Building Permits & Inspections

• Construct a new building over 10 square metres (107 SF)
• Construct a shed used for storage that is larger than 15 square metres (161 SF)
• Decks over 10 square metres or if they are attached to other building or form part of the principal entrance of the building
• Construct an addition to an existing building, such as second or third story additions
• Additional residential units add to an existing dwelling or accessory to a primary dwelling
• Finishing your basement
• Attached garages, carports and sunrooms
• Making structural or material alterations, such as adding or removing walls (i.e., changing room sizes and/or uses)
• New windows or doors where there were none before or enlarging windows or doors
• Enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size
• Installing a new municipal water or sewer connection
• New septic systems and septic system alterations
• Solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems
• Any building that contains plumbing
• Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height, provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public
• Constructing a tent that covers more than 60 metres squared (646 square feet);  and/or is attached to a building; and/or is within 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) from another structure.
• Demolish or remove all, or a portion of a building
• Install or reconstruct a chimney or fireplace or wood burning stove
• Install or modify heating and or plumbing systems
• Install a backwater valve or backwater prevention device
• Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required.

The following are examples of work which do not require a building permit and are not subject to the provisions of the building code. This list is not exhaustive. Even if a building permit is not required, compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is required.

• An uncovered platform (e.g. deck) provided:
  • it is under 10 square metres (107 SF) and is not attached or form part of the principal entrance
• A 1 storey shed used for storage that this under 15 square metres as long as it doesn’t contain plumbing or is attached to another building
• Installing a skylight in an existing building provided:
  • the building is a house or small building (3 storeys or less) and the installation does not require the removal of more than one rafter, joist, or other similar structural member (with the exception of a truss)
• Re-cladding of a house or small building (3 storeys or less) with non-combustible material other than brick or stone veneer;
• The replacement of windows or doors provided:
  • there is no change in the location or size of the window and/or door, the structural support for the opening (i.e. lintel) is not affected; and a new exit is not created;
• Replacing a furnace or boiler in a house with another furnace or boiler;
• The installation of additional cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners, in-line humidifiers, generators, or hot water tanks in a house;
• Repairing and replacing plumbing fixtures;
• Replacing existing roofing material provided no structural work is required;
• Installation of cabinetry and millwork.
• Installation of a sump pump.