Tent Halls – Building Permit or Notification? What is Required?
Tent halls are gaining increasing popularity as a versatile and economical solution for many industries. Their flexibility and speed of assembly make them a popular choice for entrepreneurs in need of additional warehouse, production, or event space. However, before starting an investment, it is important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the applicable building regulations to avoid unpleasant surprises and efficiently carry out the entire process. In this article, we will discuss when a notification of the construction of a tent hall is sufficient, and when it is necessary to obtain a building permit, as well as what formalities must be met in both cases.
What are Tent Halls and When are They Needed?
Tent halls are lightweight structures consisting of a solid frame, usually made of steel or aluminum, covered with a durable coating. Thanks to their modular construction, tent halls can be easily adapted to individual needs in terms of dimensions, shape, or equipment. They are also characterized by their mobility, which allows for quick assembly, disassembly, and relocation.
They are widely used in many sectors of the economy. They often serve as temporary or permanent warehouses, production halls, sports facilities, riding arenas, agricultural sheds, and event spaces. Their versatility and relatively low investment cost make them an attractive alternative to traditional brick buildings.
Notification of the Construction of a Tent Hall – When is it Sufficient?
The notification procedure is much simpler and less time-consuming than obtaining a building permit. It is used for structures that are classified by building law as temporary, intended for use for a period not exceeding 180 days in a given location. After this period, the structure must be dismantled or moved to another location. In the case of tent halls, it is therefore crucial that the planned period of their use does not exceed this period. According to Art. 30 section 1 point 1 of the Building Law, notification is required for the construction of tent halls with a built-up area of up to 50 m² and a height of up to 4.5 m, located on a plot where there is a residential building or a collective residence building.
To notify the construction of a tent hall, an appropriate application must be submitted to the district starosty or the city office with poviat rights. The application must be accompanied by a declaration of the right to dispose of the property for construction purposes, and, depending on the individual assessment of the office, sketches or drawings of the planned structure. It is worth remembering that the office has 21 days to raise any objections. Lack of response within this period means the so-called tacit consent, which entitles the commencement of construction. Exceeding the 180-day period of use of the hall without obtaining a building permit is treated as unauthorized construction, which is subject to serious legal consequences, including a demolition order and financial penalties.
Building Permit for a Tent Hall – When is it Necessary?
If we plan to use a tent hall in one place for a period longer than 180 days, it is necessary to obtain a building permit. This also applies to situations where the hall, regardless of the period of use, is to perform functions that require a permanent connection to the ground or meeting specific standards, for example, regarding thermal insulation. In such cases, the tent hall is treated as a standard building and is subject to the same legal requirements. A permit is also required when the built-up area exceeds 50 m², the height exceeds 4.5 m, and the distance from the plot boundary is less than half the height of the hall.
The process of obtaining a building permit is more complicated than notification. It requires submitting an application along with a construction project, which must be prepared by an authorized designer. The application must also be accompanied by a number of other documents, such as a declaration of the right to dispose of the property for construction purposes, a decision on building conditions, if required, and opinions and arrangements necessary in a given situation.
The waiting time for a decision is up to 65 days, and the process itself involves additional costs, including administrative fees and remuneration for the designer. It is worth noting that these costs may vary depending on the complexity of the project and the location of the investment.
There are exceptions in which a tent hall can be used for longer than 180 days without the need to obtain a building permit. Why? It is possible to erect a tent hall on the basis of a notification, and then obtain a building permit before the expiry of 180 days from the moment of construction. This is a solution for companies that urgently need to increase storage space and do not treat the investment as temporary.
Differences Between Notification and Building Permit
The main difference between notification and a building permit is the duration of the procedure and its complexity. Notification is much faster and simpler, requires minimal formalities, and involves lower costs. However, it only applies to temporary structures used for up to 180 days. A building permit is a more complex, time-consuming, and costly process, but it allows for the permanent placement of the hall, without the need to dismantle or move it after a certain period. The differences also include the method of assembly: a permit is necessary if the hall is to be permanently connected to the ground, regardless of the period of use, and notification is sufficient for halls that are not permanently connected to the ground.
Choosing the appropriate procedure carries certain risks and benefits. By opting for notification, we save time and reduce formalities. However, we risk that if the 180-day period is exceeded, our investment will be considered unauthorized construction.
On the other hand, a building permit gives us legal certainty and stability but involves greater financial and time outlays at the preparatory stage. Notification is a one-time procedure – after submitting the documents to the office, you can immediately start assembling the hall, and a permit is often required for year-round, storage, and industrial halls.
Practical Tips for Investors
Before starting the process of notification or obtaining a building permit for a tent hall, it is worth carefully analyzing your needs and possibilities. Determine how long we plan to use the hall in a given place and what functions it should perform. This is key information that will allow us to choose the appropriate procedure. Then, gather all the necessary documents and information, such as data on the plot, planned dimensions of the hall, or materials from which it will be made.
It is also worth consulting with an experienced designer who will help us prepare documentation in accordance with applicable regulations. In the case of applying for a building permit, their role is invaluable, as they are responsible for creating the construction project. Remember also to maintain regular contact with the office to monitor the progress of the case and clarify any doubts. Cooperation with officials and timely delivery of required documents will certainly streamline the entire process.
Abastran’s Services in the Context of Building Formalities
Abastran, a company specializing in the design and construction of tent halls, offers its clients comprehensive support not only at the investment implementation stage but also in the field of legal formalities. Thanks to many years of experience and knowledge of the industry, Abastran experts help investors choose the optimal procedure – notification or obtaining a building permit – and in completing the necessary documentation.
Abastran boasts many projects in which the company actively participated in the legal and formal process. For example, during the construction of a warehouse hall for a logistics company, Abastran advised the client to choose the notification procedure, prepared the required documents, and represented the investor before the office, which allowed for the efficient and trouble-free start of using the facility. In another case, during the implementation of a production hall with higher standards, Abastran supported the client in obtaining a building permit, coordinating design work, and ensuring that the documentation complied with regulations. The company also offers advanced tent structures and membrane structures.
