The Ontario Building Code | Clearance to Other Structures
3.14.1.4. Clearance to Other Structures
(1) Tents shall not be erected closer than 3 m to the property line.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (3), (4) and (5), tents shall not be erected closer than 3 m to other tents or structures on the same property.
(3) A walkway between a building and a tent occupied by the public is permitted provided,
(a) the tent is not closer than 3 m from the building, and
(b) the walkwayconforms to Article 3.2.3.19.
(4) Tents not occupied by the public need not be separated from one another, and are permitted to be erected less than 3 m from other structures on the same property, where such closer spacing does not create a hazard to the public.
(5) Tents located on fair grounds or similar open spaces, need not be separated from one another provided such closer spacing does not create a hazard to the public.
In Plain Language
Tents can't be erected closer than 3 m to the property line and generally can't be erected closer than 3 m to other tents or structures on the same property, with narrow exceptions for walkways connecting a building and a tent used by the public.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.