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Applying for a building permit is a vital step before you begin any construction project. You will need a building permit if you make any changes to the structure of your building such as demolishing, altering the interior, or changing or expanding the use of a building.
Projects that require a building permit:
Projects that do not require a building permit:
Building permits are necessary to meet zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards. It is the property owner's responsibility to get a building permit before beginning construction or demolition work.
If you are not sure if you need a building permit call 905-546-2720 to talk with Building staff.
A property owner or an agent on behalf of the owner such as a contractor or designer can apply for a building permit for small businesses. If your designer or contractor applies on your behalf, ask them to include your contact information on the application so that you are able to receive updates at the same time your contractor or designer receives them.
You may want to have your designer set up an Ontario Building Code pre-consultation meeting with city staff. This meeting allows you or your designer to review all major issues with your renovation and address them in the building permit application.
Contact Building staff to schedule a pre-consultation meeting:
In-person at City Hall, 71 Main Street West, 3rd Floor, Hamilton
Phone: 905-546-2720
[email protected]
The pre-consultation meeting fee is $136 per hour of review time.
When you prepare your building permit application for a retail store or restaurant, make sure you:
Review and include the following with your building permit application:
Complete the Permit to Construct or Demolish application form (PDF, 72 KB). Ensure to include property address, owner/applicant and designer information. You must also submit two copies of the following drawings: Submit your application and drawings in person to: Building Division Application fee: 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. The maximum amount that we can charge to a credit card is $1000.Apply for a Building Permit
City Hall
71 Main Street West, 3rd Floor
Hamilton, Ontario
Before we accept a building permit application, it must be complete and approvals for all applicable laws must be in place. Estimated approval times for permits for:
Staff will contact you or your agent when:
If there are problems with your application, staff will provide you with a list of deficiencies that you will have to address in order to get your building permit approved.
If you start construction before you get a building permit, you may receive an Order to Comply or Stop Work Order and/or legal action may be initiated. Building Inspectors enforce this legislation. You may also need to:
