Building Frequently Asked Questions

No.Categories: Building

If the height of the deck is greater than 24 inches, then it requires a permit.

No, but there are height restrictions. Please refer to Fence By-law No. 2005-70.

Yes a permit is required for an inground, above ground, and seasonal pool.

Please also refer to Swimming Pool Bylaw 2014-58.

If you are replacing such things as flooring, kitchen cabinets, than no permit is required.

If you are just replacing them no, but if you are enlarging them yes.

For residential properties:

Every window in a dwelling unit designed to be opened shall be fitted with screens, to prevent the entrance of rodents, vermin and insects and the screens shall be maintained in good repair (Property Standards By-law 2015-101 section 3.1.5).

Sheds up to 15 square meters are exempt from requiring a building permit, provided it meets conditions outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

O. Reg. 451/22 made under the Building Code Act, 1992 - Article 1.3.1.1. of Division C of the Regulation:

A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under section 8 of the Act and is exempt from compliance within the Ontario Building Code, provided that the shed,

a) is not more than 15 square meters in gross area,

b) is not more than one storey in building height,

c) is not attached to a building or any other structure,

d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and

e) does not have plumbing.

Please refer to Sign Bylaw 2021-24 which guides the location and size of signs by District in the City. Application for a sign permit can be made through Building Services.

Graffiti and other types of vandalism found on City property should be reported to our Municipal Service Centre.  You can call or email our staff 24/7 at (905) 356-1355 or [email protected].  

If the vandalized property belongs to another agency (e.g. a utility company,  the Niagara Parks Commission or MTO), the matter should be referred to the property owner.

Graffiti on private property may be referred to Property Standards By-Law 2015-101, section 2.7.7, which states:

Exterior walls and their components shall be repaired of vandalism or other damage, including defacements by paint, inscriptions or other markings as well as broken windows.

This will depend on the zoning of your property and the lot coverage of the existing building.Categories: Building

Please refer to Building Services Permit Fees and contact the Building Department regarding City, Regional, and School Board Development Charges that may be applicable to the land.

Contact Info
Building and Enforcement Services
905-356-7521 ext. 4001

Fences, enclosures, retaining walls and structures appurtenant to a property shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound condition and plumb, maintained free of health or other hazards.

Please refer to Fence Bylaw 2005-70 as amended.

Whether you own property or rent, live or work in the City of Niagara Falls, everyone has a role in rodent prevention. Rodent proofing your home and property is the most important factor to prevent and control these pests. 

Please visit the Rodent Prevention and Control webpage for more information on the Residential Rodent Control Rebate Program.

If you are experiencing rodents inside your home please contact Niagara Region Public Health at 905-356-1538 or visit  the Public Health webpage.

Visit Canada411.ca for local pest control services. View rodent prevention tips at the Government of Canada website.

Residential buildings, dwelling units and yards shall be kept free of rodents, insects or vermin and the methods used for exterminating such rodents, insects or vermin, shall be in accordance with all applicable government regulations. It is the owners responsibility to take care of this.

For more information please visit the Rodent Prevention and Control webpage.

Property standards are in place to protect the health and safety of occupants, tenants and the general public. The Property Standards By-law sets minimum standards to ensure that property owners maintain their properties. Please refer to the City's Property Standards By-law No. 2015-101.

Every owner, lessee or occupant of land shall ensure that the grass on the land is less than 20 centimeters in length. Please see By-law No. 2007-41, section 8.

Please refer to Property Standards By-law 2015-101.

Residential:
3.5.1 Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a heating system capable of continuously
maintaining an indoor air temperature of not less than:
(1) 22C [72F] in all habitable rooms and interior living spaces (excluding
attached garages);
(2) 22C [72F] in unfinished basement spaces; and
(3) 15C [59F] in heated crawlspaces.
3.5.2 The indoor air temperatures specified in article 3.5.1 are to be maintained between
the 15th day of September of one year and the 31st day of May the following year,
unless otherwise specified by the Chief Building Official.

Non- Residential:
4.5.1 Any non-residential building, except for those of industrial occupancy, shall be
provided with a heating system capable of continuously maintaining an indoor air
temperature of not less than 21C [70F] during normal working hours.

All doors and windows should have the necessary and suitable hardware to ensure the proper operation and integrity of the door or window and effective locking devices.Categories: Building

This will depend on the zoning of your property, as well as whether your property is an interior or exterior lot.

Please contact the Planning Department at 905-356-7521 ext. 4330 or [email protected]. 

Development charges are required to be paid at the building permit stage for new development to the Region, City, and School Board (where applicable). The applicable rates by type of development can be found on the following links:

City of Niagara Falls Development Charges

Niagara Region Development Charges

Education Development Charges

Please refer to Property Standards By-law 2015-101.

Residential:
3.5.1 Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a heating system capable of continuously
maintaining an indoor air temperature of not less than:
(1) 22C [72F] in all habitable rooms and interior living spaces (excluding
attached garages);
(2) 22C [72F] in unfinished basement spaces; and
(3) 15C [59F] in heated crawlspaces.
3.5.2 The indoor air temperatures specified in article 3.5.1 are to be maintained between
the 15th day of September of one year and the 31st day of May the following year,
unless otherwise specified by the Chief Building Official.

Non- Residential:
4.5.1 Any non-residential building, except for those of industrial occupancy, shall be
provided with a heating system capable of continuously maintaining an indoor air
temperature of not less than 21C [70F] during normal working hours.

Handrails are required in every stairwell or open stairway leading to a higher storey or to a basement with three or more risers and every porch, balcony or landing.

The Ontario Building Code Division B Part 9 subsection 9.8.7 regulates handrails for Housing and Small Buildings.

Affordable Housing is administered by Niagara Regional Housing  Please visit their contact us webpage for contact information or call 905-682-9201.

Refer to  By-law 2007-41 regulating litter and the maintaining of land. These regulations include the parking and storing of vehicles, trailers, and recreational vehicles.

No person shall deposit refuse on any private land or publicly owned land.  Refuse includes inoperative motor vehicles, boats, ships, trailers, including any parts or accessories therof except where all such vehicles are within an enclosed building.

Inoperative motor vehicles means a vehicle lacking an affixed current motor vehicle licence plate or having missing parts, including tires, damaged or missing glass, or deteriorated or removed metal adjunction, which prevents its lawful mechanical function upon a highway, which vehicle is not located on lands of a licensed motor vehicle dealership or licensed motor vehicle repair garage.

Please refer to  By-law No. 2007-41 for regulations regarding litter and the maintaining of land.

6.  No person shall use any land or structure in the City for storing used motor vehicles for the purpose of wrecking or dismantling them or salvaging parts thereof for sale or other disposal, unless authorized by law to do so.

7.  No person may park or store any vehicle, trailer, recreational vehicle or other conveyance
on land that is not a surfaced parking area.