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          • 1226 Old Golf Links Road, Ancaster
          • 1258 Old Golf Links Road, Ancaster
          • 28 James Street North, Hamilton
          • 288-294 Fruitland Road, Stoney Creek
          • 350 King Street East, Hamilton
          • 435 Carluke Road West, Hamilton
          • 71 Main Street West, Hamilton
          • 89 King Street East, Hamilton
          • 95 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton
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        • Apply for a Building Permit Online with ePLANS
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    • Planning & Development
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      • GRIDS
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        • GRIDS 2/MCR Urban Growth Survey
        • Land Needs Assessment
      • Heritage Properties
        • Built Heritage Inventory Strategy
          • Beasley Heritage Inventory Project
          • Downtown Dundas Built Heritage Inventory
          • Landsdale Neighbourhood Inventory
          • Melville Street Heritage Conservation District Study
          • Places of Worship Inventory Review
        • Heritage Designation Process
        • Heritage Mapping & Resources
        • Heritage Permits
        • Heritage Plaques and Markers
        • Heritage Windows
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        • Pre-Confederation Buildings
      • Official Plan
        • Official Plan Review
        • Provincial Planning Matters
        • Rental Housing Protection Policy Review
        • Rural Hamilton Official Plan
        • Secondary Plans In Progress
          • Airport Employment Growth District Secondary Plan
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          • Fruitland-Winona Secondary Plan
          • Waterdown Community Node Secondary Plan Study
          • West Harbour Secondary Plan
        • Urban Hamilton Official Plan
      • Planning & Design Studies
        • Bayfront Industrial Area Strategy
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        • Family Friendly Housing
        • James Street North Mobility Hub Study
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        • Pleasantview Area Land Use Study
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        • Complete Streets Design Manual
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        • Innovative Stormwater Source Control Policy
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      • Waterfront Redevelopment
        • CHH Jamesville Redevelopment
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        • Pier 8 Development
        • Pier 8 Gateway Park
      • Zoning
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        • Residential Zones Project
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        • Zoning By-laws for the Former Communities
    • Starting a Small Business
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Residential Building & Renovation

Building Permit Application Requirements

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Bill 23 - Grading plans may now be required for residential infill projects

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Build, Invest & Grow
  3. Construction & Renovation
  4. Residential Building & Renovation
  5. Building Permit Application Requirements
  • Construction & Renovation
  • Residential Building & Renovation
  • Apply for a Building Permit Online with ePLANS
  • Building Permit Application Requirements
  • Building Permit Fees
  • Building Permit Review and Approval
  • Building Inspections
  • Hiring a Designer for Building Permit Drawings
  • Property Record Search
  • Residential Construction Requirements for Radon Gas Mitigation
  • Residential Infill Construction
  • Accessory Buildings
  • Porches and Decks
  • Residential Fences
  • Swimming Pools
  • Tents
  • Building & Demolition Permits Activity
Related Sites
  • Building Permits for Small Businesses
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Contact Us

Building Division
City Hall, 3rd Floor
71 Main Street West, Hamilton
Call 905-546-2720 or
Email [email protected]

A Building Permit legally authorizes you to start construction of a building project in accordance with approved drawings and specifications.

Building Permits are reviewed for compliance with:

  • Ontario Building Code
  • Hamilton's Zoning By-law
  • Niagara Escarpment Commission and Conservation Authorities Regulations
  • Other applicable provincial and municipal regulations

The purpose of a Building Permit is to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met.

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Review these questions

Before you Apply for a Building Permit

Projects that Require a Building Permit

Exterior

  • guard/railing replacement or new installation
  • fences for swimming pools (enclosures)
  • tent(s) greater than 60 square metres
  • any-sized deck (covered or uncovered) where it is attached to a building
  • detached uncovered deck greater than 10 square metres and more than 200 mm above adjacent grade
  • detached covered deck greater than 10 square metres
  • detached deck (covered or uncovered) less than or equal to 10 square metres where it is adjacent to or associated with a door to the building and more than 600 mm above grade
  • detached structure less than or equal to 10 square metres containing plumbing
  • detached structure greater than 10 square metres (except where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house)
  • detached accessory structure (shed, garage, gazebo, carport) greater than 15 square metres where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house
  • additions (includes enclosing existing porch)
  • waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
  • replacing weeping tile
  • repairs to structural members (i.e. subfloor, roof sheathing, beams, lintels, etc.)
  • raising or lowering (underpinning) a house to provide a full basement
  • replacing roofing or exterior cladding with a different material
  • solar panels
  • ramps or elevating devices
  • replacing structures in same size same location

