Building permits are usually required for:
- new building construction
- garages, carports and boat houses
- pole buildings (post-frame) or log buildings (must be designed under NBC Part 4)
- decks or raised platforms with any walking surface over 600 mm (24”) above grade
- RTM, modular or manufactured/mobile homes (note: mobile homes are now called modular homes)
- renovations or alterations affecting structural members or life safety (e.g. egress windows for bedrooms)
- addition to an existing building
- basement development in a dwelling
- secondary suites (cannot exceed 80 m²) (860 ft²)
- accessory buildings, greenhouses, or gazebos greater than 10 m² (107 ft²)
- sunrooms (wood-framed and manufactured enclosures)
- fireplaces and wood stoves
- retaining walls (if their collapse could affect a structure or are built near a property line)
- foundation repair or replacement
- roof repair or replacement
- solar panels (roof mount) and ground mount panels if built near a property line
- change of building use or occupancy type
- tenant/leasehold improvements in commercial buildings
- temporary buildings or structures (e.g. fabric buildings, construction trailers, bleachers for public events, etc.)
- relocation of an existing building
- work to remedy an unsafe condition or fire official’s order
- demolition of an existing building
Building permits are not usually required for:
- fences
- driveways, sidewalks and parking lots
- cosmetic upgrades or replacement not affecting structural or life safety
- accessory buildings, greenhouses, or gazebos not greater than 10 m² (107 ft²) in area
- some farm buildings (varies by rural municipality - check local municipal bylaws)