- permit fee: $0.37 per square foot or $95 (minimum)
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
Residential building permits
Learn about our different building permits and what you need to include in your application. If you have any questions, send us an email or call us at 519-741-2312.
- Do I need a building permit?
- How to apply for a building permit
- Application processing
- Miscellaneous permits and applications
- Fence variance
- Interior alterations and finishing your basement
- Building a deck or porch
- Building an addition
- Pool permit
- Building a new home
- Adding a carport or attached garage
- Building a detached garage or accessory structure (other than a shed)
- Building a shed
- Adding a duplex or granny flat
- Removing a load-bearing wall
- Changing an HVAC system
- Demolition
Do I need a building permit?
Depending on your project, you may need a building permit to continue. Visit our webpage to learn if you need a building permit or if you can continue without applying for one.
How to apply for a building permit
You can apply for your building permit online or in person. All projects must follow our zoning bylaw.
Online
Use our online services. After you apply, you can check the status of your permit and schedule any city inspections.
In person
To apply for a building permit in person, please book an appointment. Please bring your completed forms and drawings to your appointment.
Application processing
We will review your application within 10 business days.
After we review the application, our staff will email you to let you know the permit is ready to issue. If we need more information, we’ll send you a status letter with a list of issues that need to be addressed before we issue the permit.
There is no legislated timeframe for further reviews. If you get a status letter, the length of time will depend on the list of deficiencies that need to be addressed and any communication between the applicant and staff.
Miscellaneous permits and applications
Visit our miscellaneous permits and applications page to find requirements for these applications:
- adding solar panels
- adding a backflow device
- installing or altering a septic system
- emergency water service repair
- water, sewer, storm replacement or repair
- tents
Fence variance
If your fence does not meet the requirements of our fence bylaw, you can make an application for a variance request.
Download the application form and submit it with the fee to our planning division.
Review the fence variance process:
- for fences on interior lots, all abutting property owners get written notice of the request and have the opportunity to express comments
- for street flanking fences on corner lots, all property owners within a 30 metre radius get written notice of the request and have the opportunity to share their comments
- planning staff may also circulate and get input from other departments or agencies with an interest in the application
If there are no concerns, the process takes approximately three weeks. Approval may be subject to conditions, which must be fulfilled in order to finalize the variance.
If there are objections from the community, staff will attempt to address the concerns or seek a compromise with the applicant. If the concerns cannot be resolved, or if staff do not support the requested variance, community members or the applicant will have the opportunity to appeal the staff recommendation to city council.
Interior alterations and finishing your basement
You need a building permit for interior alterations, including partial and full basement finishing projects.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- application form
- schedule 1 form, completed by a qualified designer or homeowner
- Project Information: Residential
- window and door sizes
- room names
- kitchen and/or bathroom layout
- location of stairs, furnace, etc.
- new wall construction
- location of existing ducting or overhead beams
- ceiling height
Building a deck or porch
You need a building permit to build a deck or porch if:
- it is 24 inches (2 feet) or more above the ground, measured at any point
- your deck will be covered by a permanent roof
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95
Show these items on your site plan:
- dimensions of the deck
- distance from the deck to the property lines
- other structures in the area (example: shed, pool)
- building centre drawings or hand drawn to scale and dimensioned
Plan view showing
- posts
- floor joists
- beams
- stairs
- landings
Side view showing
- height of deck and guard
Under the Ontario Building Code, you can install wooden guards or railings.
If you want to install anything other than wooden guards or railings, you need to include the package of details from your supplier.
You cannot install hollow plastic or vinyl guards or railings.- 5/4” wood decking
- all other decking products require approval and documentation, please send us an email to learn more
Building an addition
You need a building permit to build an addition on your home.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $1.07 per square foot
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- application form
- schedule 1 form – completed by the listed homeowner or a qualified designer
- energy efficiency design summary (performance)
- energy efficiency design summary (prescriptive)
- Project Information: Residential
If the addition is 25% or more of the existing building’s heated area:
Show these items in your site plan:
- property boundaries
- existing building(s)
- other structure locations (example: shed)
- proposed location of the addition
- dimensions and distance to the property lines of the proposed addition
Floor plans
- note and size all structural elements such as floor joints, rafters, beams, columns, lintels, and footing pad sizes
- window/door locations and width and height
- room names including finished basements
- stair location and direction, cabinets and fixtures (fridges, stove, sinks, etc.)
