Temporary raised structures are a common feature of many events.
Raised structure means platform, stand, staging or other similar structure over 600mm high for the purpose of providing seating or standing accommodation.
If you intend to have a raised structure as part of your event, you will need to apply for a permit to use in accordance with Section 89 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
Apply for permission to use a raised structure at an event
Please ensure you read the Guidance notes carefully before submitting your application. If you have issues accessing our download please contact PublicSafety@edinburgh.gov.uk.
If the raised structure is to remain in its completed state for a period exceeding 28 consecutive days, or for a number of days exceeding 60 days in any 12 month period, it may be necessary to make an application for a Building Warrant as required under Section 8 of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003.
Fees
We will email you a link to make payment when you have completed the form.
3rd party verification by a chartered structural engineer may be required to satisfy that the structure has been safely constructed and secured. This cost will be additional to the application fees as indicated below.
All definitions are at the discretion of the Public Safety Officer.
Simple structure
Single story structures, using a decking product which is assembled according to manufacturer instructions, which are included in the application. The instruction manual must confirm allowable loadings in kN/m2 and any required bracing. If located outdoors a certification by a chartered structural engineer will be required to provide an operational wind speed for the structure, regardless of the size.
Up to three structures can be added to one application. For additional structures, please complete a separate application.
£330 for one structure
£660 for up to three structures
Complex structures
Any systems with bespoke or custom parts, such as roofed staging systems. One complex structure per application. For additional structures, please complete a separate application.
£660 per structure
Community events
Community events are those which are managed by a local neighbourhood or community.
£100 up to three structures
What do we assess?
The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 states that “The local authority shall grant their approval of the use of a raised structure […] if they are satisfied that it
- has been safely constructed and secured; and
- has sufficient means of entrance and exit including means of escape in case of fire or other emergency
in relation to the circumstances in which it is to be used; but not otherwise."
To help us do this we follow industry guidance, primarily Temporary demountable structures – guidance on procurement design and use, fourth edition, published by the Institute of Structural Engineers and depending on circumstances we may refer to the Technical standards for places of entertainment published by the Association of British Theatre Technicians .
Once a structure is complete, written confirmation that it has been built as drawn, or any alterations have been made, by a competent person is to be submitted to the Public Safety Officer.