Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit prior to construction:

• Construct a new building greater than 10m2 in building area (the area of the building's footprint)
• Install new plumbing in a building or part thereof
• Change the use of a building
• Changing the fuel source of a fireplace from gas-fired to solid burning (wood)
• Construct an addition to an existing building
• Construct a deck*
• Add or remove a structural wall in a dwelling
• Complete a roughed-in bathroom or washroom
• Alter an existing building or it's plumbing system
• Repair a building or it's plumbing system
• Repair or install an on-site sewage system
• Install a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source, i.e. Electrical to natural gas
• Install a solid fuel burning appliance, i.e. Wood burning stove or masonry fireplace
• Complete a roughed-in fireplace
• Detached or attached garages and carports
• Solariums
• Addition of a dormer
• Raising a dwelling to provide a full basement
• Sunrooms
• Install a sign
• Pool enclosure around a swimming pool
• Connection of a underground lawn sprinkler system to the plumbing system of a building

*Decks in the rear yard, not attached to the dwelling and less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area, do not require a building permit. Decks larger than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) and all decks more that 600 mm (2' - 0") above average grade do require a building permit.

If the above list does not include specifics of your project or you are not sure if a permit will be required, please contact one of our permit Application Administrators at 905-475-4870 with the details of the work.

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