Special structures, tents and temporary structures FAQs
Browse the FAQs to find what you need to know about building approvals for special structures in Caloundra City.
- What is a special structure?
- What is a structure?
- What is a building?
- What is a temporary structure?
- What is the definition of a tent?
- When is a Development Approval for Building Work required for a temporary building/structure?
Q. What is a special structure?
A. As per Schedule 2 (Dictionary) of the Building Act 1975 a special structure is defined as follows;
Special Structure – means a structure that can not be classified under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Part A3.
The classification of a building is determined by the purpose for which it is designed or adapted to be used. The BCA groups building into 10 different classes. Part A3 of the BCA provides a definition for each of these classes of buildings.
A. As per Schedule 2 (Dictionary) of the Building Act 1975 a structure is defined as follows;
Structure - includes a wall or fence and anything fixed to or projecting from a building, wall, fence or other structure.
A. As per Schedule 2 (Dictionary) of the Building Act 1975 a building is defined as follows;
Building-
- a building is a fixed structure that is wholly or partly enclosed by walls and is roofed
- the term includes a floating building and any part of a building
Q. What is a temporary structure?
A. The Building Act 1975 does not provide a definition of what is or how long a structure/building needs to be erected for it to be defined as a temporary structure. However the Macquarie Dictionary defines temporary as:
Effective for a time only; not permanent.
Q. What is the definition of a tent?
A. As per Schedule 4 (Dictionary) or the Building Regulation 2006 a tent is defined as follows:
Tent- means a temporary structure clad in canvas, plastic or similar material, with or without walls, supported by poles or similar supports and fastened to the ground using ropes, pegs or ballast.
Examples include circus tent, box frame marquee.
Q. When is a Development Approval for Building Work required for a temporary building/structure?
A. As per Section 21 of the Building Act 1975 (Building work that is self-assessable for IPA) and Schedule 1 of the Building Regulation 2006 it is considered Self-Assessable (i.e. does not require a Development Approval) if it complies with the following:
- Work for particular signs
Building work is prescribed if it consists of the erection of a sign that is:
(a) detached from a building; and
(b) no higher than 2m; and
(c) no wider than 1.2m.
- Work for particular temporary things on building sites
Building work is prescribed if it is for a temporary site office, gantry or scaffolding on a building site.
- Erecting particular tents
Building work is prescribed if it consists of erecting a tent if the tent’s floor area is no more than 500m2.
Anything considered not self assessable under the Building Act 1975 will require a Development Approval for Building Works to be issued by a building certifier.
It should be noted that a Building Work that is self assessable still must comply with all the relevant codes.
A. As per Section 22 of the Building Act 1975 (Building work that is exempt development for IPA) and Schedule 2 of the Building Regulation 2006 it is considered exempt (i.e. does not require a Development Approval) if it complies with the following:
- Work for particular class 10b structures or special structures
Building work for a class 10b structure or special structure is prescribed if:
(a) the structure is not:
(i) a fence; or
(ii) a retaining wall; or
(iii) a free standing wall; or
(iv) a swimming pool; and
(b) the structure is no higher than 3m above its natural ground surface.
Examples:
(i) playground and sporting equipment, garden furniture, temporary market
(ii) stalls, minor plant and equipment covers that are no more than 3m above their natural ground surface
- Erecting particular tents
Erecting a tent is prescribed if the tent’s floor area is no more than 100m².