A Building Permit is your formal permission to start construction, demolition or renovation on your property. Before renovations, the municipality’s staff must review your plans to ensure compliance with the Building Code, local Zoning By-laws, and other applicable regulations.
Building Permits regulate various types of building construction that are allowed in the community and ensure that they meet all building standards. The building permit process protects both the owner's interests and those of the community at large. Failure to obtain proper Building Permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. Remember, as the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.
A Building Permit is required:
• Construct a new building
• Any addition to an existing building
• Structural alterations
• Renovate, repair or add to a building
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• Change a building's use
• Install, change, or remove partitions / load bearing walls
• Make new openings for/change the size of, doors & windows
• Build a garage, balcony or deck
• Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• Install or modify heating, plumbing or air-conditioning systems
• Install or reconstruct chimneys or fireplaces
• An accessory structure larger than 108 sq. ft. in area
• A deck more than 24" above ground
• A wood burning stove/fireplace installation
• A basement entrance or a second suite
• New or altered plumbing.
Contact your municipality’s building permit office for details.