City Departments
The Homeowner's Guide to Building
What is a building permit?
A building permit is a license, which grants legal permission to start construction of a project.
Who is responsible for obtaining a building permit?
Often the contractor will, as part of their contract, apply and obtain a building permit. Any person found constructing or demolishing a building, or causing the construction or demolition without a permit, could be fined. Ultimately, the property owner needs to be aware and responsible for obtaining all required permits.
Why is it needed?
Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met as required by the Building Code.
What projects need a building permit?
The Building Code Act requires a building permit for the construction of any structure, which results in a building area of over 10 m2 (107 square feet) including additions, alterations and renovations AND includes plumbing,site services,a sewage system and other designated structures. The following is a partial list of typical projects requiring a building permit:
Decks 24 inches (or more) above grade
Interior structural alterations
New fireplaces or wood stoves
Adding or removing walls e.g. creating different room sizes and/or uses
Porches
Sunrooms
Carports
Attached or detached garages or sheds
Dormers or finishing of attic space
Installation of irrigation systems
Installation or repair of storm, sanitary or water services
Finishing a basement
Plumbing and/or drains
New or alterations (increasing opening size) to windows or doors
Repair existing or installing new septic systems
Retaining walls > 1 meter (depending on location)
What projects do NOT require a building permit?
A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure that measures 10 m2 (107 square feet) in area or less. Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Building Code requirements. The following is a partial list of typical projects NOT requiring a building permit:
Fences other than for swimming pools
Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a building and less than 24 inches above grade
Roof shingling
Eaves troughs
Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
Replace existing forced-air furnace
Replace siding or windows
Painting and decorating
Landscaping
Electrical Safety Authority
If any electrical work is proposed (lighting, wiring, switches and outlets, for example), contact the Electrical Safety Authority for information regarding permits and permit fees. Their phone number is 1.877.372.7233.
How do I get a building permit?
Step 1 Submit application
- The application supplies mandatory information to the building department to issue the building permit. This includes "who", "what", "where" and "how". Scaled drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review. Your application form can be completed with the aid of staff at the Building Division Counter when you submit the following:
a) 2 sets of building plans, (you may contact 519.740.4613 to get detailed information as to what information is required on your plans)
b) 3 copies of your property survey or site plan
c) Building permit fee (Fee Schedule)
Note: Incomplete applications or plans will not be accepted.
Step 2 Review process
- The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. The Building Official determines if your project is in compliance with the Building Code, the zoning and other municipal by-laws and provincial regulations through the following reviews:
Zoning Review - Drawings are reviewed to ensure your project will conform to the Zoning By-law. Zoning requirements specify the uses permitted within a particular area, the building setbacks, building height, and lot coverage. You should contact a Zoning officer 519.740.4650 to determine the specific requirements for your proposed construction.
Architectural/Structural Review - Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with structural, fire and life safety requirements of the Building Code.
Mechanical Review - Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing requirements of the Building Code.
Step 3 Receive permit
- If compliance with the Building Code, zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued. The building permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the Review process. Keep a copy of the building plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of the Building Official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
Step 4 Inspections
- Each major phase of construction must be inspected by the Building Official to ensure the work conforms to the approved plans. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the building permit. Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the city to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspections. If the Building Official finds that some work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will advise that the situation is to be remedied. A re-inspection may be necessary.
This page provides general information and should be read in conjunction with the current Building By-Law. For further information, please call the Building Division at 519.740.4613.