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:

• 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).