Skip to Content

City of Burlington Logo City of Burlington Logo

Text Size

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Regular High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available.

View our Accessibility page

  • Careers
  • Public Engagement
  • Service Burlington
City of Burlington Logo
  • Recreation
    • Accessible Recreation
      • Accessible Recreation Programs
    • Adult 19 and 55 Programs
      • Adult Programs
    • Children’s Programs
      • Explore Children's Programs (Youth 0-18)
    • Drop-in Programs
    • Family Programs
    • Music
      • Burlington Teen Tour Band
      • Music Programs
    • Outdoor Play
      • Outdoor Programs
    • Passes and Memberships
      • Active5 Pass
    • Pickleball
    • Registering for a Program
      • Code of Conduct
      • Explore all Programs
      • High Five Accreditation
      • Recreation Fee Assistance
    • Skating
      • Explore Skating
    • Student Theatre Programs
    • Summer Camps and School Break Programs
      • School Break Programs
      • Summer Camps
        • Summer Camp Information for Parents
        • Summer Camp Programs
    • Swimming and Aquatic Programs
      • Aquatic Fitness
      • Aquatic Leadership Courses
      • Lap Swim
      • Swimming Lessons
    • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Building Permits
    • Burn Permits
    • Business Licences
    • Claims
    • Development Applications
    • Dog Licences
    • Freedom of Information
    • Festival and Event Applications
    • Liquor Licences
    • Lottery Licences
    • Marriages
      • Marriage Certificates
      • Marriage Licences
    • Parking
    • Pool Permits
    • Rent a Facility or Park
    • Road and Transportation Permits
    • Sign Permits
    • Speak at a Meeting
    • Specialized Transit
    • Temporary Outdoor Patios
    • Tournament Applications
  • Arts, Culture and Events
    • Art
    • Arts and Culture Fund
    • Arts and Culture in Burlington
    • Calendar of Events
    • Cultural Map
    • Downtown Burlington
      • Downtown Waterfront
    • Festivals and Events
      • Canada Day
      • Concerts in the Park
      • Culture Days
      • Festival and Event Applications
      • Food for Feedback
      • Kids Mini Fest
      • Movies Under the Stars
      • Remembrance Day
      • Santa Claus Parade
      • Vendor Opportunities
    • History and Heritage
      • Doors Open Burlington
      • Heritage Conservation Planning
    • Libraries
    • Local Farms, Community Gardens and Markets
    • Music
    • Story Maps
    • Theatres
    • Twin Cities Apeldoorn and Itabashi
    • Visiting Burlington
  • Building and Renovating
    • Basement Flooding
    • Booking an Inspection
    • Building Permits
      • Applying for a Building Permit
      • Building Permit Process
      • Check the Status of a Permit
      • Demolitions
    • Building Records, Statistics and Reports
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Design Standards
      • Accessibility Design Standards
      • Engineering Standard Drawings
      • Standard Specifications
    • Development Charges
    • Driveways and Curbs
    • Fences
    • Home Construction and Renovation
    • Pool Permits
    • Property Standards
    • Sign Permits
    • Zoning
  • Business in Burlington
    • Advertising and Sponsorship
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Economic Development
    • Business Licences
      • Adult Entertainment Licences
      • Group Homes
      • Public Vehicle Licences
    • Filming in Burlington
    • Halton Region Small Business Centre
    • Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force
    • Sign Permits
    • Starting a Business
    • TechPlace
    • Temporary Outdoor Patios
    • Zoning
  • By-laws and Animal Services
    • By-laws
      • Animal Control By-law
      • By-law Enforcement
      • Frequently Requested By-laws
      • Search By-laws
    • Dog Licences
    • Donations
    • Educational Programs
    • Leash-Free Dog Parks
    • Lost Pets
    • Pet Adoption
    • Rabies
    • Report an Issue
    • Wildlife
      • Coyotes
  • Community Supports
    • Accessibility
      • Accessibility Design Standards
      • Accessibility Legislation in Ontario
      • Accessible Parking Permits
      • Accessible Recreation
      • Corporate Accessibility Policy
      • Service Animals