Interior

  • interior alterations including finishing or partially finishing a basement or other spaces
  • finishing existing non-finished space
  • walkout basement
  • replacement of interior railings/guards
  • adding an accessory apartment (conversion)
  • relocating rooms/creation of new rooms
  • material alterations including installing or replacing drywall and insulation
  • creating new door or window openings or increasing the size of openings
  • relocating door or window openings
  • adding or removing walls (non-load bearing and load bearing), beams and lintels
  • backwater valve
  • waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
  • internal weeping tile system
  • sump pump
  • fire damage repair
  • changing the use of a building (e.g. lodging house, bed and breakfast or changing any part of a building from one use to another)
  • establishing a home occupation (please contact us for more information)

Plumbing

  • new plumbing or relocating plumbing
  • new septic systems, repair or replacement
  • installation of water meter, water, sanitary and storm services to the property line (Single Family Dwellings only)

Heating

  • wood stoves or fireplaces
  • new or replacement of ductwork in an HVAC system
  • installation of internal plumbing

Demolition/Removal

  • demolitions for structures 10 square metres or greater
  • partial demolitions of buildings
  • partial demolition of an attached structure

For new construction and additions to low-rise residential buildings, review radon mitigation and testing requirements.

If you are starting demolition or construction in an established neighbourhood, please review the Residential Infill Good Neighbour Guide to learn more about requirements and related approvals you should be aware of.

Projects that Don't Require a Building Permit

  • Where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house, a Building Permit is not required for the construction or demolition of a detached accessory structure (garage, carport, gazebo) provided it is not more than 15 square metres, is not more than one storey and does not have plumbing. For all other uses, a Building Permit is not required for the construction or demolition of a detached structure provided it is not more than 10 square metres and does not have plumbing.
  • Building a fence that does not enclose a pool (Refer to the City's Fence By-Law for details)
  • Installing minor millwork, cabinetry, and flooring such as carpet, laminate or hardwood
  • Repairing eavestroughs where drainage is contained within the property
  • Landscaping (a Site Alteration Permit may be required for changes in grading)
  • Painting or decorating
  • Re-shingling a roof with the same roofing material
  • Replacing existing plumbing fixtures in the same location
  • Replacing existing windows to the same size and location where no fire resistance rating is required
  • Replacing a furnace
  • Demolition of a farm building
  • Demolition of a detached structure 10 square metres or less

There are many consequences that may include but are not limited to:

  • Receive order to comply to obtain a building/demolition permit that may be registered on title
  • Be issued a ticket with a set fine.  Penalties under Section 36 of the Building Code Act indicate maximum fines of $50,000 for an individual, or $500,000 for a corporation for a first offence
  • Ordered to stop work
  • Legal action may occur due to construction/demolition without building permit, or when failing to comply with an order
  • Additional costs to remedy the unpermitted construction (i.e hire Professional Engineer, deconstruction etc.)
  • Possible interference with applicable law (i.e Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Authorities, Zoning by-law etc.)
  • Additional fees under Hamilton’s Building Permit By-Law
  • Additional complications with respect to unpermitted locations, encroachments

New construction or renovations must comply with Hamilton's Zoning By-laws for details like size, setback and location. A Building Permit will only be issued if the project complies with the Zoning By-Law for the property.

View the interactive zoning mapping to determine the zoning designation of a property. Contact the Planning Division at 905-546-2424 ext 2719 or email [email protected] when you are planning your project to determine the specific zoning requirements for a property. You may need additional approvals or time to obtain all of the necessary information.

If your project does not comply with the Zoning By-Law, you may apply for a minor variance.

Residential infill developments may impact grading and drainage in the immediate and adjacent areas. To help mitigate impacts, the Building Division will require professional grading design to be submitted for certain residential projects. 

Where a grading plan is required, the property owner is to provide these at the time of building permit application:

  • the Building Division form, Owner’s Undertaking Lot Grading Form(PDF, 128.62 KB), completed by both the property owner and the Professional Engineer (Grading Consultant);
  • the grading plan, sealed, signed, and dated by the Professional Engineer (Grading Consultant); and
  • the applicable grading security deposit.

Upon completion of the project, the Professional Engineer (Grading Consultant) is required to submit the Lot Grading Certificate Declaration Form(PDF, 128.93 KB) to the Building Division.

Contact the Building Division at 905-546-2720 or [email protected] to determine if a professional grading plan is required for your project.

Please note: Where a Site Alteration Permit is required or where the development is subject to site plan control, the City’s Growth Management Division reviews and approves grading.

Before work begins on a construction project, the building constructor in Health and Safety legislation may need to file a Notice of Project (NOP) to the Ministry of Labour.

The Government of Ontario has some tools and information to keep you informed. You may be asked to complete the Notice of Project as the property owner. View a list of what you should know first.

