Building Permits & Fees

A building permit is required for many construction, renovation and demolition projects. Common examples include:

New Buildings and Structures

• New buildings larger than 10 m² (108 sq. ft.), or any size if they contain plumbing
• Accessory buildings larger than 15 m² (161 sq. ft.), including sheds, detached garages, workshops, carports, gazebos and pavilions
• Prefabricated buildings
• Farm buildings
• Permanent tents and temporary event tents
• Signs

Additions, Renovations and Repairs

• Additions of any size to an existing building
• Structural alterations or repairs
• Renovations affecting a building's structure or systems
• Decks more than 600 mm (23⅝ inches) above finished grade
• Installing fireplaces
• Changes to exits, fire separations or fire protection systems
• New or modified plumbing systems

Changes to Existing Buildings

• Changing how a building is used (change of use)
• Moving or relocating a building or structure
• Demolishing structures larger than 10 m² (108 sq. ft.)

Other Projects

Any other building or structure requiring a permit under the Ontario Building Code

Not sure if you need a permit?

If your project isn't listed, contact the Building Division before starting work to confirm whether a building permit or other approvals are required.

New construction permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a building permit for new construction:

• Permit application
• Site plan/ lot grading plan
  • Lot grading plan is required for all new home builds
• Construction drawings (floor plans, sections, elevations, etc.)
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary (EEDS)
• If engineered material is being used, include the specifications from the manufacturer (trusses, LVLs, etc.)

A permit is required to demolish any structures that exceed 10 square metres. The permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a demolition permit:

• Permit application
• Site plan

Different building uses have different requirements under the Ontario Building Code. If you plan to change how an existing building, unit or tenant space is used, you may need a Change of Use permit, even if no construction is planned and the proposed use complies with zoning requirements.

Even if no construction or additions to the building are proposed, updating one or more of the following features may require a change of use permit:

• Fire safety (removing or changing wall fire separations, exits, exit signs and emergency lighting, and fire alarm systems)
• Door hardware
• Washrooms and fixtures
• HVAC system (ventilation)

The permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a change of use permit:

• Permit application
• Letter of use (includes the building's current use in detail, occupant loads, number of employees, and anything that might affect the design of the space).
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plans with dimensions, building sections, fire separations)
• Part 10 Building Matrix as applicable.

A pool permit is required for the installation of any private pool in Port Colborne. A pool permit ensures that the necessary safety features and fencing are included to promote safety and unauthorized entry.

The permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a pool permit:

• Pool permit application
• Site plan

Any structures that exceeds 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet) as well as decks beyond 23-5/8” (500mm) in height from grade require a separate building permit. 

A permit is required to build an accessory structure. Accessory structures include decks, sheds, garages, roof structures, and other buildings identified as accessory structures by the Ontario Building Code. 

The permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a building permit to construct an accessory structure:

• Permit application form
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plans, sections, elevations, etc.)

A deck is considered an accessory structure, therefore a permit is required. A permit is required to build a deck, that exceeds 23 5/8” (600mm) in height from the ground, is larger than 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet) or is attached to an existing structure. 

The permit requirements depend on the scope of your project. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a building permit to construct a deck:

• Permit application form
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plans, sections, elevations, etc.)

A tent permit is required when: 

• The aggregate ground area for a tent or a group of tents exceeds 60 square metres
• A tent or a group of tents are to be attached to a building.
• A tent or group of tents that are assembled closer than three metres to property lines, other buildings and to combustible material or vegetation.

A building (tent) permit is not required when the tent or group of tents measure less that 60 square metres in aggregate ground area, provided that the tent(s) are not attached to a building and are erected more than 3 metres from other structures.

Rules & Regulations for Tents

• Must provide fire fighting access to a tent or group of tents.
• The support frame structure and anchorage system must be designed and reviewed by a Professional Engineer (P. Eng.) for tents larger than 225 square metres once erected.
• Fabrics for tents must meet specific standards for flame resistance.
• Sufficient sanitary facilities must be available for the duration that the tent is erected.

A Professional Engineer is required when: 

• Tents exceed 225 square metres ­in ground area
• Tents exceed 225 square metres in aggregate ground area and are closer that 3 metres apart
• Containing bleachers
• Tents that are enclosed with sidewalls

Permit Requirements

The permit requirements depend on the scope of the tent or group of tents. Although there may be approvals and other information required, below are some key items to include in an application for a tent permit:

• Completed application form
• Site plan illustrating property lines, other buildings, proposed location of the tent(s), sanitary facility location and capacity, drawn to scale with dimensions
• Confirmations for fire fighting access
• Documentation confirming sufficiency of compliance with frame resistance
• Interior tent layout, illustrating the location of tables, exits, seating number, aisle widths, etc.
• Exit signs above exit doors
• Fire extinguishers required next to exit doors

Other Approvals

For tents that exceed 30m², the applicant will be required to consult with the City of Port Colborne’s Fire Department prior to submission of the building permit, to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code’s requirements.

The applicant will also require approval from the City of Port Colborne’s Planning Department. Permits and approvals may also be required from other agencies such as the NPCA, the Ministry of Transportation, and the Niagara Region, etc.

A permit is required to install many types of signs within the City of Port Colborne. You can view the Sign By-Law for specific requirements for a particular sign, and for signs exempt from requiring a permit. To apply for a permit you can submit the completed permit application and all required information to the Building Division at City Hall.

A sign permit requires:

• Sign permit application form
• Site plan
• Drawings (foundation plan if applicable)