Plan Your Project

Step 1: Plan Your Project

Before you apply for a building permit, it's important to ensure that you review and understand the requirements of your particular project. For additional information about the building permit process, click here. 

A building permit is required for:

• Any structure over 10 sq.m. (107 sq.ft.)
• Any addition to a structure, regardless of the size of the addition
• Interior alterations for non-residential units
• Interior alterations for residential units if; a bedroom is created, a garage is converted to living space, a seasonal room converted to a year round use, etc.
• Additional residential units
• Granny / in-law suites
• Finishing an unfinished basement
• Installing solar panels
• Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces)
• Any structural changes or repairs
• A new entrance
• A new window/door opening or a larger window/door in width
• A deck
• A shed over 15 sq.m. (161.5 sq.ft)
• Adding new dormers
• Enclosing a porch
• Any change of use to a greater hazard (see O.B.C. 2.4.1.2)
• Signs installed on an exterior building face or roof
• Free standing and portable signs
• Any installation or alteration of a plumbing system (water supply, drain, waste or vent)
• Converting from a well or septic to municipal water or sanitary sewer

A building permit is not required for:

• A detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) that measures 15 metres square (161.5 square feet) in area or less*
• Installing asphalt shingles on a roof
• Minor roof sheathing repairs
• Repointing of brick veneer
• Replacing siding
• Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size opening)
• Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
• New flooring
• Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
• Fences (not enclosing a pool - see Fence By-Law requirements)
• Pool heaters
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping

*Note: Although a building permit may not be required, your project must still comply with the Ontario Building Code, Zoning By-Law and any other applicable law/regulations/standards, etc.

If you are still unsure if you need a permit, contact our staff at 519-268-7334 ext. 225 or 255 with details of the work you're planning.