If you have natural feature on or near your property, you may be required to get a permit from the Conservation Authority that oversees that watershed:

  • Hamilton Conservation Authority: 905-525-2181
  • Conservation Halton: 905-336-1158
  • Grand River Conservation Authority: 519-621-2761
  • Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority: 905-788-3135

To determine what natural features are on or near your property, contact a Natural Heritage Planner at 905-546-2424 Ext. 1355 or visit City Hall, 5th Floor.

In some areas of the City, lands are under the control of the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC). You will be required to receive approval through a Development Permit from the Commission to develop your property.

  • Niagara Escarpment Commission: 905-877-5191

You may need to contact other organizations before you begin your project to access additional information or approvals.

Call Before You Dig 
1-800-400-2255
Open 24/7
Before you dig call Ontario One Call to locate any underground services.

Electrical Safety Authority
1-877-372-7233
Call for electrical permits and inspections

Ministry of Transportation
416-235-4081 or 416-235-4387
See if your property is in the MTO Controlled area

Committee of Adjustment
905-546-4221
Call for minor variances from the Zoning By-law’s

Encroachments and Alley information
905-546-2424 ext. 5803
Call if your project encroaches onto City property

Hydro One
1-888-664-9376
1-800-434-1235
Open 24/7
Call for disconnects, clearance for wires

Canadian Pacific Rail
1-800-766-7912
Call to do work under, over or beside tracks

Historical Designations and information
Email [email protected] if your property has a historical designation. Properties designated under the Ontario Heritage Act, must have a Heritage Permit before being issued a Building Permit.

Drinking Water Source Water Protection
Hamilton Water
905-546-2424 ext. 6099
Call if your property has proposed development and is in the area of a public wellhead (i.e. Lynden, Greensville, Carlisle, Freelton)

Delays in permit issuance can be avoided if all drawings and specifications incorporate sufficient information to verify that the work will conform to the Ontario Building Code and the Zoning By-law. If you are not familiar with government regulations, by-laws and Ontario Building Code requirements, you may want to hire a designer. If your drawing and specifications are not complete or do not meet the Ontario Building Code or Hamilton’s Zoning By-law, approval for your permit will be delayed. Learn more about finding a qualified designer

As the owner, you may design your project and drawings. Discuss your project with material suppliers to determine costs, sizes and spans. You can also contact the Building Division by email [email protected] or in person to see examples of drawings showing the acceptable level of quality for your permit application.

Application checklists
Review these checklists to help ensure you submit a complete application:

  • Accessory Structure(PDF, 600.64 KB)
  • Carport and Covered Porch(PDF, 598.03 KB)
  • Deck and Porch(PDF, 528.77 KB)

All drawings must be to scale and printed in ink. Original drawings in pencil are not acceptable, but photocopies of penciled drawings may be sufficient. Plans must be fully dimensioned in either metric or imperial units, but not a combination of both.

Tips to Consider When Selecting a Contractor

  • Ensure the contractor has a valid trade licence
  • Do not get pressured into signing anything
  • Always get a written estimate and at least three quotes
  • Get a fully itemized estimate and make sure the details are written into a contract
  • Get other quotes if you are asked to give a down payment of more than 5% to 15% of the total contract price
  • Determine if the job requires a Building Permit. It is your responsibility to get a Building Permit, if you need one, before you start construction

Licensed Contractors

All contractors must have a valid Trade and Contractor Licence to operate in Hamilton.

Looking for a specific contractor? View our list of Licensed Contractors. Use the filter tools to enter a name to search the listing online. For more information, contact Municipal Law Enforcement at 905-546-2782 option 3 for Licensing.

Trades that require a licence include:

  • Building repair contractors such as roofers, carpenters, bricklayers, concrete workers, window and door installers, siding contractors and foundation waterproofing contractors
  • Drain contractors
  • Plumbing contractors
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning contractors
  • Fire sprinkler installer contractors

In order to get a valid licence, contractors go through a process to ensure they have:

  • Police criminal check
  • Third party liability insurance

When you apply for a Building Permit, you must provide the licence number of the contractor who is doing the work.

Contractor Inspections

The City usually only investigates contractors if a complaint is made. If we receive a complaint of anyone operating without a valid licence, we ensure compliance with Hamilton’s Licensing By-Law No. 07-170.

Inspectors can carry out random spot checks to see if a contractor is operating with a proper licence.

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Two Ways to Apply

Apply for a Building Permit

A property owner or an agent on behalf of the owner, such as a contractor or designer, can apply for a building permit for residential projects. If your designer or contractor applies on your behalf, ask them to include your contact information on the application. The applicant will be the primary contact for the Building division. Make sure to follow up with the applicant to receive updates.

Apply Online

Apply Online through ePLANS

View user guides, additional application forms, FAQs, etc.

