Building and Renovating

Projects that require a building permit include:

• Deck
• Fireplace
• Completion of rough-in fireplace
• Installation of wood burning stove
• Porch
• Sunroom
• Solarium
• Carport
• Attached or detached garage or shed
• Dormers or finishing of attic space
• One of two-storey additions
• Finishing a basement
• New or structural alterations to windows or doors
• Interior structural alterations
• Adding or removing most walls (i.e. creating different room sizes and/or uses)
• Basement or main floor walkout alterations
• Replacement of brick veneer or chimney below roofline
• Insulating of exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
• Septic system
• Plumbing and/or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• Installation and/or repair of storm, sanitary, water services
• Installation of cleanouts
• Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer

• Air conditioning unit or heat pump added to existing forced-air furnace (no duct work alternations)
• Pool heater
• Painting and decorating
• Landscaping
• Fences other than for swimming pools
• Asphalt roof shingling
• Eaves troughs
• Minor repair to masonry
• Kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing

A Pool Enclosure Permit must be obtained from the Municipal Enforcement & Licensing Department for any pool or hot tub on private property that is more than 24" in depth, regardless if there is an existing fence. 

Hot tubs may not require an enclosure if they have a lockable lid. However, they would still require a permit and an inspection.

Proposed pools / hot tubs located in a flood zone must first get approval from Ganaraska Conservation Authority. This permission must be submitted with the Application.

Pools/Hot tubs cannot be filled with water until an inspection has been completed by the Municipal Law Enforcement & Licensing Department and approval has been given.

For more information on Pool/Hot Tub permits please visit our Swimming Pools page.

A deck is a raised uncovered platform that is attached to a dwelling. A deck will generally require a building permit and will require protective guards if it has a walking surface greater than 24" above grade. Porch
A porch is a covered structure that usually forms part of the entrance of a dwelling. It may be enclosed or unenclosed. Any porch requires a building permit and will require protective guards if it has a walking surface greater than 24" above grade.

Patio 
A patio is an uncovered platform at grade level that is usually constructed of concrete or stone. A patio generally does not require a building permit, unless it interferes with an existing structure.

Resources
Deck Design Guide

2024 Development Fees and Charges 

Building Permit fees, please click here

The Building Department publishes monthly and yearly reports that include information on Building Code and Non-Building code permits issued.  

Monthly Building Report - August 2021

Building Statistics 1974 to 2015

The Building Code Act, 1992, governs the construction, renovation, change of use, and demolition of buildings.

The Ontario Building Code is a regulation made under the Building Code Act established to set standards for new construction, ensure public safety in newly constructed buildings and support the government's commitment to energy conservation, barrier-free accessibility and economic development.

Through plans review and site inspection, staff ensure that the design and construction of new structures and renovations comply with the Ontario Building Code.