Under the Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction and/or demolition of a new building, an addition, or material alteration of any building or structure. The following is a list of common projects that require or do not require a building permit.
Do you need a building permit?
A building permit is required before starting a construction, demolition or renovation project, other than the exceptions listed below. This is provided for general guidance and is not an all-encompassing listing. For advice on whether your project requires a permit, contact the Building Department at 705-474-0400 x 2415.
Who should apply for a permit?
It is the property owner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required.
You may authorize your contractor or designer (for example) to apply for the permit, but as the owner you must ensure that you have the permit prior to starting work.
What projects require a permit?
New Construction:
- Any new building greater than 10m2 (108 ft2) in size (the area of the building's footprint)
- Any new building that contains plumbing, irrespective of size
- Any addition to an existing building, irrespective of size
- Concrete porches
- Decks (exceptions may apply)
- Detached or attached garages and carports
- Solariums
- Addition of a dormer
- Sunrooms
- Installing or changing a swimming pool fence enclosure
- Tents (645 sq. ft / 60 m2 more ground area)
Demolition and Alterations:
- Demolishing any building greater than 10m2 (108 ft2) in size
- Adding, removing or altering a structural wall or column
- Adding, removing or altering a non-loadbearing partition
- Changing the use of a building
- Installing a basement entrance
- Relocating a Building
- Changing a fireplace from gas to wood or solid fuel burning
- Roughing in a bathroom or washroom
- Installing a fireplace or wood stove
- Renovating a dwelling to provide a full basement
- Constructing separate rooms in a basement
- Installing an accessory apartment
- Installing any new plumbing piping
- Repairing or installing an on-site sewage system
- Connecting to municipal sanitary and storm sewers
- Installing a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source
- Installing an exterior sign
- An underground sprinkler system connected to building plumbing
- Installing a solar hot water system
- Recycling grey water to reduce water use
- Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels
- Replacing an exterior wall or cladding
- Replacing windows or doors
A building permit is required for construction whether the work is on the interior or the exterior of the building or dwelling.
There is no exemption for a building permit when performing construction solely within or inside a dwelling.
You don't need a Building Permit for the following residential projects:
- Constructing detached accessory buildings less than 15m2 (161 sq. ft.) in area (*no matter the size of the project, if it contains plumbing a permit is required)
- Decks not adjacent to a building entrance that are less than 10m2 (108 sq. ft.) in area
- Damp-proofing basements
- Replacing plumbing fixtures or water heaters
- Replacing a furnace or adding air conditioning units or a heat pump
- Electrical projects (Consult the Electrical Safety Authority)
- Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
- Painting and decorating
- Maintenance and repairs
- Replacing roofing or shingles
- Retaining walls less than 1 meter in height
- Sidewalks, planters and landscaping
- Garden pergolas and gazebos that do not have a solid roof