Is a Permit Required for a Temporary Structure?

When you plan your next development or construction site, you’ll need to consider the types of temporary structures you’ll need to install. These temporary buildings include warehouses, tents, canopies, trailers, and storage tanks.

You’ll find these items provide excellent support for workers and storing equipment and tools for the project. It’s also essential to ensure that any required building permits are approved before setting up any short-term structures and accessories for your project.

Are Temporary Building Permits Required?

Since temporary buildings and structures are only required for a short time, it’s easy not to realize what’s involved in the temporary use permit application process.

Many of these structures are assembled quickly, usually within a day or two, which can save significant money when you need to complete certain project areas, such as retaining walls or exterior walls, electrical work, installing water tanks, plumbing work, restoration, and restoration replacement work.

It’s crucial to determine if all or some temporary buildings or structures require approval through a building permit, as bypassing the process may result in expensive mistakes and additional costs later in the project.

For this reason, you’ll want to factor in the timeline for learning about building codes, the permit process, and which types of applications you’ll need during the earlier stages of developing a site plan or building plans.

How Do You Plan to Apply for Temporary Building Permits?

When you submit permit applications early in the process, you’ll find greater time to focus on other project planning aspects. It’s essential to make sure you submit all the forms and documentation required for any permit requirements and related permission:

• Contact public works to consult before you dig on the land, and check for any restrictions for setting up temporary equipment or structures.
• If the development is residential, you may require a residential building permit, which can be outlined by a local authority or the planning division of your municipality.
• If your project is a commercial building, you’ll need to inquire about various permissions in addition to temporary structures, including mechanical permits, safety guidelines, and permits for electrical equipment and working at height.
• Outline the various temporary structures needed, and the floor plan, to determine which applications you’ll need for various items before you start.

Permit requirements can vary widely from one city, region, or county to another. It’s important to research everything you can, from the international fire and safety and building codes to zoning requirements and local laws that may impact the development of your project.

Investing Time and Effort in Temporary Building Permit Applications

At first glance, finding and applying for the permits you’ll need for temporary structures may seem daunting. However, it’s a worthwhile process that can provide a much easier experience for the duration of the development.

There are several reasons installing temporary structures can offer greater support for your construction site:

• They protect personnel and provide a place to take a break, rest, or enjoy lunch.
• Well-engineered temporary structures can provide shelter and protection from harsh elements, including high winds and sudden weather changes.
• They can be installed quickly and modified to provide greater flexibility for changing needs on a construction site.
• Many temporary structures are highly durable and can be set up on many surfaces and terrain.
• Temporary structures can be used for multiple sites and projects, which makes them cost-effective.

Setting Up Approved Temporary Structures: Getting Started

Once you begin applying for permits to install temporary structures, your site must be well prepared. This process is especially crucial if you’re building in a new area you’re unfamiliar with or on multiple sites covering several cities or municipalities.

During the planning phase of your site, you might find it helpful to inquire about the approval timeframe for every permit application, any applicable fees, and documents you’ll need.

When you have everything you need to install temporary structures, this will help the process unfold quickly without any unnecessary delays or issues. It’s also important to consider the following to avoid any issues before and during your building project:

• Ensure every structure has a sturdy, waterproof, and fire-resistant floor for workers' safe and stable platforms.
• Ensure proper exits or egresses follow the city or region’s guidelines and fire codes.
• Install signage and extinguishers, and inspect them in accordance with your local fire department’s requirements.
• If you’re building at height, ensure all scaffolding and work platforms are assembled correctly and with all the proper safety structure accessories.
• Contact community planning representatives, the local government, and other local groups and individuals to provide notices of any structures or areas that may be impacted due to the development.

Temporary buildings and structures are crucial for construction projects, whether for a special event, a small project, or a high rise. While they are often easy to assemble and use, you’ll need to know the permit approval process with proper support. For example, the approval process may take longer than expected if you have multiple buildings or structures.

You can inquire about timeframes in advance to better understand how to plan your construction site and avoid any issues related to missing documents, applications, or permit processes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you need just a few tents and storage areas for a small or medium-sized site or a more comprehensive set of temporary structures, Sunbelt Rentals can provide you with everything you need to get started.

Let our consultants and rental experts offer assistance before you apply for the necessary permits to choose the right equipment for your project, install, and disassemble. Our experts can help you decide which temporary structures work best for your site, along with the necessary paperwork, modifications, and support you’ll need for the full duration of your development.

Contact a rental expert today. Sunbelt Rentals offers ongoing assistance for all your building needs, so you can plan effectively, apply for applicable permits, and save on extra costs with preparation.