Building Permit Application FAQs

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a building permit?
When do I need a building permit?
When is a building permit not required?
How do I apply for a building permit?
Are any other approvals required?
Do I need a permit for demolition?
How to change the use of a building?
How is your building permit application reviewed?
When do I begin construction?
When can I occupy the building?

What is a building permit?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that you obtain a building permit before you begin new construction, complete or partial demolition, addition, renovation, or change in usage of the building.

The building permit which is issued by your local municipality protects your interest and that of the community as a whole by ensuring the following;

The construction or demolition of the building meets the minimum requirements in the Ontario Building Code for fire and structural safety
Local zoning bylaws and planning controls in the community are complied with
Other applicable laws and regulations, such as, Conservation Authority approval etc.

When do I need a building permit?

Construct a new building or shed greater than 10 sq m (107 sq ft)
Renovate or add to an existing building
Adding greater than 10 sq m (107 sq ft) to an existing building
Any structure that needs a plumbing, including, addition less than 10 sq m
Change the use of the building or a part of the building
Basement suite or secondary unit or accessory apartment
Demolish or remove all or a part of the building
Make any structural changes to the building
Adding new doors or windows
Install or modify heating, plumbing or air conditioning systems
Build a deck more than two feet above the adjacent grade

When is a building permit not required?

Build a shed less than 10 sq m (107 sq ft) without plumbing or heating
Replace existing same size doors and windows, subject to distance from property line
Renovate bathroom or kitchen with no changes to the plumbing
Paint or decorate
Re-clad exterior wall with noncombustible material, excluding brick or stone veneer and subject to distance from property line
Re-shingle roof if there is no structural work
Install fence, except swimming pool fence which requires a permit
Build a deck that is less than 2 feet from the adjacent grade

How do I apply for a building permit?

The building permit application is submitted to your local municipality. The application includes plans, drawings, application form, any other documents required by your municipality and the fee.

Before planning to build, renovate, demolish, or change the usage, check with your municipality if it complies with the local zoning by-laws and if approvals and permits from any other agencies are required.

Are any other approvals required?

In certain circumstances approvals and permits from other agencies, such as, Conservation Authority, Ministry of Transportation, health and conservation authority for on-site sewage system etc. are required. These approvals and permits must be submitted with building permit application to your municipality.

Do I need a permit for Demolition?

Before you demolish a part or complete building, a demolition permit is required. If you are building after partial or complete demolition, it could be submitted at the same time.

If the building to be demolished is served by municipal water and wastewater or sewage system, then the appropriate authorities must be informed to complete the capping and inspection.

If a building is of historic importance and is designated or intended to be designated as a heritage building under Ontario Heritage Act, then a separate permit is required before making any changes to the building.

How to change the use of a building?

If you are planning to change the way you use all or a part of the building, you need a permit even if you are not planning any renovation and construction.

A building evaluation may be done to ensure that the existing building can safely accommodate the proposed use.

How is your building permit application reviewed?

The staff at your municipality will review the application to confirm that it complies with the local zoning by-law, Building Code and other applicable laws.

They may send to other local municipal officials for comments or approvals.

When do I begin construction?

The construction begins once the building permit has been issued. The Building Code sets out the stages of construction where mandatory inspections are required.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to contact the municipality for an inspection at the required stages. During the inspection, the municipal building official is required to check if the work has been carried out in accordance with the Building Code, and your permit and plans.

During construction, you will be required to;

Display the permit on a window or any place where it is easily seen
Keep copies of plans on site
Inform municipality of any changes in the proposed construction, which must be approved by the municipality

The building inspector must be able to see the work. If it is different from the work that was approved, then you’ll be asked to get approval for the changes. If you are not able to get the approval for the changes, then you’ll be asked to correct it to comply with the approved plans.