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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.

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
  • Changing the use of an existing building  
  • Demolition of a building

Building permits are not required for the following:

  • Construction of a structure not greater than 10m² (108 square feet)
  • Please contact Building Services to clarify building permit requirements: a building permit is generally required for a building occupying an area greater than 10m². However, depending on specific designs, a building permit may be required for a building occupying an area of 10m² or less (i.e. roof extensions, a building containing plumbing, etc.)
  • Air conditioning units for houses
  • Installation of kitchen or bathroom cupboards (building permit would be required if plumbing work is included)
  • Retaining walls less than 1m in height
  • Replacement furnaces if the new and old furnaces have same output and use the same fuel
  • Replacing roof shingles on a residential dwelling
  • Painting, decorating, or general maintenance 

Apply for a Building Permit

  1. Confirm zoning requirements
  2. Prepare required drawings and documents
  3. Submit a completed Building Permit Application
  4. Pay applicable fees
  5. 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

By-Law

Signs, Sign Permits & Variances

Whether you're installing a permanent sign, applying for a variance, or looking for permit information, visit our Sign By-law page for requirements, forms, and guidance.

Learn more