The following are examples of work that requires a building permit. However, this may not be a complete list. Please contact Building Services for assistance if you are unsure if a permit is required.
Exterior
- Additions (includes enclosing existing porch)
- Detached covered or uncovered deck more than 600 mm above adjacent grade
- Detached structure containing plumbing
- Detached shed, more than 15 square metres, more than one storey in building height and only used for storage purposes
- Detached shed, more than 10 square meters and not primarily used for storage
- Guard/railing replacement or new installation
- Pool enclosures/fences – around swimming pools with a water depth of 305 mm (12 inches) or greater (includes all seasonal, above ground, and inground pools)
- Raising or lowering (underpinning) a house to provide a full basement
- Ramps or elevating devices
- Repairs to structural members (i.e. subfloor, roof sheathing, beams, lintels, etc.)
- Replacing roofing or exterior cladding with a different material
- Replacing structures in same size and the same location
- Retaining walls that exceed 1000 mm in exposed height adjacent to;
- public property
- access to a building, or
- private property to which the public is admitted
- Signs as designated in the Ontario Building Code and signs defined in the Sign By-law
- Solar panels
- Tents greater than 60 square metres, all tents within 3 metres of a building, or a group of tents
- Waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
- Weeping tile replacement
Interior
- Interior alterations, including finishing or partially finishing a basement or other spaces
- Finishing the existing unfinished space
- Walkout basement
- Replacement of interior railings/guards
- Adding an accessory dwelling unit (conversion)
- Relocating rooms/creation of new rooms
- Material alterations, including installing or replacing drywall and insulation
- Creating new door or window openings or increasing the size of openings
- Relocating door or window openings
- Adding or removing walls (non-load bearing and load bearing), beams and lintels
- Backwater valve
- Waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
- Internal weeping tile system
- Sump pump
- Fire damage repair
- Changing the use of a building (e.g. lodging house, bed and breakfast or changing any part of a building from one use to another)
Plumbing
- New plumbing or relocating plumbing
- New septic systems, repair or replacement (septic tank permits are submitted and processed through the Niagara Region)
- Installation of water meter, water, sanitary, and storm services to the property line
Heating
- Wood stoves or fireplaces
- New or replacement of ductwork in an HVAC system
Demolition/removal
- Demolitions for structures 10 square metres or greater (except for accessory structures not more than 15 square metres, as noted)
- Partial demolitions of buildings
- Partial demolition of an attached structure