Before you set up temporary fencing or portable toilets, it’s important to understand local regulations for temporary structures. While permits are often not required in Alberta, there are still strict rules that govern where temporary structures can be set up and how they must be maintained.
At FenceLine, we’ve been helping companies set up temporary fencing and portable toilets at events and construction sites for decades. We can help you make sure you’ve got a strong handle on key local regulations for temporary structures.
What Qualifies as a Temporary Structure in Alberta?
Temporary structures are any structures that are not permanently fixed to a location. Tents and canopies are subject to strict rules in Calgary regarding when permits are required, as are temporary fencing and portable toilets.
You don’t always need permits, of course, and in many cases, you’ll be able to proceed with setting them up without a permit, but you should still make sure you’re aware of the local regulations for temporary structures.
In Alberta, the rules and regulations for temporary structures come from a few different places:
- The National Building Code – Alberta Edition defines when temporary fencing is necessary for construction sites
- City of Calgary Bylaws
- Occupational Health and Safety rules and regulations define how many portable toilets are required at a job site and cleaning standards for each unit
What to Know About Rules & Regulations for Temporary Structures
Understanding the rules and regulations for temporary structures will allow your event to go off without a hitch and prevent costly delays on construction sites. There are a few key types of rules and regulations for temporary structures you should be aware of.
Rules & Regulations for Construction Sites
The rules and regulations for construction sites are complex and laid out in detail in the National Building Code, as well as in local municipal bylaws. In both Calgary and Edmonton, an outline of your plans for fencing is often required during the building permit process for your project.
When it comes to rules and regulations for temporary structures on construction sites, though, there are a couple of key things to keep in mind.
- You may need a permit if fencing obstructs public access or sidewalks in any way.
- Fencing should be set up to comply with local height, setback, and visibility rules.
- In Alberta, if a construction or demolition activity is 2 metres or more from a public way, a fence that’s at least 1.8 metres high will be erected.
- Temporary fencing around a construction site cannot have any openings, other than when they’re required for access. Those openings for access should be equipped with a gate that can open, close and lock
- The owner is responsible for the maintenance of the site, which includes temporary fencing
- Fences need to be secure and anchored so that it will not get knocked over in difficult weather conditions.
- Construction sites are required to be accessible and barrier-free.
- While you will generally not require a permit to set up portable toilets on a construction site, there are strict minimum requirements for how many portable toilets and handwash stations are necessary in Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety standards.
Rules & Regulations for Outdoor Events
Portable toilets generally do not require permits in Calgary or Edmonton; however, there are still rules and regulations that you should be aware of.
- Accessibility matters: Edmonton provides an expansive guide for making your outdoor event more accessible to people with disabilities, and placing your portable toilets in areas that are accessible to everyone is required.
- Minimum requirements: In Calgary, when portable toilets are set up on public land, at least 10% of them must be accessible, and there must be a minimum of at least one.
- Permits are important: A special event or festival permit is required for any “public assembly that contains the public in a fenced or restricted area”. If you’re hosting an outdoor event that requires fencing, you will always require a permit.
- Special events: Permits are required to host special events in both Edmonton and Calgary. The application process requires site plans for toilets and temporary fencing. This will include showing the planned location of portable toilets, as well as the plan for when they will be delivered, serviced, and removed.
- Proper placement: Where possible, portable toilets should be placed on gravel or asphalt
- Clean and tidy: It is the organizer’s responsibility to clean and maintain portable toilets at outdoor events.
How FenceLine Helps You Stay Compliant
There’s a lot to know about the local rules and regulations for temporary structures in Alberta, whether you’re hosting an outdoor event that requires fencing or getting to work on a construction site that needs portable toilets for workers.
Our team at FenceLine Rentals Ltd. can help. We’ve been providing temporary fencing and portable toilets for construction sites and outdoor events for decades, and all of our products are compliant with local rules and regulations for temporary structures in Alberta.
We can help you select the right products, design a fencing and portable toilets strategy that meets the province’s requirements, and even visit your site for setup and takedown. While local rules and regulations for temporary structures can seem complicated, having the team at FenceLine on your side ensures you’ll be able to meet the requirements with ease.
FenceLine Has What Your Event or Construction Site Needs
Don’t let local rules and regulations for temporary structures intimidate you. With a little planning, your event or construction site can meet the requirements that are set out in Alberta and proceed safely.
FenceLine Rentals Ltd. offers premium-quality portable toilets and sturdy, durable temporary fencing that complies with regulatory requirements and is built to withstand Alberta’s often-challenging weather conditions. We’ll help you stay ahead of local rules and regulations for temporary structures, so you can proceed with your event or construction project.
Book quality equipment delivered on time for your next event today.