Building Permit FAQ

How do I apply for a Building Permit?

An application for a Building Permit Application (46 kb) is available on-line or may be obtained from the Building & By-law Division office at City Hall. This application must be fully completed and signed before it will be accepted.

A complete application for a Building Permit will include:

• completed Building Permit Application (46 kb) signed by the property owner or the owner’s authorised agent (usually the general contractor);
• two complete sets of construction drawings;
• a site plan, if required;
• building permit application fee ; and
• payment of any other charges and fees for services that may be applicable.

Submit the completed application form with the required information to the Building & By-law Division.

Once you submit a complete application for a Building Permit, the application is reviewed by Building & By-law staff who assess the application for compliance with the City’s zoning by-law, conformity with the Ontario Building Code, service connections, and any other factors which might apply to your specific project.

If, in the process of reviewing the application, it is found that additional information is required or that there are errors or corrections that need to be made, you will be advised specifically what is required. You should respond to requests for information promptly to avoid unnecessary delays in obtaining your Building Permit.

Once a complete application is received, it usually takes between 10 and 30 days to review plans for construction and prepare a permit for issuance, depending on the project. Your Building Permit will be issued when all necessary approvals have been obtained and all fees have been paid.

The Building Permit must be posted in plain view on the construction site for the building inspector to verify at all times. You must also keep a complete set of the approved permit drawings and documents on-site for use by the building inspector.

Please read the permit documents thoroughly before starting construction. The construction must comply with the plans and documents issued with your permit. Any changes to the approved construction drawings must be reported to and approved by the CBO. Contact Building & By-law staff immediately should you decide to modify the construction plans; depending on the degree of change, revisions can lead to serious complications.