- show Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector
- dimensions of interior and exterior walls and overall dimensions
- provide floor area totals in square feet for each level including basement
- deck plan and guard details (if applicable)
Elevations
- show size and location of existing window and door openings
- label wall cladding and roofing material
- show finished grade
- show footing and foundations below grade (broken lines) including steps in foundation
Wall sections and details (cross-section)
- show materials to be used on section
- provide construction notes for:
- exterior and interior wall assemblies
- all floors assemblies
- roof / ceiling assemblies
- footings and foundation
- weeping tile and damp proofing
- locate finished grade, dimension grade to exterior cladding
- dimensions for all floor heights
- details for:
- items that are not typical and/or clarify construction
- examples – plans view for unique stair, guards, deck connection to house, section of cathedral / vaulted ceiling
Other information
- truss layout drawings (if applicable)
- pre-engineering floor joist layout drawings (if applicable)
Pool permit
You need a pool enclosure permit for all types of pools capable of containing water at least 36 inches or greater in depth. This includes hot tubs, swim spas, in-ground and above ground pools and inflatable pools.
If the hot tub or swim spa has a lockable cover, you do not need a pool enclosure permit.
- permit fee: $95
Show these items on your site plan:
- location and configuration of the proposed pool
- distance to all property lines and existing building
- fence locations which confirm compliance with the fence bylaw and includes the type of construction
- when installing a pool, consider other bylaws and policies around grading, zoning and fences
- review the pool enclosure requirements
- visit our backyard pools and hot tubs page to learn about pool draining
If you live in a newer subdivision, your property may have an infiltration gallery. To find out if your property has an infiltration gallery and where it might be located call us at 519-741-2312.
If you either uncover or damage an infiltration gallery when installing a pool, there may be repairs or relocation required. As the homeowner, it is your responsibility to contact a contractor to assess the damage to the infiltration gallery and/or relocate it somewhere else on the property. These infiltration galleries are important to the overall Stormwater Management design of the subdivision and must remain in functioning order.
If you have any questions, call 519-741-2406.
Building a new home
You need a building permit to build a new residential building, including:
- detached home
- semi-detached home
- detached duplex
- rowhouse
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $1.07 per square foot
- rebate fee: $500 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- development charges
- other fees such as a damage deposit fee and a stormwater management fee may apply. Please see our webpage for a more detailed explanation
All documents and drawings must be submitted in PDF format. When uploading the permit requirements, please combine related documents into files when applying. All forms should be in one document with drawings in another document.
- permit application
- schedule 1 designer information form (one for HVAC and one for house design)
- heat loss/heat gain calculations
- mechanical summary form
- energy efficiency design summary (performance) or energy efficiency design summary (prescriptive) (when drawings do not include this as a matrix)
- site grading plan
- one set of software generated drawings
Drawings must be fully dimensioned, drawn at minimum 3/16"= 1'-0" and note all sizes and types of construction materials to be used and their respective locations, finishes to all walls, ceilings and floors and all existing and proposed fire separations. We do not accept scanned drawings.
Forms and plans that may be applicable
- truss layout drawings
- sewage system design
- schedule 2 – sewage system installer information form
- lot grading plan
- foundation plan
- floor plans
- framing plans
- roof plans
- building elevations
- sections and details
- pre-engineered floor joist layout drawings
All submitted drawings must be prepared by either the owner, or prepared and reviewed by a qualified designer, architect, professional engineer or a combination. Some drawings must be designed by a professional engineer when the design falls outside of the prescriptive requirements of the Building Code.
The Building Code requires qualified, registered designers, who review and take responsibility for design activities, to include the following information on documents submitted to a chief building official or registered code agency:
- name and building code identification number (BCIN) of the registered firm
- statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities
- name, BCIN and signature of the qualified person
Adding a carport or attached garage
You need a building permit to build a carport or attached garage when:
- 108 square feet or larger (new or replacement)
- when it’s attached to another structure, like your home
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95 per bay
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- application form
- schedule 1 form, completed by a qualified designer or homeowner
- Project Information: Residential
Show these items on your site plan:
- location of the proposed carport or attached garage
- dimensions and distance from proposed structure to property lines
- other structures in the area (example: deck, pool)
Plan view
- window and door sizes
- floor, wall and roof construction
- connection to existing structure (only if attached)
Front and side view
- height of structure
- exterior materials
Building a detached garage or accessory structure (other than a shed)
You need a building permit to build a detached garage or accessory structure (other than a shed):
- the proposed structure, new or replaced, is 108 square feet or larger measured to the outside of exterior walls
- the proposed structure is attached to another structure (like your home)
- the proposed structure has plumbing
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95 per accessory building or per bay of garage
- rebate fee: $250 (for garages only, automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
If the proposed structure is larger than 592 square feet, you need a schedule 1 designer form. You will need to complete the drawings with a qualified designer.
