Building Permit Process
As a homeowner, you may be planning to update or add to your home but, before any construction can begin, you will need to ensure that you have the required permits for your renovation or addition. Building permits are needed for renovations including, but not limited to, adding a room, finishing the basement, building a garage or remodeling the interior of your house.
If you are planning home improvements you will need to follow the requirements of local by-laws as well as the relevant provincial acts and regulations. Remember that before any construction work begins, you must obtain a permit.
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Application Forms and Guide:
Building Permit Application Guide
Building Permit Contact Checklist
Sample Drawings
As part of the Building Permit Application, you may be required to submit drawings. See below for sample drawings.
Purpose of Building Permits
A building permit is a license granting you legal permission to start construction knowing that the issued drawings comply with appropriate governmental regulations. In addition, the building permit helps enforce the requirements of the building code, Zoning By-law as well as other laws and standards to ensure compliance during construction as well as the safety of the building.
Building Without a Permit is Against the Law
It is your responsibility, as the homeowner, to ensure that a building permit is obtained before you start construction. Building without a permit is against the law and could result in you and/or your contractor being subject to fines or penalties as set out in the Building Code Act.
Rates and Fees
The Building Permit fees can be found in the Fees and Charges By-Law.