Apply In Person

Permit to Construct or Demolish Application Form(PDF, 146.95 KB)

Ensure to include property address, owner/applicant and designer information, including designer schedule. Submit application, fees and drawings in person to:
City Hall, 3rd Floor
71 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON

With Application, You Will Need to Include

Application Fee
Site Plan
Construction/Manufacturing Drawings
Disconnection of Services

Building permit fees must be paid in full at the time of the application. You can pay by cash, cheque (payable to the City of Hamilton), debit or credit card. A Building Permit application is not officially complete, even after staff approval, until the City receives payment for the permit.

If you are submitting your application by mail and wish to pay by credit card, you will be contacted by staff regarding payment. Please note only the building permit fees can be paid by credit card. 

A site plan identifies buildings and other features in relation to the property boundaries.

Include these on your site plan (sample drawings included for guidance):

  • Title, scale, north arrow and proper dimensions
  • Legal description including lot and plan number, street name and municipal address number
  • Setbacks to all property lines for the existing dwelling and the proposed project such as porch/deck, garage/shed/gazebo, etc.
  • Any right of way and/or easements
  • Information on all accessory buildings such as the size and location of garages, sheds, decks, porches or swimming pools
  • Front yard landscaping, the driveway location and location of sidewalk, if applicable
  • Location of existing septic system, if applicable
  • Parking spaces
  • Your existing house and the size and location of the proposed project

For swimming pool enclosures you need to include on the Site Plan:

  • Location of pool, either existing or proposed, and pool equipment
  • Setbacks from all property lines
  • Location of the private sewage disposal system, if present on your property, and dimensions to the pool
  • Location of your utility reading device such as gas meter and any overhead wires
  • Details of the proposed or existing enclosure or gates

For accessory buildings such as sheds, garages or gazebos your drawing should include:

  • Dimensions of proposed accessory building, including the height from grade to roof peak
  • Slab, foundation wall or pier construction details including size, depth, and compressive strength of concrete
  • Width, location and lintel size of all openings
  • Size, spacing and grade of studs and any structural members
  • Roof framing - size, spacing and grade of rafters, showing support details at all bearing points; or, if using trusses, the manufacturer's engineered drawings
  • View sample drawing for accessory buildings(PDF, 62.65 KB)

For porches and decks, your drawing should include:

  • Size and dimensions of the proposed porch or deck in relation to the existing structure
  • Height from grade to top of slab, decking, railing and/or roof
  • Construction of stairs, guards and handrails, including stair width, stringer size, rise, run, guard spacing, height, material and attachment details
  • Roof framing material, size, grade and spacing of rafters, showing support details at all bearing points
  • Footing, foundation or pier construction details including size, depth and compressive strength of concrete
  • Wood frame deck construction indicating size, grade, direction, spacing and span of joists and beams
  • Concrete porch construction indicating concrete compressive strength, thickness of slab, size and spacing of any rebar present and means of support
  • View sample drawing for concrete porches and decks(PDF, 508 KB)
  • View sample drawing for wood construction deck(PDF, 45.31 KB)

For interior renovations, contact the building division for further information as requirements may vary based on scope of work.

Before a demolition permit is issued, all services must be properly disconnected to the dwelling or structure. 

Complete the Disconnection of Services Form(PDF, 324.77 KB) and submit with building permit application along with the Demolition Application Checklist(PDF, 124.95 KB)

Contacts for Disconnecting a Service

Hamilton Emergency Services - Fire Inspection
Fire Prevention Bureau
55 King William Street - 2nd Floor, Hamilton
Call 905-546-2424 ext.1380
Fax 905-546-4566

Union Gas - Gas (Exterior)
4475 Mainway Drive, Burlington, Ontario
Call 1-855-228-4898 ext. 5111111
Fax 1-866-263-0581
Email [email protected]

Bell Canada
Call 1-800-965-6667 (Ask for Clearance No.)
Fax 905-527-2187
Email [email protected]

Water Service
330 Wentworth Street North, Hamilton
Call 905-546-4426
Fax 905-546-2627

Union Energy/Reliance Home Comfort - Equipment Removal
830 Harrington Court, Burlington, Ontario
Call 905-681-4145
Fax 905-333-2689

Hydro One Electrical (Contact your provider only)
Call 1-888-652-2302 (Ask for Clearance No.)
Fax 519-426-9934

Sewer Lateral Reuse Inspection
Planning - Project Manager, Growth Management
71 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton
Email [email protected]
Must consult with Growth Management staff

Alectra Utilities (Contact your provider only)
Call 905-317-4575 (Ask for Clearance No.)
Fax 1-877-236-6395

Forestry Protection Services
Call 905-546-2424, ext. 7375
Fax 905-546-4473
Email [email protected]

Date modified
January 17, 2023
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