Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of a new building, an addition, or alteration of any building or structure which results in a building area of over 10 square metres (approximately 108 square feet).
The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit:
A deck that is adjacent to or attached to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the adjacent grade
An elevated deck providing principal access to a building
A deck that is independent from the house (e.g. is in the middle of the yard) and has a walking surface greater than 10 square metres (approximately108 square feet) in area and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above the adjacent grade
Attached or detached garages and sheds
Installation of solid fuel appliances (i.e. woodstoves and fireplaces)
Sunrooms, solariums and porches
Alterations to a plumbing system (except replacing fixtures)
Structural foundation repairs
Demolition
Interior and exterior structural alterations, such as,
adding or removing walls, i.e., creating different room sizes and/or uses
one and two storey additions
new windows where there were none before
enlarging or relocating a window or door
finishing a basement
Installation of cleanouts and backwater valves
Conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
Livestock buildings
Equipment storage buildings
Silos
Manure storage structures (exclusion – earthen)
Riding Arena
Cover all type structures (fabric / hoop)
What Projects do not Require a Building Permit?
A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) that measures 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area or less.
The following is a list of projects that do not require a permit*:
Installing asphalt shingles on a roof
Minor roof sheathing repairs
Repointing of brick veneer
Damp proofing of basements
Replacing siding
Replacing doors or windows (provided they are in the same size opening)
Kitchen or bathroom cabinets (not including plumbing)
New flooring
Installation of air conditioning units or heat pumps
* Note: Although a building permit may not be required, your project must still comply with the Ontario Building Code and any applicable law, such as the zoning by-law.