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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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