Temporary buildings are listed as a discretionary use in all zones, and will require the submission of a Development Permit to review the size, location, and length of time the temporary building is proposed to be on a site. Multiple temporary buildings (tents) can be submitted under one Development Permit application.

Exemptions

A Development Permit is not required if the temporary building:

• Is part of a Special Event Permit
• Is in connection with the construction, marketing, or alteration of an approved development
• Is erected for 7 days or less

How long does it take to process?

As a discretionary use in the Zoning Bylaw, the application and review process can take between 6-8 weeks.

What are the fees?

Please refer to 'Schedule A' of the Development Permit Fee Bylaw to find the fees associated with the Development Permit.

Building permits are required for:

Class 1 - Temporary Tents/Special Events (more than 60 square meters in area)

This class describes events that are anticipated to have minimal effect on the surrounding neighborhood, such as weddings, birthdays, trade shows, ceremonies or an expanded business function, not associated with a licensed establishment (restaurant, bar or nightclub). These tents can be erected for a maximum of 10 consecutive days.

Class 2 - Temporary Use Tents/Special Event Tents (any size)

This class describes events operating as a part of commercially licensed establishment for expanded business function (restaurant, bar or nightclub).

Class 1 and Class 2 tents require a building inspection before use.

Building permits are not required for:

Class 3 - Temporary Use Tent/Special Events Tents less than 60 square meters

• This class describes events that are anticipated to have a minimal effect on the surrounding neighborhood, such as weddings, birthdays, trade shows, ceremonies or an expanded business function, not associated with a licensed establishment (restaurant, bar or nightclub). These tents can be erected for a maximum of 7 consecutive days.
• Located on a commercial or public property with approval of the property owner, and;
• More than 3 meters from any other structure, 
• Does not cover, and is not part of a group of tents that collectively cover, more than 60 square meters of ground area; and
• Does not contain, and is not intended to contain, commercially cooking equipment.

What else should I know?

• It may take up to three weeks for an application to be processed. 
• Separate Building Permits are required for each temporary building (tent).

If you are proposing to put a sea can or other type of temporary building on the street adjacent to your property, please contact Engineering to inquire about the Use of Streets permit process. 

A property owner, contractor, or agent of the property owner can apply.

If you are not the owner of the property, a Letter of Authorization will need to accompany your application.  

If you are a contractor requiring a City of Red Deer Business Licence, please visit our Licensing page before submitting your application.

Listed below are the forms you will require for your permit application(s):

Required Forms

• Building Permit Application Form (pdf)
• Temporary Building Requirement List (pdf)
• Letter of Authorization (pdf)
• Letter of Intent (pdf)

Submit your complete application package to Inspections and Licensing via:

• Email: inspections@reddeer.ca
• In person: Main floor of City Hall
• Online: MyCity

Once we receive your complete permit application, the Development Officer and the Building Safety Codes Officer will conduct a review of the permits, ensuring the proposed development complies with the Zoning  Bylaw and the Safety Codes Act, respectively.

You will receive email notifications throughout the application process, including:

• If we need more information;
• When payment is required;
• When the permit is issued.

Good to know

Did you know that some email servers will block City of Red Deer emails? These emails will often end up in your junk/spam mail folder. Please add '@reddeer.ca' as an allowable sender to make sure you are receiving our emails.

What inspections will I need?

The inspections required are specific to each project.
A list of required inspections will be printed on your Building Permit. 

How do I schedule an inspection?

• Online using MyInspections
• Email inspections@reddeer.ca 
• Call 403-342-8190 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.