Customer Service

We have launched a new online service, the Building Permits Query, where homeowners and/or contractors are aple to review the status of their Building Permit application(s).

What is a Building Permit?
A Building Permit gives you the legal authorization to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. Building Permits are issued by the Building Services Division and are reviewed for compliance with the Ontario Building Code, the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law and other applicable provincial and municipal regulations. Building Permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural  safety standards, and other building standards are met. For more information about Building Permits, you can review our Understanding Building Permits brochure.

When are Building or Demolition Permits required?
In general, a Building Permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter, or repair a building. A demolition permit is required to demolish all or part of a building. It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure, when neccessary, that a Building Permit is obtained before beginning any construction or demolition.

If you are unsure if a permit is required, please review the details of the work with our Customer Service Representatives, prior to construction or demolition.

NOTE: In cases where a Building Permit is not be required, you MUST still comply with the requirements of the applicable municipal Zoning By-Law.

What are some examples of construction and/or renovation that would require a Building Permit?

• Residential Buildings (in conformance with Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code)
• Accessory Buildings (i.e. garages, gazebos, additions)
• Fences
• Porches and Decks
• Swimming Pool Enclosures
• Agricultural buildings under 600 square meters in building area
• Sewage disposal systems serving small scale residential buildings and agricultural buildings with a total daily sanitary sewage flow rate less than 10,000 L/day.
• Signs
• Tents
• Water and sewer services to new residential buildings
• Demolition of buildings of residential use including but not limited to dwelling units, detached garages, sheds, etc.
• Alterations to the grading of a property by placement or removal of fill
• Changing the use of a building to a residential use

A complete listing of informational brochures and all applications are also available online.

*Please Note: Documents are provided in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. If you do not already have the Acrobat Reader installed, please visit the Adobe Web Site and download this free reader application. If you are experiencing difficulty opening the PDF files, right click on the linked text and select open in new window.