Building Permit and Zoning FAQs

Do I need a permit to install a private residential swimming pool?

Where do I find a survey of my property?

Do I need a permit for a deck?

What is a BCIN and when is it required?

What should I do if I think construction is occuring without a permit?

How much does a building permit cost?

When do I need a building permit?

What is the zoning of my property? What does the zoning allow? How far from the property lines do structures need to be?

I already have a building permit and need an inspection. Who do I contact?

Do I need a permit to install a private residential swimming pool?

A permit is required for the construction of a swimming pool enclosure. The pool, equipment and enclosure location must conform to applicable municipal by-laws. These requirements also apply to inflatable pools with a capacity greater than 1000 gallons and a depth greater than 12”.

Please contact the Building Services Division at (905)546-2720 for further details on the requirements and how to apply for a permit.

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Where do I find a survey of my property?

The Building Services Division may have a copy of a survey for the property. A fee of $15.00 will be charged for a copy of a survey from the Building Services Division, if available.

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Do I need a permit for a deck?

Yes, a building permit is required when:

• The deck is attached to the house
• The deck is not attached to the house but is greater than 10 square meters (108 sqft) in area

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What is a BCIN and when is it required?

A BCIN (Building Code Identification Number) is issued to designers by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

In general, designers other than professional engineers and architects that engage in the following “design activities” are required to meet the qualification/registration requirements under the Building Code:

• Preparing a design as part of a building permit application;
• Giving information or an opinion concerning whether a building or part of a building complies with the Building Code if the information or opinion is to be submitted to a chief building official in connection with a building permit application; and
• Preparing a written report for submission to the chief building official based on a general review, where a general review is required by the Building Code.

Homeowner’s who do their own design work are not required to obtain a BCIN.

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What should I do if I think construction is occuring without a permit?

You may contact the Building Services Division at (905) 546-2720. Should a building permit not have been issued then you may make a formal complaint to have an inspector investigate the property.

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How much does a building permit cost?

Building permit fees can vary based on the type of the proposed construction and its size. Please contact the Building Services Division at (905) 546-2720 or refer to the City of Hamilton’s Building bylaw located on the City of Hamilton website for further clarification.

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When do I need a building permit?

If you are constructing a demolishing a building or part thereof that is greater than 10 square meters in gross building area or a structure that contains plumbing. Septic systems also require a building permit. Please contact the Building Services Division for clarification on your specific project at (905)546-2720.

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What is the zoning of my property? What does the zoning allow? How far from the property lines do structures need to be?

The zoning bylaw regulates the allowable uses, location and dimensional requirements for a property. The zoning requirements can vary from lot to lot. Please contact the Building Services Division at (905) 546-2720 for the specifics of your property.

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I already have a building permit and need an inspection. Who do I contact?

Every permit requires inspections at various stages of construction. To arrange for an inspection please contact Building Inspections at (905)546-3950 at least 48 hours in advance.

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