Temporary Fabric Buildings

A fabric building is considered “temporary” based on how it’s designed, anchored, permitted, and intended to be used—not just because it’s made of fabric. Its classification ultimately depends on the local governing body, since each municipality or authority has its own rules for what qualifies as a temporary structure, what they consider a “building,” and what their permitting requirements are. Every area is different, and the local regulations always determine whether a fabric structure is treated as temporary or permanent.

Each municipality can define:

  • What qualifies as a “building”

  • What counts as a “temporary structure”

  • How long a temporary building can stay up (30 days, 90 days, 180 days, 1 year…)

  • Whether engineering is required

  • Whether a permit is needed at all

Some areas treat fabric buildings like tents and exempt them from permits; others treat them the same as permanent warehouses.

This means the exact rules change from city to city, province to province, and project to project.

 

How do municipalities decide if it’s temporary?

 

Most local authorities use factors like:

  • Foundation type
    (Anchors, ballast blocks → temporary.
    Concrete footings, piers → permanent.)

  • Intended duration of use
    (Short-term project → temporary.)

  • Ease of relocation
    (Bolt-together frames → temporary.)

  • Presence of utilities
    (Electrical, gas, HVAC → more permanent.)

  • Occupancy type
    (If people work inside full-time, higher regulation.)

Some municipalities allow temporary structures to stay 180 days max, some allow 1–3 years, and others allow indefinite duration if they remain fully portable.

 

If it is temporary, does it need to be engineered?

 

Even “temporary” fabric buildings may still need:

  • Engineered drawings

  • Wind/snow load compliance

  • Fire safety compliance

  • A temporary building permit

  • Site plan approval

But again—this is 100% determined by the local authority.

 

Does BG Building Solutions provide help with permitting?

It is the customer’s responsibility to determine their local permitting requirements and to notify us of any specific conditions or approvals needed in their area. BG Building Solutions can design and engineer the structure according to those requirements; however, all permit applications must be completed by the customer, and any fees associated with permitting are separate from BG Building Solutions.