Qualified designers need to include their:
- name
- BCIN #
- designer statement
- signature on the plans
- completed schedule 1 form
Show these items on your site plan:
- location of the proposed accessory building or garage
- dimensions and distance from building to property line
- other structures in the area (example: deck, pool)
Plan view
- window and door sizes
- floor, wall and roof construction
- connection to existing structure (only if attached)
Front and side view
- height of structure
- exterior materials
Building a shed
You need a building permit to build a shed if the proposed shed, new or replaced, is:
- more than 161 square feet
- more than one storey
- attached to another structure
- used for any purpose other than storage
- has plumbing
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95 per shed
If the proposed shed is larger than 592 square feet, you need a schedule 1 designer form. You will need to complete the drawings with a qualified designer.
Qualified designers need to include their:
- name
- BCIN #
- designer statement
- signature on the plans
- completed schedule 1 form
Show these items on your site plan:
- location of the proposed shed
- dimensions and distance from shed to property line
- other structures in the area (example: deck, pool)
Plan view
- window and door sizes
- floor, wall and roof construction
- connection to existing structure (only if attached)
Front and side view
- height of structure
- exterior materials
Adding a duplex or granny flat
You need a building permit to add a duplex. Duplexes can also be called in-law suites, accessory apartments or granny flats.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $0.37 per square foot of finished space (or $163 minimum)
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- application form
- schedule 1 form, completed by a qualified designer or homeowner
- Project Information: Residential
If you're installing a separate heating system:
- schedule 1 designer information form - completed by HVAC qualified BCIN designer
- heat loss/heat gain calculations
Construction Drawing - Site Plan
- entire property with dimensions of lot lines
- all existing and proposed buildings
- existing and proposed entrances
- external building features such as chimneys, window sills, hydro meters, and heating/cooling/ventilation equipment, etc
- setbacks to all lot lines
- easements
- existing and proposed driveway
- required parking spaces
- 1.1m wide unobstructed walkway from principal entrance to street
- location and depth of window wells, including any required escape windows
- stairs and access ramps
Construction drawings - new residential unit
- window/door sizes – include glass area
- room names
- kitchen/bathroom layout
- stair, furnace, etc. location
- location of any existing walls and ceilings – indicate existing construction
- new wall/ceiling construction
- new beam sizes and supports
- location of existing ducting or overhead beams
- ceiling height
- location of proposed separation between units
Construction drawings - retained residential unit
- window/door locations
- room names and locations
- stair, furnace etc. location
- new wall construction
Removing a load-bearing wall
You need a building permit to remove a load-bearing wall, column, lintel or beam.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- application form
- schedule 1 form, completed by the listed homeowner or a qualified designer
Plan view – for the floor level where the wall is being removed
- direction of the existing floor joists span
- new beam sizes and supports
- distance measure from the new beam to the next wall or beam that is supporting the floor joists (for each side of the beam)
Plan view – for all floor levels above and below the floor where the wall is being removed
- direction of the existing floor joists span
- all existing beams below the new posts from above and their sizes and post locations
- distance measured from the existing beam to the next wall or beam that is supporting the floor joists (for each side of the beam)
Changing an HVAC system
You need a permit to change your HVAC heating system.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
- permit fee: $95 (per residential suite)
- rebate fee: $250 (automatically refunded when the final building inspection is approved)
- application form
- schedule 1 form completed by BCIN HVAC designer
- heat loss/heat gain calculations (prepared by BCIN designer or professional engineer)
Demolition
You need a building permit to demolish any structure that is 108 square feet or larger. There are two types of residential demolitions:
Minor demolition
Demolish a structure 108 square feet or larger including but not limited to a shed, garage, roof structure or addition.
- permit fee: $95
Where, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or Inspector, a demolition site presents a hazard to the public, the Chief Building Official or Inspector may require the owner to erect fences to fully enclose all areas of the site which prevent a hazard.
Residential demolition
Demolish or remove a residential building including but not limited to a house, rowhouse or detached duplex.
- permit fee: $95
- rebate fee and engineering fee may be applicable
- application form
- demolition agreement form
- demolition tracking sheets with all sign-offs completed
- pre-grading plan, prepared by a professional engineer or an Ontario land surveyor
- post-grading plan, prepared by a professional engineer or an Ontario land surveyor
If the structure has any residential units, you must also complete a demolition control agreement.
Where, in the opinion of the Chief Building Official or Inspector, a demolition site presents a hazard to the public, the Chief Building Official or Inspector may require the owner to erect fences to fully enclose all areas of the site which prevent a hazard.
Contact Us
City of Kitchener
200 King Street West,
Kitchener, Ontario
Telephone: 519-741-2345,
TTY: 1-866-969-9994
mailto:info@kitchener.ca