Covered and Heated Patios

• Certified by CSA/ULC
• Meet the requirements of TSSA Act 2000
• Have an anti-tilt feature that automatically shuts off the heater
• Be free-standing, with a minimum height of 160 centimetres
• Be designed for outdoor use only

• Must be installed on a non-combustible solid surface (i.e. not on grass or uneven sidewalk)
• Must be placed out of the wind, which can create a hazard if the unit is blown over
• Minimum of one metre (three feet) clearance from the base of the heating unit to any combustible materials
• The pedestrian clearway must be free of power cables and cords at all time

Portable heating appliances are not permitted in the following circumstances:

• In any enclosed or partially enclosed areas*
• Under fire escapes
• In or next to any exits
• Underneath a combustible structure (i.e. canopies, awnings, tents, wood framework, umbrellas etc.)*
• Beside or blocking firefighting equipment like fire hydrants or Siamese connections
• Near or attached to trees, utilities or other street elements
• Tabletop heating appliances are not permitted

* Heaters are not permitted in an enclosed or partially enclosed area or underneath a combustible structure without a review/inspection and approval by the Oakville Fire Department to ensure safety. 

For the use of propane or other fire fueled heating appliance, the following specific safety guidelines apply:

• Do not store the unit indoors
• Keep a maximum of one (1) day’s supply of propane on site
• The maximum allowable propane tank size is a single 20 pound tank (approx. 10 hours operation)
• Do not move portable heater while the flame is open. Ensure the gas supply is properly shut off and the unit is cool before relocating.
• Follow all manufacturer safety requirements for the safe transportation, operation and storage of fuel
• Each propane tank used must meet the Canadian Propane Association requirements (pdf)
• Locate sufficient, easily accessible, fire extinguishers in the patio area

The Ontario Building Code, Div. C. 1.3.1.1.(5), requires building permit approval for all tents that:

• exceed 60 m2 (646 sq. ft.) in area, or
• are attached to a building, or
• are less than 3 metres (9-10') from other structures

Every tent application shall include a completed ministry prescribed application form with required schedules, payment of building permit fee (see Schedule ‘A’ of the Building Bylaw) and two copies of each of the following:

• A Site Plan indicating:
  • The proposed tent(s) location relative to property lines, parking spaces and existing structures. No tent may be closer than 3 metres to any existing structure – OBC Div. B Article 3.14.1.4;
  • The location of sanitary facilities for tents that exceed 225 m2 (2420 sq. ft.) or which contain bleachers or sidewalls. Sanitary facilities must be provided as specified in O.B.C. Div. B Article 3.14.1.8.
• A fully dimensioned Floor Plan layout showing the following:
  • The seating arrangement and aisle width, if applicable.
  • Identify the use of all areas within the tent.
  • Indicate location and size of exits on perimeter of the tent.
  • Indicate if the tent is enclosed with sidewalls.
• The Supporting Framing Structure and Anchorage System for a tent occupying an area greater than 225 m2 shall be designed and reviewed by a professional engineer as required by O.B.C. Div. C Sentence 1.2.1.1.(7).
• Where bleachers are provided in tents, they shall be designed in conformance with OBC Div. B Articles 3.3.2.8., 3.3.2.10. and Subsection 4.1.5. as required by O.B.C. Div. B Article 3.14.1.7. and stamped by a professional engineer.
• Fabric Documentation demonstrating that the materials and fabrics used in connection with the tent(s) shall be certified to CAN/ULC S-109 or NFPA 701 as required by O.B.C. Div. B Article 3.14.1.6.
• A Letter of Use detailing:
  • Proposed event, time and date tent will be on site.
  • Indicate how long the tent will be erect on site.
  • Specify number of tents and maximum number of people who will be occupying each tent at one time.

For tents not pre-engineered, the following requirements also apply:

• General Review Commitment form to be completed and signed by a professional engineer.
• Designer Provincial Qualifications as listed below (except for Architects and Professional Engineers):
  • For tents over 225 m2 (2420 sq. ft.) or with sidewalls or contain bleachers, but do not exceed 600m2 (6458.56 sq. ft.), Building Structural and Small Buildings qualifications are required.
  • For tents over 600 m2 (6458.56 sq. ft.), Building Structural and Large Buildings qualifications are required.

Please note

• No cooking is permitted under any tent
• Access shall be provided to all tents for fire-fighting purposes
• Please refer to the Region of Halton's Health Department for special event permits

Should you have any questions, please contact a Building Services Representative at (905) 845-6601, ext. 7376

Scenario A: a tent is located more than three metres from a building and less than 30 m² in size 

The following are required:

• Tent material must satisfy fire safety NFPA705 requirements
• Tent must be provided with a portable fire extinguisher Type 2A10BC (dry chemical)
• Heaters must comply with the specifications in the heaters section above. It is recommended that you contact the Oakville Fire Department before purchasing or using any heater; a fire inspection will be conducted.
• Must comply with zoning regulations for the property such as minimum/maximum setbacks and heights

Scenario B: a tent is located more than three metres from a building and is between 30 and 6- square metres in size 

All requirements listed in Scenario A apply as well as the following:

• The owner/operator will be required to demonstrate snow and wind load capacity as required by the Ontario Building Code
• Consult with Building Services staff on the OBC requirements
• Consult with the Oakville Fire department to discuss options to address snow load such as the manual removal of snow, heaters, etc.

Scenario C: a tent is located less than three metres from a building or is greater than 60 square metres in size

All requirement listed in both Scenario A and Scenario B apply as well as the following:

• A building permit is required 
• In this situation, the manual removal of snow or use of heaters cannot be used to address snow load issues in accordance with the Ontario Building Code