Temporary Siting Approvals Services

If you are planning to erect a prescribed temporary structure or any combination of the following structures, then you will need to apply to the municipal building surveyor for a Temporary Siting Approval Permit.

A temporary structure includes but is not limited to:

• a stage or platform exceeding 150 m²
• a tent, marquee or booth with a floor area greater than 100 m²
• a seating stand that accommodates more than 20 people
• a prefabricated building exceeding 100 m².

An application for a siting approval should be made at least 15 working days prior to erecting any temporary structure. Applications should be accompanied by the following information:

• completed application form (application form is available below)
• three sets of scaled site plans for the proposed marquee, stage or seating plans illustrating the following:
  • site plan (to scale) detailing the location of temporary structure(s) in relation to other buildings and surrounding features such as the location of sanitary facilities (including facilities for people with disabilities)
  • marquee plans detailing fire extinguishers, emergency lights and exit signs, exit locations and aggregate exit widths
• a copy of the current occupancy permit issued by the Building Commission and a copy of the Certificate of Compliance – Design signed by a registered structural engineer
• details of safety officers and coordinators.

All approvals must be obtained prior to erecting any temporary structure or occupying the site. Failure to comply with this requirement is a breach of the Building Act 1993 and local laws, and may result in penalties and fines being issued and removal of the structure.

Where smaller temporary structures are proposed, a siting permit is not required. However, compliance with building legislation, the City of Melbourne and Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services Board fire safety guidelines are mandatory.

It is important to remember that although these structures do not require a temporary siting approval, it is the event organiser’s responsibility to ensure the structure is safe and protects public interest.

See the Places of public entertainment (POPE) application supplementary guide below for more information.

Some inflatable structures are considered prescribed structures.

A structure that is less than 100 m² is considered a non-prescribed structure and in isolation does not require a siting approval from the municipal building surveyor. However, such structures may be subject to other event permits.

See also the Places of public entertainment (POPE) application supplementary guide below for more information.

Fee information is available via the Schedule of fees.

Payment is required before the permit is issued.