FAQs

Building permits are necessary to ensure zoning requirements (contained in municipal by-laws), and building safety standards (contained in the Ontario Building Code) are satisfied in order to maintain or improve the health, fire and structural standards for the general safety of the public. The Ontario Building Code is a provincial regulation administered by the Building and Development Branch of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Under the Building Code Act, local governments are given authority for the enforcement of the Ontario Building Code within their jurisdiction.

Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a Building Permit is required for:

1. The construction of any structure exceeding an area of 10 m². (108 ft².)
2. Shed or gazebos exceeding an area of 15m² (160 ft²).
3. New construction, additions, alterations, renovations, relocations, demolitions, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Some minor repairs do not require a permit.
4. Listed below are some typical projects and whether or not they require a permit

Examples of projects that require a building permit

Examples of projects that do not require a building permit

It is the responsibility of the owner to obtain a Building Permit. 

It is unlawful to commence construction without a building permit.

If the work does not comply with the Ontario Building Code requirements, costly repairs may be required to gain compliance and legal action may be initiated by the Building Division to gain compliance.

Failure to obtain a Building Permit prior to commencing construction may place both the property owner and the contractor in contravention of the Building Code Act, which means both parties are breaking the law.

1. Once discovered, you will still need to apply for a permit, and your Building Permit fees may be doubled in accordance with the Building By-Law.
2. It may be necessary to uncover components of your project so that these items can be inspected (e.g., remove drywall so that insulation and framing can be inspected etc.). You may need to hire an engineer (at your expense) to review the completed work.
3. You may be required to pay for any costs incurred by the City that is associated with the unapproved construction, including investigation and enforcement.
4. The Building Code Act also provides the following penalties:

• Penalties. A person who is convicted of an offence is liable to a fine of not more than $50,000 for a first offence and to a fine of not more than $100,000 for a subsequent offence.
• Corporations. If a corporation is convicted of an offence, the maximum penalty that may be imposed upon the corporation is $500,000 for a first offence and $1,500,000 for a subsequent offence and not as provided in subsection (3).
• Continuing Offence. Every person who fails to comply with an order made by a Chief Building Official under subsection 14(1) or clause 15.9(6)(a) or 15.10.3.(8)(a) is guilty of an offence and on conviction, in addition to the penalties mentioned in  subsections (3) and (4), is liable to a fine of not more than $10,000 per day for every day the offence continues and after the time given for complying with the order has expired.

Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse. There are legal implications for you and your contractor if construction is started without a permit.

Yes. As the owner of the property, the Building Code provides an exemption for you to create your own drawings. However, if the drawings are below standard or missing information, you will be asked to complete them or hire a registered designer with Building Code qualifications.

The Ministry’s Qualification and Registration Tracking System (QuARTS) includes a public registry of qualified designers and registered firms. For more information, visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website at https://www.search.quarts.mah.gov.on.ca/en.

Depending on your project, the permit fee will vary.

The Building By-Law will have the most up-to-date information.

Building Permit fees are set to cost recover all costs associated with servicing Building Permits and enforcing the Building Code Act and Building Code. Building Permit fees cover the cost of reviewing the construction plans for compliance with the Ontario Building Code and applicable laws such as the zoning by-law. In addition to the issuance of the permit, the required inspections of the construction at specific stages of completed construction and the occupancy permit.

Timelines will vary depending on the size of the project, the time of year, and the completeness of the permit package. Small residential projects take about two weeks from start to finish, while larger projects can take four to six weeks. When you submit your building permit application, Building Division staff can give you a better idea of the timeline you can expect.

Please refer to the permit application timeline guide for a better understanding of review times.

Construction can start once the Building Permit has been issued. Construction must seriously commence within six months of the Building Permit being issued, or the permit can be revoked by the Chief Building official.

You will need to contact the Building Inspector in charge of your project immediately. Most likely, a new set of drawings will be required for review and additional review fees may apply. Do not proceed with work until clearance is given by the Building Division.

Yes, you must post your Building Permit for the duration of construction, in a visible location on-site in order to allow the public and City staff to view the permit.

The Building Code requires a minimum of 48 hours notice for an inspection. This does not include weekends, holidays or after work hours.

The City does not inspect buildings related to property purchases. You will need to look for a third party (private) home inspector. Your real estate agent can help you with this.

Yes, you may apply for a Building Permit before you take possession of the house; however, you must provide proof of ownership before the permit can be issued, i.e. copy of deed.