Securing a temporary building permit for events allows you to have tents, huge decorations, and hoardings.
By having these structures built legally, you avoid legal troubles and various safety hazards.
If you’re reading this article, then it means you’re already concerned about safety and legalities. You’re concerned about all the permits and licenses you need for event planning.
That’s a good sign.
And you’re at the right place as this article will answer all questions related to temporary building permits.
Before you understand the permit and its procurement, try and understand what you need it for.
A. What is a temporary structure?
A temporary building permit for events is granted for temporary structures. To learn the scope of this permit, it’s best to know what temporary structures can look like in the first place.
This classification will also help you improve your application for the permit.
| Type of Temporary Structure | Use Cases |
| Structures made that are less than 2 stories and made with materials that are not long-lasting | Pop-up shops, free-stand boards, hoardings, tents, gantry, festive decorations like huge Christmas trees, and an arch at the entry of the event |
| Buildings or structures that are less than 2 stories and to be used for around 36 months | Office, container, indoor LED screens, indoor advertisements, and reusable support for structures |
| A building used for accommodation that must have a connection with the venue | Worker’s quarters, office, builder’s shed or office, store room outside construction sites |
| Structures for outdoor advertisement and signage | Outdoor signboards and their supporting structures |
If your requirements fit any of these use cases, then you need a temporary building permit for events.
B. What is a temporary building permit?
A temporary building permit or impermanent structure grant is a lawful approval given to utilize temporary structures like tents or signboards.
This permit allows you to build and use these temporary structures for a pre-determined period of time.
A temporary building permit also ensures that your temporary structure isn’t hazardous.
Usually, municipal corporations or local government authorities give these permits.
C. What is a temporary building permit for events?
Since events are temporary, there’s no point in building structures that last years. It’s often more affordable to have temporary buildings to support temporary events.
Temporary buildings and structures also allow for a greater degree of flexibility. They allow new areas for specific uses within the same venue.
For example, you can use vacant land as a parking space for events or create tents for storage.
These are the most common cases requiring a temporary building permit for events.
For concerts and holiday events, you will rarely get a chance to escape this permit. Since these events require private spaces as venues, temporary structures help make the event venue functional.
And no matter how troublesome it is to secure this license, it ensures you keep public safety a priority.
A good event planner is the one that makes attendees a priority.
D. Who needs a temporary building permit for events?
All event planners who require temporary structures for the smooth functioning of their events need it.
Let’s consider these examples:
- Weddings require marquees and tents for the event
- Big stalls and tents are required for celebrations or corporate occasions
- Temporary grandstands are created for seating arrangement at some games or concert
- Fairs that have designated corners for rides and stalls
- Temporary display halls are created within the venue for expos or exhibitions
These are some of the cases where you will need a temporary building permit for events.
There are many more cases, refer to our list of temporary structures in section A to get the full list.
E. Do you need planning permission for a temporary structure in India?
Temporary structures like large hoardings, tents, and parking spaces require special permission. This comes in the form of a temporary building permit. It is given by the local municipal authorities. For example, in Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi can be reached out to for this permit.
You will need documentation related to all computations and safety measures of your temporary structure. This will give you a better chance at securing a temporary building permit for events.
In order to successfully get a temporary building permit, you need to ensure that your structure is safe. This will require you to prove steadiness in different weather conditions, fire safety measures, and safe access.
The local authorities such as MCD will review the structure and assess its safety. Then, you shall get your temporary building permit.
The municipal corporation or other local competitive authority might need to visit your construction site in the process.
F. How to get a temporary building permit for events?
Here we are at the crux of the article. This will help you secure your temporary building permit for events.
- First, you need to figure out what type of temporary building permit you need. Refer to the section on types of building permits to quickly tackle this step
- Consult your local authorities such as the Municipal Corporation to know the specific regulations and requirements for your location. This includes the zone regulations, building codes, and permit fees. For example, you can refer to this document for municipality rules for temporary building permits in Mumbai. You need an NOC from a structural engineer and land owner in your application to secure the permit [source: Municipality Corporation of Brihanmumbai]
- Upon your initial consultation, you can now gather all the necessary documents for the type of temporary building permit you need. Depending on your location, the documents may include site plans, NOC, and building plans
- Now it’s time to submit your consolidated application with all required documentation. This process can be online and offline depending on your location
- Approval can take time depending on how complex your temporary structure is and in which area
- Upon approval, you can start the construction of your temporary structure. Make sure you keep all the safety and technical guidelines in mind
The process can be overwhelming at first. After a couple of experiences, getting a temporary building permit for events will feel like a breeze.
