The Ontario Building Code Act legislates all timelines associated with the building permit process. Sign up for a City Dashboard account to upload your application form and check the status online. Learn how to revise, transfer or cancel your permit. We are here to help you through each step of the way!
Do I need a building permit?
If you are unsure if your project needs a building permit, check Do I need a building Permit? You can also contact us for more information.
How to apply for a building permit
Step 1: Complete applicable agency approvals
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. 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
Step 2: Zoning confirmation
You can confirm that your project meets zoning requirements in one of two ways:- 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.
- 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.
Step 3: Submit your application and drawings
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.
Step 4: Application review and fee payment
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 deficiency 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” in person or by mail. Include the building permit application number on the cheque notes.
- Pay online through your City Dashboard account.
Step 5: Plans review stage and turnaround times
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.
Timelines for plan review
The time required to process a building permit application is 10 to 30 days, depending on the building's class and size.
These timelines are for complete permit applications that meet zoning requirements and applicable law, and the submitted drawings provide all the required information. Additional reviews are necessary if the application is not ready for issuance and requires information or documents to be revised and resubmitted.
| Timeline | Type of building |
|---|
| 10 days | - Houses and semi-detached houses including additions and renovations.
- Attached garages and carports
- Decks
- Detached structures serving houses such as sheds, garages, carports and pool houses.
- Tents
|
| 15 days | - Town houses or row houses
- Buildings other than those described above, where Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code is applicable:
- 3 or fewer storeys in height
- Building area less than 600 square metres
- Major Occupancies classified as:
- Residential
- Business and Personal Services (ex. Offices)
- Mercantile (ex. Retail stores)
- Medium or low hazard industrial
- Farm buildings not exceeding 600 square meters in building area
|
| 20 days | - Buildings where Part 3 of the Ontario Building Code is applicable.
- Farm buildings exceeding 600 square meters in building area.
|
| 30 days | - Post-disaster building
- High building to which Ontario Building Code 3.2.6 applies
- Buildings with interconnected floor areas to which Ontario Building Code 3.2.8.3 to 3.2.8.11 applies.
|
Step 6: Building permit 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.
Step 7: Building permit inspections
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 the permit is issued, all inspections can be booked on your City Dashboard account or by contacting 905-356-7521 extension 4251/4285 or emailing [email protected].
Building permit application forms
Individual forms
Energy efficiency forms
How to revise, transfer or cancel your permit
Revise your permit
Reasons for revising a building permit include:
- Scope of work changes: You will need a revised application or additional plans review if you need to adjust your construction plans after receiving your building permit.
- Address changes: If your municipal address has been changed since your permit was issued, it needs to be corrected on the permit.
- Correcting errors: Fixing inaccuracies or omissions in the original permit or submitted drawings.
What to do:
- If you have already started construction, talk to your Building Inspector to determine the type of revision you need.
- If you have not started construction, talk to your Plans Examiner.
Transfer your permit
Follow these steps to transfer your building permit to a new owner.
- Log on to your City Dashboard Account and go to your permit file.
- Complete and upload the Change of Use, Partial Occupancy & Transfer of Permit Application.
- Pay the fees:
- 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” in person or by mail. Include the building permit application number on the cheque notes.
- Pay online through your City Dashboard account.
Cancel your permit
If you’ve decided not to start or continue your project, contact Building Services in writing.
- Email: [email protected]
- An inspection will be required before cancellation.
- Refunds are dependent on the stage of the permit application. Visit the Building Permit Fees page for details.
Contact us
City of Niagara Falls
Building Services
4343 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6Z9
905-356-7521 ext. 4001
[email protected]
