Does my Project Require a Building Permit?
Projects that Require a Building Permit
- Adding a bedroom to the basement
- Adding dormer to existing roof
- Additions to a building
- Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
- Backflow prevention device
- Basement or main floor walkouts
- Creating a duplex (a.k.a. in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat)
- Decks or porches greater than 23 5/8" above grade
- Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
- Detached garage, shed or accessory structure 108 square feet and greater (m
easured to the outside face of exterior walls)
- Finishing the basement of a house
- Industrial, commercial, institutional and multi-residential construction or alterations or changes of use
- Installing a new window or door - when increasing the width of the existing opening
- New residential dwellings
- Pending location, a retaining wall that is greater than 3'-3" in height
- Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
- Re-insulating walls, ceilings or floors
- Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
- Renovation or converting an existing building (change of use)
- Septic system installations and alterations
- Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
- Solar Panels that are mounted to a building
- Swimming pool or hot tub with a depth of 37" or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
- Tent or group of tents that is, more than 60m2 (646 ft2) in aggregate ground area, attached to a building, or constructed within 3m (9'-10") of any structure
- Woodstove or wood burning fireplace
Projects that Do Not Require a Building Permit
- Door and window replacements (within the existing opening, where no structural members are changed)
- Fence unless installed around swimming pool or hot tub with a depth of 37" or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
- Gas fireplace
- Installing new shingles on existing roof
- Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
- Replacing a plumbing fixture (i.e. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location
- Structure less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of walls (that does not contain plumbing)
- Water softener
Unsure if Your Project Requires a Building Permit?
If you have questions regarding your construction project, contact our Chief Building Official.