Guidance on Transportable Structures (BR18) – Danish Building Regulations
The Bygningsreglementets vejledning om opstilling af transportable konstruktioner is the official guidance document issued by the Trafik-, Bygge- og Boligstyrelsen (Danish Authority for Traffic, Building, and Housing). Updated in January 2021, this document provides the interpretive framework for the Danish Building Regulations 2018 (BR18) regarding temporary structures. It serves as a statutory guide for owners, users, event organizers, and municipal building authorities (bygningsmyndigheden) to ensure that transportable units meet the safety requirements defined in the Byggeloven (Building Act).
The scope of the guidance covers a wide range of mobile and temporary installations, specifically including telte (tents), tribuner (grandstands), scener (stages), messestande (exhibition stands), portaler (portals), and tårne (towers). It defines the legal thresholds for when a structure is considered transportable versus permanent, primarily based on the duration of placement. The document details the regulatory pathways under BR18 § 6 b, distinguishing between structures exempt from permits and those requiring either a byggetilladelse (building permit) or a valid certificering (certification) from an accredited inspection body.
This guidance also addresses technical documentation requirements such as static calculations, fire safety plans (brandsyn), and escape route layouts. It clarifies the roles of accredited inspection bodies like Teknologisk Institut and AFRY in the certification process. The following sections outline the specific duration limits, permit exemptions, and the mandatory certification scheme for various construction categories.
Duration and Scope of Application
The primary distinction for transportable structures is based on the duration of their setup at a single location. Structures intended for short-term use are governed by specific temporary rules, while those exceeding specific time limits transition into the category of permanent buildings.
- 6-Week Rule: Structures placed for up to 6 weeks are generally treated as transportable. If a structure remains at the same location for more than 6 weeks, it is considered a permanent construction and requires a standard building permit regardless of certification status.
- Temporary Use: The regulations apply to structures used for concerts, sports events, circus performances, and temporary housing (genhusning).
- Exceptions: The guidance does not apply to amusement rides (forlystelser), which are governed by the Ministry of Justice, nor to small camping tents or parasols.
Permit Exemptions under BR18 § 6 b
Under BR18 § 6 b, stk. 1, certain structures may be erected for up to 6 weeks without prior application for a building permit or certification, provided they meet specific safety criteria.
- Private Tents: Single-story tents and sails for private use.
- Small Event Tents: Tents not for private use with a total area of no more than 100 m².
- Low Stages and Grandstands: Stages and grandstands with a floor height of no more than 1.0 meter, provided they are not covered.
- Construction Site Units: Trailers and containers used for construction work, provided they are not used for overnight stays.
Certification and Inspection Requirements
Structures listed under BR18 § 6 b, stk. 2 and 4 must either obtain a building permit for every setup or hold a valid certification. Certification is an inspection-based approval that confirms the structure meets relevant technical standards.
- Validity: A certification is typically valid for 5 years, though inspection bodies may set shorter terms based on the structure's expected lifespan.
- Renewal: Certification can be renewed up to 3 times, allowing for a total maximum duration of 20 years before a full new certification is required.
- Inspections: Accredited bodies like DANAK oversee the companies performing these inspections. The inspection covers static calculations, fire safety, and accessibility (adgangsforhold).
Modular and System Structures
The guidance provides specific rules for modulopbyggede konstruktioner (modular structures), which consist of a system of interchangeable parts that can be configured in various sizes.
- Component Certification: Certification applies to the individual modules or the system as a whole. The properties of the modules must remain identical to those at the time of certification.
- Spare Parts: Owners may keep a limited stock of extra components for maintenance purposes. Table 3 in the document specifies the allowed ratio of spare parts to certified components (e.g., 1 spare for 1-5 components).
- Configuration Limits: The inspection report must specify if there are limitations on how many modules can be joined or if specific conditions apply to large configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a certified tent stay in one place?
A transportable structure can stay in one location for a maximum of 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, it is considered permanent and requires a building permit.
Do I need to notify the municipality if more than 150 people use the structure?
Yes, for structures intended for more than 150 people, a notification must be sent to the municipal council (kommunalbestyrelsen) at least 4 weeks before use to allow for a fire inspection (brandsyn).
Which structures are always exempt from building permits for 6 weeks?
Exemptions include private tents, non-private tents under 100 m², and uncovered stages or grandstands under 1.0 meter in height.
How long is a certification valid?
A certification is generally valid for 5 years and can be renewed for up to 15 or 20 years in total, depending on the regulations at the time of renewal.
Can I use foreign certification for transportable structures in Denmark?
A foreign certificate can be used as a basis, but an accredited Danish inspection body must ensure that the structure meets the specific requirements of the Danish Building Regulations.
Who is responsible for the safe setup of a certified stage?
The person or entity that manages the setup is responsible for following the requirements in the inspection report. The owner must inform the user about these specific conditions.
Are storage tents at production sites covered by these rules?
Yes, tents used by production companies for temporary storage of goods or materials are subject to the same regulations as event tents.
What happens if a structure is modified after certification?
Any changes to the technical properties of a certified structure will render the certification void, requiring a new inspection or a building permit.