Make sure you put in your application months in advance so that you don’t have to rush the construction part.
Pro Tip: Even if the process is online, getting it done offline will be faster and more efficient.
G. What are some risks associated with temporary structures for events?
Safety is non-negotiable when it comes to such construction.
Here are some questions for you to ask yourself when building temporary structures such as tents and hoardings:
- Can this structure endure this location’s changing weather patterns?
- Is the material that’s been used fire-resistant?
- If anything is a fire hazard, what are the countermeasures in place?
- Does the structure have a safe passage to enter and leave during emergencies?
- How much load/weather can the structure handle?
Event planners almost always have been disaster management experts too.
H. How much does a temporary building permit for events cost?
A temporary building permit cost will vary depending on the neighborhood authority’s charge structure. There isn’t a fixed tariff that is followed by the country or state.
It is best to ask in advance to estimate your cost.
The temporary building permit cost will include application charges, assessment charges, and charges for required documentation.
Make sure you include these hidden charges in your event budget.
I. Mistakes to avoid while securing a temporary building permit for events
So far, we know that securing a temporary building permit can be more complicated than anticipated.
But, you don’t have to make the same mistakes as other beginners do.
Keep this in mind before turning in your application:
- Building codes: These are rules and regulations dictating how buildings and non-building structures should be constructed. Ignoring the general and local building codes in your application will lead to rejections
- Incomplete applications: Double and triple-check all the documentation required for your application. Consult your local municipality as well as the architect to avoid this silly mistake. You wouldn’t want to waste your time or effort over missed information or paperwork
- Plan in advance: Getting your temporary building permit can take weeks or months in advance. Submit your application early because a delay in getting the permit can delay construction. In the end, you might have to cancel the construction altogether. Avoid this so your efforts don’t go to waste
- No one-size-fits-all: Even if you’re experienced in securing temporary building permits for events, rules may vary for each location. Consult the municipality and get a run-through of the requirements for each new construction, event, and locality
- Coordination: Your application will require information related to materials used, security measures, and different disaster management aspects. Make sure the team you’re working with for the construction can provide you with accurate details of the construction. This will make your life a lot easier
- Be present: During the physical inspection of the construction, make sure you’re present with a competent architect or engineer who can answer all questions with expertise
Keeping these best practices in mind, you should easily secure a temporary building permit for events.
J. FAQ
1. Is an architect or engineer needed to get a temporary building permit for events?
If you’re unfamiliar with safety precautions with respect to temporary structures, then it’s best to hire an engineer or architect.
They will not only help you create a safe and sound structure but also get you the paperwork for approval.
For small-scale events with simple and small temporary structures, then you may not need external help.
2. What are the types of temporary building permits?
For event planners, it can be quite confusing to navigate temporary building permits at first.
It is useful to know all the types to choose the right temporary building permit for events.
- Tent Permit: Tent permits are needed for tents and canopies that are bigger than 400 square feet. It’s the most used temporary building permit for events. However, it can also be useful for other commercial uses. It’s important to get this permit to ensure that it’s legal and safe for the public
- Construction Permit: This permit is required for temporary structures in construction sites. Scaffolding, fencing, and other temporary structures that support the construction require this permit. It’s important to get this temporary building permit to ensure the site is safe for workers and the public
- Event Permit: Events require a lot of temporary structures like stages, booths, and decorative structures. This type of temporary building permit is crucial for events so that these structures can be used legally
- Film Permit: Many temporary sets, props, and other structures are used during filming. To use these temporary structures legally, secure this temporary building permit
- Sign Permit: Banners, hoardings, and A-frame signs are examples of temporary structures that require this permit. Especially with recent news of such signage posing a risk to the public, you must ensure you have a permit to erect such signage [source: The Hindu]
3. Why do event planners need a temporary building permit?
Event planners need to secure a temporary building permit to erect structures such as tents and signboards at their event.
If they fail to do so, then they stand at a risk of paying hefty fines, immediate retraction of the structure by police, and even jail time.
By securing the permit well in advance, you will be able to avoid these severe legal complications.
You must also secure this permit to mark your temporary structure safe for usage.
K. Did we answer all your questions?
We hope this article gives you a holisitc idea on how you can get your temporary building permit for events.
In addition to that thought, we really hope the permit process turns online soon. That would make lives so much easier.
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