When a Building Permit Is Required

Requirements can vary from province to province, city to city, and town to town. Others conditions may apply but are not listed here.

The following is a list of common applications for most districts.


A building permit is required:

- for the construction of any new buildings

- to renovate, repair or add to an existing building

- to demolish or remove a portion within an existing building

- to demolish or remove all of an existing building

- to relocate an existing building

- to change the use of a building

- to install, change or remove partitions and load bearing walls

- to make new window or door openings in an existing building

- to change the size of windows or doors in an existing building

- to build a garage or balcony

- to build a large deck that is attached to a building

- to excavate a basement

- to construct a foundation

- to install or modify heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems

- to do extensive electrical work - to install or modify fireplaces

- to construct or reconstruct a chimney

- to install a pool or any device capable of holding 600mm water (24”) or more

- to erect a fence around an outside swimming pool

When a Building Permit is NOT required

Building Permits - General Info