhpartyrentals.com, or add items to your cart for a free quote. We reply within 24 hours on business days (Monday to Friday).