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.

On this page:

  1. Application process
  2. Demolition permit
  3. New building or addition (ICI and part 3 - residential)
  4. Interior alteration
  5. Tent
  6. Outdoor patios
  7. Demountable stages and demountable support structures
  8. Emergency water service repair

Application process

Visit our apply for a building permit page to find:

  • how to apply for a permit
  • processing times
  • drawing requirements
  • permit fees
  • what happens when we issue your permit
  • information about inspections

All projects must follow our zoning bylaws.

If you're looking for a building permit for your home, visit our residential building permits page.

Demolition permit

You need a building permit for a partial or full demolition of a building.

Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.

Fee 
  • demolition fee: $0.03 per square foot (minimum $163) plus rebate fee
  • rebate fee: $1,000

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 you’re demolishing a builder larger than 600 square meters:

  • professional engineer’s report that includes the descriptions of the structural design characteristics of the building(s) and the method of demolition (OBC Div. C, 1.3.1.1(3))
  • Commitment to General Review form from the engineer who is overseeing the demolition and completing the general review
Demolition control
If the building is residential or includes any residential units, you need to apply for demolition control.

New building or addition (ICI and part 3 - residential)

You need a building permit for new ICI buildings or additions.

Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.

Fees
  • see our fee schedule for permit fees and other charges
  • rebate fee: $10 per $1,000 of the total construction value (maximum $5,000)

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
Required plans

Stamped by an architect:

Stamped by an OLS, CET or professional engineer:

  • grading and erosion control plan

Stamped by an architect or professional engineer, complete with stamps, signatures and dates:

  • architectural (only signature)
  • structural
  • mechanical
  • electrical
  • site servicing plans (including approved city copy)
Energy efficiency certification
  • choose the energy efficiency design for the building or choose the reason for exemption
  • for all methods, get all seals and signatures (architect, mechanical and electrical engineer)
  • if you choose an energy efficiency design, complete the SB-10 form

Interior alteration

You need a building permit for interior alterations to ICI buildings.

Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for this building permit.

Fees
  • permit fee: $0.37 per square foot
  • rebate fee: $1,000

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
Required plans

Stamped by an architect, professional engineer or qualified designer

  • architectural

Stamped by a professional engineer or qualified designer

  • plumbing
  • HVAC
  • electrical

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 fee: $163 per site

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
  • application form
  • site plan (next accordion)
  • interior plans
  • fabric specifications and certificate (material must meet the requirements of CAN/ULC S109-M or NFPA 701)
  • tent information form
  • letter of approval from our transportation division if you’re building the tent on a city road (call 519-741-2379 for more information)

If your tent is larger than 225 square metres (2421 square feet):

  • structural plans stamped and signed by a professional engineer, including framing and anchorage details
  • commitment to general review form (architect or engineer)

If your tent will be up for more than 14 days:

  • site plan (next accordion)
Site plan

Show the location of the tent in relation to:

  • other structures
  • property lines

Please show dimensions less than 3 metres (10 feet).

Include these locations:

  • fire routes
  • overhead wires
  • washrooms

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:

  • furniture
  • fire extinguishers

If setting up a tent with walls, show the location of:

  • furniture
  • fire extinguishers
  • means of egress
  • exits

If using a tent after dusk, show the location of:

  • exit signs
  • emergency lighting
More information

Outdoor patios

You will need a patio application for outdoor patios associated with a building, or a suite within a building (example: restaurant) if they are:

  • new or modified
  • permanent or temporary/seasonal
  • located on grade (examples: sidewalk, parking lot, etc.), or located on a structure (examples: raised deck, platform, etc.).

Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for the new or modified outdoor patio.

If you previously had an approved outdoor patio application and are looking to renew the application, visit our patio program page.

Fees

There are no fee charges for an outdoor patio application from the Building Division.

However, other fees may be applicable:

  • encroachment agreement fees (when the patio is located on city property)
  • site plan approval fees (when the patio is subject to site plans approval)
  • building permit fees (when the patio includes a structure such as a roof, deck, or tent that required a separate building permit)
Application requirements
Required plans
  • site plan drawing that identifies the location and boundary of the patio in relation to the property boundaries, building(s), and other site structures and features.
  • patio layout drawing, must include:
    • overall dimensions of the patio
    • entrance of the patio and building/restaurant
    • location of entrances / exits for the existing adjacent building / restaurant
    • show location of any fencing or planters used to define the patio (e.g.: flowerpots, fencing, painted lines, etc.)
    • location of all tables and chairs
    • sizes and dimensions of all tables and chairs (e.g., 2’ square)
    • proposed number of chairs at each table
    • host/hostess stand if applicable
    • widths of all walkways/aisle ways
    • distance between tables/seating and edge of patio
    • location of any structures (roof, pop-ups, shade sails, tents, etc.). A separate building permit may be required for these structures, see the patio guidelines for more information regarding patio structures
    • location of exterior mounted sprinkler / standpipe fire house connections (if applicable)
    • locations of existing trees and furniture (e.g.: light posts, planters, garage bins, bollards, etc.)
    • exterior mounted fire department connections (sprinkler/standpipe), if applicable
    • curbs and parking spaces (if applicable)

Demountable stages and demountable support structures

You need a permit for demountable stage(s) that are: 

  • more than 60 sq.m (646 sq.ft) in area and any part of its platform(s) is more than 3m in height above adjacent grade level, or 
  • more than 225 sq.m (2422 sq.ft) in combined area, or 
  • any part of the platform or any roof, wall or structure attached to or located on any of the platforms is 5m or more in height above adjacent ground level.

You need a permit for demountable support structure(s) that are:

  • more than 3m high above adjacent ground level,
  • designed to carry superimposed specified loads greater than 115 kg, or
  • would create a hazard to the public.

Use the accordions below to find the requirements to apply for these types of building permits.

Fees
  • permit fee: $163 per event per property

Permit 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.
Application requirements
  • application form
  • commitment to general review from (engineer)
  • demountable stage & demountable support structure information form
  • site plan (next accordion)
  • structural plans stamped and signed by a professional engineer, for stage(s) and any/all support structures, including framing and anchorage details
  • elevation drawing
  • stage floor plan / layout and details, applicable to stages only (see accordion below)
  • flame resistance specifications and certificate for any tarpaulins, decorative materials, fabrics or films attached to the demountable stage or demountable support structure (material must meet the requirements of CAN/ULC-S109 or NFPA 701)
Site plan

Show the location of the demountable stage and/or demountable support structures in relation to:

  • other structures
  • property lines

Include these locations:

  • fire routes
  • overhead wires
Stage floor plan/layout drawing and details (for stages only)

Floor plan drawing of the stage platform showing:

  • overall dimensions
  • egress stairs
  • travel distance
  • guard locations (if guards required by OBC)

Other general information and details to be provided:

  • stair details
  • guard details (if guards required by OBC)
  • ramp construction details (if applicable)
More information
  • if you’re erecting a stage or support structure on a city road, contact our transportation division (call 519-741-2379 for more information)
  • if you need hydro service, visit the Electric Safety Authority website or call 1-877-372-7233
  • if you need a copy of your building plan or property survey, you can submit a request online

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.