Please be advised, as of Thursday, January 14, 2021, Ontario will move into a stay-at-home order. This will impact construction and building permit processes. For a complete list construction restrictions, please click here.

The Building Division is responsible for the issuance of building permits in accordance with the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-Law and other applicable legislation.

Apply for building permit

To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Department in City Hall. It is recommended that you speak to the Building Division prior to submitting an application to ensure that all the required information is submitted.  Incomplete applications may be delayed due to missing information.

No construction can begin until a building permit has been issued and picked up. Before starting a project be sure to contact Ontario One Call.

The Building Division is responsible for, issuing the following permits:

Once a Building permit application has been submitted, a plans examination is completed to ensure that the drawings submitted meet the requirements of the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-law and other applicable regulations.

Projects requiring a permit

Building permits are required, but not limited to the projects below:

  • New construction over 108 square feet (10 square metres) in area.
  • Accessory Buildings over 108 square feet (10 square metres) in area.
  • Additions to existing buildings (any size).
  • Decks greater than 23-5/8 inches (600 millimetres) above finished grade.
  • Renovations
  • Change of Use
  • Structural Alteration
  • Pre-fabricated Buildings over 108 square feet (10 square metres) in area.
  • Farm Buildings
  • Fireplaces
  • Material Alterations - alterations to or new exit facilities, fire separations, fire protection systems.
  • Plumbing - alterations or new plumbing systems as well as new services where applicable.
  • Swimming Pools
  • Demolition
  • Permanent Tents
  • Temporary Event Tents
  • Relocating a structure or building.
  • Any other building or structure designated by the Building Code.

If your project is not listed please contact the Building Division. All buildings are required to meet the City's Zoning By-law regardless if a building permit is required.  These restrictions apply whether a building permit is required or not.

Inspections

Once a building permit is issued, inspections must be completed at various stages of construction. The owner is responsible for ensuring the inspections are booked. A minimum of two (2) days notice is required to book a building inspection. The inspections will ensure the requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code, the Building By-Law and other applicable regulations are met. Please refer to your building package for instructions on how your inspections are scheduled. There is a handout that is intended to assist in avoiding common deficiencies found on inspections.

You will also be required to:

  • Show your permit in a window or where it can be easily seen.
  • Keep copies of the approved plans on site.
  • Contact the building department at each required inspection.
  • Tell the building department about any changes, which may require approval before proceeding

The inspector must always be able to see all the work. If it's different from the work that was approved, you will be need to correct the work. If the work is not corrected, the Chief Building Official can take legal action.

Approvals

Approvals may be required from other agencies such as:

Building without a permit

Anyone who starts construction without a permit may be subject to penalties and additional fees. Anyone who is charged and found guilty of building without a permit can be fined up to $50,000 for a first offence and up to $100,000 for repeated offences. Fines are even higher for corporations. Fines may also be levied if you don't follow an order from the building department.