Building Permits ensure that all building construction governed by a building permit meets the minimum acceptable standard as required by the Ontario Building Code Act. This is accomplished through the processing of all building permits, the review of applications, and the site inspection of all construction projects.
Find out what kind of work needs a permit, use our resources for other agency information, and follow the links to apply.
Projects that need a building permit
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, not more than 15 square metres, not more than 1 storey in building height, not attached to a building or structure and is used only for storage purposes, where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house
- Guard/railing replacement or new installation
- Pool enclosures/fences – around swimming pools with a water depth of 305mm (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 1000mm 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 (PDF)
- 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 existing non-finished 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 (single family dwellings only).
Heating
- Wood stoves or fireplaces
- New or replacement of ductwork in an HVAC system
- Installation of internal plumbing
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
Projects that do not need a building permit
The following are examples of work which do not require a building permit. However, this is not a complete list. Even if a building permit is not required, compliance with zoning bylaw is required. Please contact Building Services for assistance.
Sheds that meet the criteria
Where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house, a Building Permit is not required for the construction or demolition of a detached shed provided that the shed:
- is not more than 15 square metres (161 square feet) in gross area,
- is not more than one storey in building height,
- is not attached to a building or any other structure,
- does not have plumbing.
Other
For all other uses, a Building Permit is not required for the construction or demolition of a detached structure, provided it is not more than 10 square metres (108 square feet) and does not have plumbing. (Must still comply with the City’s Zoning By-law requirements).
- Repairing eavestroughs where drainage is contained within the property.
- Building a fence that does not enclose a pool (Refer to the Fence By-law for details)
- Installing minor millwork, cabinetry, and flooring such as carpet, laminate or hardwood.
- Landscaping (a site alteration permit may be required for changes in grading)
- Painting or decorating
- Replacing existing plumbing fixtures in the same location
- Furnace replacement
- Re-shingling a roof with the same roofing materials
- Replacing existing windows to the same size and location where no fire resistance rating is required.
- Demolition of building located on a farm
How to apply for a building permit
Ontario Building Code information and other resources
Obtain further information related to the Ontario Building Code, Building Code Act, compliance, certification, building materials and more from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Building and Development Branch.
Other resources:
