‘Do I require a Council permit to install a marquee for my function or event and if so does it have to complying with Victorian Building Regulations?’

A question often asked by customers is… Do I require a council permit to install a Marquee for my function or event and does the marquee have to comply with Victorian Building Regulations?

Whilst that seems like a fairly simple question that deserves a straight forward yes or no answer unfortunately it is not that simple. To start off with it is important to remember that in accordance with the Building Act 1993 Section 57(1) ANY marquee, prefabricated building or temporary structure installed MUST comply with local Council and Metropolitan Fire & Emergency Services safety guidelines. Copies of these guidelines can generally be obtained from your local council.

In addition to the above where the Marquee, prefabricated building or temporary structure being installed exceeds 100 m2 in floor area then an application for a Siting Approval will have to be made to the local Municipal Building Surveyor and the appropriate fees paid.

Note:- The application for the Siting Approval must be made within 5 working days prior to the erection of any temporary structures and must be accompanied with 3 sets of the following.

• Site Plan detailing the location of temporary structures in relation to other buildings and features including the location of sanitary facilities including people with disabilities.
• Marquee plans detailing fire extinguishers, emergency exits locations, widths and signage.
• Building Commission Occupancy Permit The Occupancy Permit otherwise referred to as OP is a permit issued by the Building Commission verifying that the marquee being installed by your supplier meets the appropriate building design regulations.  The OP Certificate must be provided to you by the marquee supplier.  Unfortunately not all marquees in the industry comply with these Building Regulations and it is therefore your responsibility to ask the appropriate questions and to insist on quality products to avoid insurance risks
• Certificate of Compliance The Certificate of Compliance is a form completed and signed off by a Registered Temporary Structures Building Practitioner on completion of the installation and verifies that the marquee has been installed in accordance with the design requirements. A copy of this form is made available to the Municipal Council Building Surveyor for their records and a copy is placed on display within the temporary structure.  NB – Turner Hire has an in house registered Temporary Structures Building Practitioner who can be used on a subcontract basis as and when required.

In addition if the event forms part of a Place of Public Entertainment (POPE) then further checks must be made to ensure that the siting of these structures is covered in the POPE.

It is essential that these requirements be complied with in order to not void your event Public Liability Insurance and to ensure safety of all your patrons and the general public. Remember quality marquees are designed to with stand winds in excess of 100 km/hr. Don’t cut corners and settle for second best because if someone is injured it could end up costing you far more than you bargained for.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEBSITE?

You can, as long as you include this complete statement with it: Turner Hire is Victoria’s longest running Event Management & Hire Company. With over 75 yrs experience in the industry, surpassed by none, we deliver corporate function and events, trade shows and expo’s, music festival, local street festivals and large private functions. What ever your needs Turner Hire can guarantee you a hassle free amazing event as well as save you time and money through our innovative event solutions. Create less stress in your life and more success at your next event.<br>

 Call 1300 855 595 NOW!<br>

www.turnerhire.com.au