Building Permits

A building permit ensures construction, renovation, or demolition work meets the Ontario Building Code Standards and other applicable provincial and municipal regulations. A building permit must be obtained for the construction, demolition, or change of use of buildings. It is illegal to construct or demolish a building without first obtaining a permit. Building permits are issued to ensure that proposed work complies with the structural, fire, and health requirements.

When is a Building Permit required?

Building permits are required for, but not limited to, the following:

Construction of a new building, including addition, alteration, renovation, or repair of an existing building such as:
- A house
- Accessory building
- Deck - Review our Deck Permit Application Guide
- Sunroom
- Detached garage/carport
- Shed (greater than 15m² (161.5 square feet))
- Gazebo
Creation of an accessory apartment within an existing single-unit house
Placing a structure on your property (i.e. mobile home)
Installation of a temporary building
Installation of new plumbing in a building
Installation or modification to site services (i.e. water or sewage lines).
Installation of a permanent sign
Installation of solar panels
Underpinning a building to increase headroom
Installation of heating, ventilation, or air conditioning in all buildings except a house
Installation of a solid fuel burning appliance (i.e. wood burn stove or fireplace)
Installation of a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
Completion of a roughed-in bathroom or washroom
Addition/removal of a structural wall in a dwelling
Installation or repair of an on-site sewage system (with a design capacity of 10,000 litres per day or less)
Replacement/repair of dampproofing and foundation drainage system
Erection of a tent
- A building permit is required for a tent or a group of tents that is more than 60m² in aggregate area, attached to a building area or constructed closer than 3m from other buildings/structures. Review the OBC Requirements for Tents.
Erection of a demountable stage and supporting structure
- A building permit is required for a demountable stage and any supporting structure that is more than 60m² in aggregate area and is more than 3m in height above adjacent grade. Review the OBC Requirements for Demountable stage/supporting structure.
Changing the use of an existing building
Demolition of a building

Before you apply

Before submitting a building permit application, you may need:

A Zoning Compliance Memo
Additional approvals from other agencies (conservation authority, region, utilities, etc.)

Zoning compliance is often the first step in the permit process.

Apply for a Building Permit

Confirm zoning requirements
Prepare required drawings and documents
Submit a completed Building Permit Application
- Review the Building Permit Application Guide
Pay applicable fees
Respond to review comments, if required

Complete your Building Application

Permit Fees

Fees are calculated based on a preliminary review of your submitted application and additional fees may be required after a more detailed review is completed. For any questions regarding fees or payment instructions, please call 905-873-2600 ext. 2925 for further information.

View Building Permit Fees

Permanent signs & sign variances

A building permit is required for a permanent sign and must comply with the Town of Halton Hills Sign By-law. The Sign By-law controls any sign located outside a building wall, whether on private property or Town road allowance.

A variance process is available where the sign cannot be erected in compliance with the by-law. The process takes approximately 3 months.

The Town has no jurisdiction on Regional roads or provincial highways. Permanent signs on private property adjacent to provincial highways require a permit from the Ministry of Transportation before a Town of Halton Hills permit can be issued.

Questions? Contact Building Services at 905-873-2600, ext. 2216.

Portable signs

A Portable Sign Permit is required for a temporary sign.

Questions? Contact Building Services at 905-873-2600, ext. 2330.