When do YOU NEED a permit?

•  Construct a new building
• Renovate, repair or add to a building
• Demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
• Change a buildings use
• Install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
• Make new openings for, or change the size of doors and windows
• Build a garage, balcony or deck or enclose an existing deck
• Build a utility shed over 108ft2 (10m2)
• Excavate a basement or construct a foundation
• Install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems
• Install or modify heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
• Install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
• Reconstruct a chimney
• Build a roofless deck over two feet above grade
• To finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
• To install a pool or hot tub
• Erect signage
• Install a septic system
• When you intend to alter the grade of a property greater than one hectare (2.5 acres), or next to an environmentally sensitive area.

When you DO NOT NEED a permit?

• 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 utility shed under 108ft2 (10m2), but the shed must comply with the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw 2003-11. Sheds are not allowed without a primary use structure, and must have proper set backs from the property line.
• Re-shingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
• Install eavestroughs, provided that drainage
• is contained on your property
• Damp-proof basements
• Paint or decorate
• Reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing.
• Erect a fence (except swimming pools and outside hot tubs require permits)
• Electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)