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When Do I Need a Permit?
Before starting a new construction project, whether inside or outside, you must first determine if you need a building permit. Please call the building department to confirm before starting your project if you are unsure.
'Building,' 'Construct,' and 'Demolish' are defined terms in the Building Code Act.
| Projects that require a permit | ||
Demolition permits are required for all buildings greater than 10 square metres (108 square feet), with the exception of farm buildings. Please note: a designated substances report will be required for all dwellings at the time of application submission.
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| Projects that do not require a permit |
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| Emergency Repair Permits |
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If you are applying for a building permit to resolve an emergency plumbing or septic issue in a single detached dwelling or other dwelling, including but not limited to:
Please include "emergency plumbing repair" in the description of proposed work field on the application form. We will do our best to expedite the permit. |
What if I fail to get a permit?
Homeowners are responsible for getting a permit before construction starts. Building without a permit is against the law and could result in you and/or your contractor being subject to fines or penalties set out by the Building Code Act.
Projects completed without a permit may not meet the building code standards, resulting in poor construction that may be unsafe; this could lead to costly repairs to correct the problem or even bring about complete construction failure. If you have begun your project without a permit, your permit costs double, and we may pursue legal action to ensure compliance.
