Small Residential Projects Building Permits

There are many building projects around your home that may require a building permit before you construct.

Accessory Buildings
Additions and Renovations
Decks
Wood Burning Appliances

Accessory Buildings 

Accessory buildings may include a detached garage, pool house, gazebos, shade structures and more.

A permit is required for an accessory building or structure that is detached, that is greater than 10 square metres. (108 square feet) in size or contains plumbing fixtures.

A shed is considered a simple roofed structure, typically made of wood or metal, and is exempt from obtaining a building permit provided that the shed,

• is not more than 15 square metres (161 square feet),
• is not more than one storey in building height,
• is not attached to a building or any other structure,
• is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and
• does not contain plumbing.

Accessory Buildings Permit Package (PDF)

Additions and Renovations 

A building permit is required for the construction of an addition, or alteration of a residential building.

Additions may include:

• sunrooms
• attached garages
• one or two storey additions

Interior Renovations that require a building permit include:

• finishing an unfinished space in a home such as a basement
• adding or removing walls
• structural changes and addition
• change of plumbing
  
  
• Additions and Renovations Permit Package (PDF)

Decks

A building permit for a deck is required when the deck is over 24 inches (2 feet) above grade at any point or if the deck has a roof.

• Deck Permit Package (PDF)

Wood Burning Appliances

A building permit is required for:

• the installation of a new or used wood stove
• new chimney
• a factory-built fireplace or
• hearth-mounted stove inside or attached to a building

The unit must comply with the Ontario Building Code for clearances from combustible materials.

• Wood Burning Appliances Permit Package (PDF)

A building permit is not required for outdoor furnaces if the building in which they are enclosed is under 10 square metres (108 square feet).

Page last updated on November 29, 2024