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
- 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
- Adding solar panels
- Water, sewer, storm replacement or repair
- Adding a backflow device
- Installing or altering a septic system
- Changing an HVAC system
- Emergency water service repair
- Demolition
- Tent
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.
Some projects that need a building permit include:
- building a detached structure, other than a shed, 108 square feet or greater
- building a shed that meets any of these criteria:
- more than 161 square feet
- more than one storey
- attached to another structure
- used for any purpose other than storage
- contains plumbing
- adding an attached carport or other structure with a roof
- finishing your basement
- adding a bedroom to the basement
- creating a duplex
- removing a load-bearing wall
- moving plumbing fixtures
Some projects that don’t need a building permit include:
- building a detached structure, other than a shed, that’s less than 108 square feet, like a gazebo
- building a shed that meets all of these criteria:
- smaller than 161 square feet in gross area
- one storey in building height
- not attached to a building or any other structure
- used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot
- does not have plumbing
- installing a gas fireplace
- building a fence, but the fence must follow our bylaw (see fence variance process)
- installing a water softener
Find more examples on our webpage.
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.
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.
Current variance applications
- May 8, 2023 - 77 Franklin Street North
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.
Fees |
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Process guide |
Forms |
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Construction drawings |
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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.
Fees |
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Forms |
Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
Plan view showing
Side view showing
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Guards and railings |
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. |
Approved decking materials |
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Standard details |
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.
Fees |
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Forms |
If the addition is 25% or more of the existing building’s heated area: |
Site plan |
Show these items in your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
Floor plans
Elevations
Wall sections and details (cross-section)
Other information
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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.
Fees |
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Forms |
Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Reminder |
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.
Fees |
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Permit requirements |
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. |
Forms and plans that may be applicable |
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Designer requirements |
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:
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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.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
Plan view
Front and side view
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Standard details |
Process guide |
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.
Fees |
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Process guide |
Forms |
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:
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Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
Plan view
Front and side view
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Standard details |
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.
Fees |
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Process guide |
Forms |
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:
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Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
Plan view
Front and side view
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Standard details |
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.
Fees |
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Process guide |
Forms |
If you're installing a separate heating system:
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Construction drawings - new residential unit |
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Construction drawings - retained residential unit |
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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.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Construction drawings |
Plan view – for the floor level where the wall is being removed
Plan view – for all floor levels above and below the floor where the wall is being removed
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Process guide |
Adding solar panels
You need a building permit for any solar collector with an aggregate face area of 5 sq. m. or greater that is mounted to a building or structure.
Existing buildings must be evaluated for the extra loading the solar panels apply to the roof assembly. Solar panels may add dead loads to the structure and can also cause extra wind uplift and live loads (snow accumulation due to placement of panels). Transfer of loads through the panel mounting systems may cause a relocation of where and how the loads are applied to the roof assembly (uniform and/or point loads). If insufficient capacity is identified systems would have to be strengthened.
Some building owners may want to install a system without proper review, but you must take proper steps to ensure the protection of your building and the safety of its occupants.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
Fees |
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Forms |
Construction drawings - single family and duplex |
1. Plan view
2. Building system review (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
3. Supplementary construction, if upgrades are needed (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
4. Fastening system info (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
5. Pre-manufactures mounting rail system manufacture specifications 6. Solar panel manufacture specifications |
Construction drawings - multi-residential, ICI |
1. Plan view
2. Building system review (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
3. Supplementary construction, if upgrades are needed (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
4. Fastening system info (by Professional Engineer of Ontario)
5. Mounting rail system details (by Professional Engineer of Ontario) 6. Solar panel manufacture specifications Upon completion of the solar installation a Professional Engineer of Ontario must review the installation and provide a certification letter to the Building Inspector. |
Water, sewer, storm replacement or repair
You need a building permit to repair or install water, storm and sewer service connections on private property.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
Fees |
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Forms |
Adding a backflow device
Backflow happens when water flows in the opposite direction. For instance, instead of running from the city's water system into a business or home, the water runs the reverse way. That means whenever a foreign substance, such as a bottle of weed killer is connected to the end of a garden hose, the potential for pollution is created.
A backflow preventer (BFP) can stop this problem before it happens. These devices ensure unwanted substances do not enter the city's clean water supply.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Installing or altering a septic system
A septic system processes all the wastewater from your house. You need a building permit if you are installing, repairing, altering or disconnecting a septic system.
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Site plan |
Show these items on your site plan:
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Construction drawings |
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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.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Emergency water service repair
For emergency water service repairs on private property, you must complete the requirements for the emergency water service repair permit as soon as possible. Before you complete the repair (or the next business day), you must also apply for a building permit and pay the $95 fee.
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.
Fees |
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Forms |
Drawings |
Site plan showing the size and location of the existing structure to be demolished, as well as property lines. |
Fences at demolition sites |
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.
Fees |
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Forms |
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Drawings |
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Demolition control |
If the structure has any residential units, you must also complete a demolition control agreement. |
Fences at demolition sites |
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. |
Tent
Tents require a building permit when the area of the structure exceeds 60m² (645sf) or when the area of two or more tents exceeds 60 square metres (645 square feet). Two or more tents are considered a group of tents if the tents are not more than 3.0 metres apart. A tent or group of tents may not require a permit if they are:
- less than 60 square metres (645 square feet) in total (aggregate) ground area;
- not attached to a building; and
- constructed more than 3 metres from all other structures
Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.
Fees |
Permit and rebate fees are due when the permit is submitted. We must receive the fees in order to start the permit review timeline and process. See our fee schedule or send us an email for help with the fee calculations. If a code review is required for determining the permit fees, the rebate fee is still required at the time of permit submission. |
Application requirements |
If your tent is larger than 225 square metres (2421 square feet):
If your tent will be up for more than 14 days:
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Site plan |
Show the location of the tent in relation to:
Please show dimensions less than 3 metres (10 feet). Include these locations:
If your tent will be up for more than 14 days, you need to apply for a site plan. |
Interior plans |
If setting up a tent with no walls, show the location of:
If setting up a tent with walls, show the location of:
If using a tent after dusk, show the location of:
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More information |
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