Building Permit Application Process

Forms

• Applicable Law Checklist
• Application to Construct or Demolish
• Application for Permit Supplemental Data
• Authorized Agent Form
• Application for Occupancy of an Unfinished Building-Non-Residential and Multi-Residential
• Application for a Permit to Install a Sign
• Application for a Permit to Install a Swimming Pool
• Water Service Pipe Sizing
• Commitment to General Professional Review
• Change of Use, Partial Occupancy and Transfer of Permit Application
• Conditional Permit Supplemental Data
• Liquor Licence Application Form
• Request for Information Building Report
• Request for Off Hours Inspection/Plan Exam

Energy efficiency forms

• Ontario Building Code - SB-10 2017 Checklists - ASHRAE 189.1-2014
• SB-10 2017 Checklist Level 1 - ASHRAE 90.1-2013
• Ontario Building Code - SB-10 2017 Checklists - Part 9 Full Package
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form Performance Method SB-12
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary Form Prescriptive Method SB-12

To avoid delays, complete all necessary approvals from other regulatory agencies before you apply. The details and contact information are on the Applicable Law Checklist found in the Building permit application forms section on this page. Other approvals might include but are not limited to:

• Niagara Escarpment Commission
• Niagara Peninsula Energy/Ontario Hydro (minimum setbacks from the hydro lines may apply. Visit npei.ca to learn more.
• Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
• Regional Municipality of Niagara
• Ministry of Transportation or other Ministries

You can confirm that your project meets zoning requirements in one of two ways:

1. Simultaneous Zoning Review
   • You can have your zoning compliance reviewed as part of your building permit application
   • The zoning compliance fee will still apply, but no separate application is needed
2. Zoning Compliance Certificate
   • Apply through your City Dashboard account for a separate Zoning Compliance Certificate before submitting your building permit application
   • This is a separate application with its own fee
   • Visit our webpage for more details about the Zoning Compliance Certificate process

Incomplete or non-compliant applications may delay or prevent permit approval.

Application: Apply in your City Dashboard Account. Fill in the information, and you will be prompted to upload your completed building permit application forms and documents.

Drawings: Upload all required site plans, drawings, and specifications.

Reporting damage: Please be advised that if there is existing damage to the City's sidewalks, curbs, pavement, utilities, or other public infrastructure adjacent to or in front of the property for which a permit is being requested, it is in the property owner's best interest to report such damage at the time of building permit application submission. To report existing damage, please upload clear, dated photographs of the affected areas as part of your building permit application.

Failure to document and report existing damage may result in the property owner being held responsible for the repair of any such damage observed or noted by the Building Inspector following permit issuance.

City staff will review your application within 2 business days to ensure it is complete and complies with the Ontario Building Code and other regulations.

• If accepted, your application moves to the next stage once the initial permit fees are paid
• If refused, you will receive a refusal letter stating the requirements to complete the application

Important!: An accepted application is not the same as an issued permit. Do not start construction until your permit is issued.

Fees

Pay the required building permit fees when you receive notice that fees are payable via the CityView Portal. Payment can be made in the following ways:

• Cash or debit in person at the Building Department at 4343 Morrison Street (credit cards are not accepted for in-person payments)
• Cheques payable to the “City of Niagara Falls” can be paid in person or by mail. Include the building permit application number on the cheque notes.
• Pay online through your City Dashboard account

Once your application is accepted, it moves to the plans review stage.

• A qualified Plans Examiner will review your submission and provide a status letter if it is not ready for issuance
• You may need to submit revisions or additional documents during this process
• When all requirements are met, your application will be ready for issuance

To receive your building permit:

• We will issue your permit once all requirements are completed and fees are paid
• Pay any applicable fees, such as development charges or additional costs assigned during the plans review stage

You cannot start construction unless you have received an issued building permit.  You are responsible for requesting all required inspections to finalize your building permit.

Once your permit is issued, you can easily book your required inspections in any of these ways:

• Log in to your City Dashboard Account
• Email us at pbd@niagarafalls.ca 
• Call us at 905-356-7521 ext. 4330

To learn more, visit our Building Permit Inspections page.