What is a Building Permit and when is a Building Permit required?
A Building Permit is a document issued by the body responsible (typically Municipal Building Departments) for enforcing Ontario's Building Code (OBC) and grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. A Building Permit is required for the following:
- New buildings, additions, renovations;
- Demolitions;
- Prefabricated structures, mobile homes (park model trailers);
- Plumbing and septic systems;
- HVAC Systems (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning);
- Miscellaneous residential (fireplaces, pools, decks, sheds, etc.).
Note: There may be additional situations and/or projects that require a Building Permit which have not been listed above. Therefore, please consult with the Building Department to confirm whether a Building Permit is required for those proposed situation and/or projects.
The permit process, step by step:
Speak with a Building Official (Building Inspector) and discuss your proposal. This initial contact will determine if the project complies with the applicable zoning regulations and any other applicable policies.
The initial contact will also provide resources and information necessary to make your project a success and avoid potential problems, which could cost time and money.
If the proposal is compliant, an application for a Building Permit and any other related information or contacts will be provided to you. The Building Inspector will then explain the necessary requirements and procedures to submit a Building Permit application.
The Building Permit application must be fully completed by the Applicant and/or Property owner and the associated drawings will assist in confirming:
- who will perform the work;
- what work will occur;
- where the work will occur; and
- how the work will occur.
In addition to Building Staff consultation, please refer to By-law No. 80-2014, which outlines the documentation, information and drawings required for submission for the various types of Building Permits.
The Building Official (Building Inspector) will review the construction plans to determine compliance with:
- the Ontario Building Code (OBC);
- the Town's By-laws;
- Provincial regulations; and
- other applicable public agencies.
If compliance with the OBC, the zone regulations and other applicable laws and regulations is determined, the application is approved and the Building Permit will be issued.
If compliance is not achieved, Building Staff will notify the applicant and/or owner via email or a letter outlining all deficiencies and requirements necessary to gain compliance.
Once all relevant information, documents, correspondence, etc., is re-submitted, the Building Inspector will re-review the information provided and determine compliance. If compliance is achieved, then the Building Permit is issued.
A Building Permit is a document which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project. The construction must proceed as noted on the approved Building Permit and plans.
Once the Building Permit and associated plans are approved and stamped, they are provided to the applicant and/or owner. An identical copy remains on file at Town Hall.
The Building Permit is required to be posted in a window or noticeably prominent place at the construction site. A copy of the stamped approved construction plans must also be kept on site. Any proposed changes must be brought to the attention of the Building Inspector immediately, as those changes may require the same level of review and approval as did the original application.
The Building Inspector must inspect each construction phase to ensure the work conforms to the approved plans. A list of the required inspections is listed specific to each Building Permit.
The person responsible for the construction project must request each inspection via phone or email at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. When scheduling the required inspection, please provide the civic address and/or Building Permit number.
If a Building Inspector finds that some of the work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will notify the applicant and/or owner verbally or in written form that the situation must be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is fixed. Another inspection may be required before work resumes.
According to the Ontario Building Code Act, 1992, a building means:
- a structure occupying an area greater than 10.0 square metres (108.0 sq. ft.) consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof, including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto;
- a structure occupying an area of 10.0 square metres (108.0 sq. ft.) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto:
- plumbing not located in a structure:
- a sewage or septic system;
- structures designated within the Ontario Building Code.
Please review the following video for further information about the Building Permit process.
House Additions and Renovations require Building Permits. The construction must meet or exceed the OBC standards for the design and construction to achieve a legal, safe and compliant development.
Please review the following video for further information about the Home Addition and Renovation Permit process.
Buildings and/or Structures noted below require Building Permits and must include specific information and drawings when submitting for a Building Permit. As a result, Building Staff has provided the following links outlining the requirements necessary and level of detail required. Please note that sample drawings are intended to be used as examples for Building Permit submission.
Accessory Building/Structures
Decks, Porches and Verandahs
Pool - Above Ground
Pool - In Ground
Tents
Building Permit Timelines
Useful By-laws
Building By-law No. 80-2014
Swimming Pool By-law No. 149-08
Fence By-law No. 71-2016
Sign By-law No. 119-2017
Water Works By-law No. 66-2016
Lot Grading and Drainage By-law No. 252-92
Fill and Site Alteration By-law No. 201-96
Chief Building Officials of Niagara (CBON) Newsletter and Information Bulletin
CBON has created a Newsletter and Information Bulletin to keep the industry and public informed about Provincial changes and Building Department requirements. The objectives are to establish standard Building Permit submission requirements and inspections to streamline the building and permit process.
2019 Code Changes
Significant By-laws noted below will influence development proposals, please review each By-law as it pertains to your parcel and proposal. Should you get extra information, please contact the Planning and Development Department - Building Division at 905-871-1600, Ext. 5510.