Jan

23

When do I require a building permit?

Filed Under Brampton, By-Laws, Homes, Photography, Real Estate, Renovations 

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This is a question I often get asked by homeowners looking to make renovations to their homes. It’s important to keep building permits in mind when you’re either looking to buy real estate or sell your home, as it may affect the house values as well as incur legal issues. So when do you require a building permit?

The Ontario Building Code Act requires that a building permit be obtained for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of more than 10 m² (108 square feet). It is illegal to construct or demolish without first obtaining a permit.

You will need a building permit if you do any of the following:

  • construct a new building
  • renovate, repair, or add to a building
  • demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
  • change a building’s use
  • install, change or remove portions and load-bearing walls
  • make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
  • build a garage, balcony or deck
  • excavate a basement or construct a foundation
  • install or modify heating, plumbing, air conditioning systems or fireplaces
  • reconstruct a chimney

You do not need a building permit for the following:

  • replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
  • install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
  • build a roofless deck under two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
  • build a utility shed under 10 m² (108 square feet)
  • reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work (asphalt roof shingling only)
  • install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
  • replace or increase insulation, dry-wall or plaster
  • damp-proof basements
  • paint or decorate
  • install kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
  • erect a fence (except for swimming pools - outside pools require permits)
  • replace existing forced air furnace (no duct work or venting alterations)
  • electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)

What happens if you do not get a permit?

If you start construction but do not have the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, you may be prosecuted and you may even be ordered to remove work already done. Contact the Building Division – Permits Section at 905-874-2401 if you are not sure if you need a permit for your project.

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Comments

3 Responses to “When do I require a building permit?”

  1. Business Web Site Design on February 13th, 2008 6:19 am

    This is a great list and can be helpful because sometimes your not sure.

    I recently changed a side door on my home. I went to one of the box stores and they insisted it needed a permit of 109.00 and they would obtain it.

    They installed door and the inspector from county came out after and signed off and I thought I was done.

    One year later I get a call from box store that there was to be two inspections one half way thru (a buck inspection) of the frame around the door and then the final one.

    They wanted to come out and rip the trim off and examine the buck inspection. They would not pay to replace the trim work that I had paid to install and paint.

    I told them this was crazy and they said the county would put a lein against the property and slow down if we ever wanted to sell.

    They also lost the permit (there copy) When I told them I had my copy they couldn’t believe it and said they send someone out from the county.

    The county guy came and he was the same person and said did you feel the job was done right? Any problems? I’m not gonna rip it down and he signed in the other area.

    Imagine my surprise when I see it’s not required on your list. So are the box stores doing permits when not needed?

  2. john on June 19th, 2008 10:40 pm

    What is the building code requirement for chimney height above the roof, if any? Cause I may have to demolish a crumbling chimney and rebuild it. I don’t need a permit to demolish chimney and rebuild it right? if so how much does it cost?

    thanks,
    john

  3. lang on June 20th, 2008 3:17 pm

    Hi John

    You’ll need to apply for a permit. Please call the city office at 905-874-2401 to get more details.

    Lang

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