    • Community Funding and Grant Programs
    • Community Gardens
    • Community Hub
    • Community Partners
    • Lending Library
    • Love My Neighbourhood
    • Neighbourhood Community Matching Fund
    • Neighbourhood Connectors
    • Neighbourhood Rinks
    • New to the Community
    • Recreation Fee Assistance
    • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Council and City Administration
    • Accountability and Transparency
      • Audit Committee
      • Closed Meeting Investigations
      • Conflicts of Interest Registry
      • Council Remuneration and Expenses
      • Freedom of Information
      • Integrity Commissioner
      • Lobbyist Registry
      • Office of the Ombudsman
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Budget and Finances
      • Approved Budget Book
      • Financial Statements
      • Property Taxes
      • Proposed Budget
      • Public Sector Salary Disclosure
    • By-laws
    • Careers
    • City Administration
      • Accounts Payable
      • City Manager
      • Corporate Policies
      • Departments
      • Job Descriptions
    • Claims
    • Commissioner of Oaths and Declarations
    • Committees and Boards
      • Accessibility Advisory Committee
      • Agricultural and Rural Affairs Advisory Committee
      • Apply to a Board or Committee
      • Council and Committee Meetings
      • Council Remuneration Review Working Group
      • Cycling Advisory Committee
      • Downtown Parking Advisory Committee
      • Greater Bay Area Sub-Committee
      • Heritage Burlington Advisory Committee
      • Inclusivity Advisory Committee
      • Integrated Transportation Advisory Committee
      • Joint Compliance Audit Committee
      • Mayor's Millennial Advisory Committee
      • Mundialization Committee
      • Seniors' Advisory Committee
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Standing Committees of Council
      • Sustainable Development Advisory Committee
    • Contact Us
    • Council
      • Communicating with City Council
      • Council and Committee Meetings
      • Council Information Packages
      • Council Members and Wards
        • Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
          • Make a Request
            • Ask the Mayor
            • Congratulatory Letters and Certificates
            • Flag Raisings
            • Invite the Mayor
            • Request a Meeting with the Mayor
            • Request a Proclamation
          • Mayor's News, Meetings and Events
          • Key to the City
        • Ward 1 - Councillor Kelvin Galbraith
          • Ward 1 News, Meetings and Events
        • Ward 2 - Councillor Lisa Kearns
          • Ward 2 News, Meetings and Events
        • Ward 3 - Councillor Rory Nisan
          • Ward 3 News, Meetings and Events
        • Ward 4 - Councillor Shawna Stolte
          • Ward 4 News, Meetings and Events
        • Ward 5 - Councillor Paul Sharman
          • Ward 5 News, Meetings and Events
        • Ward 6 - Councillor Angelo Bentivegna
          • Ward 6 News, Meetings and Events
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Standing Committees of Council
        • Audit Committee
        • Community Planning, Regulation and Mobility Committee
        • Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee
        • Council Workshop Committee
        • Environment, Infrastructure and Community Services Committee
    • Elections
    • Initiative Projects
      • Burlington One Brand Project
      • Park Dedication Bylaw
      • Parks Provisioning Master Plan (PPMP)
      • Red Tape Red Carpet Task Force
        • Red Tape Red Carpet Progress Reporting
      • Rural Internet Installation
    • Open Data
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
      • 2018-2022 Burlington’s Plan: From Vision to Focus
      • Active Aging Plan
      • Asset Management Plan
      • Audit and Accountability Fund - Web Architecture Review Report
      • Climate Action Plan
      • Climate Resilient Burlington Plan
      • Framework for Recreation
      • Integrated Mobility Plan
      • Land Management Database Platform Review
      • Legal Cannabis and the City of Burlington
      • Lowville Park Master Plan
      • Multi-Year Accessibility Plan
      • Service Delivery Plans
      • Strategic Plan
      • Transit Business Plan
      • Waterfront Hotel Planning Study
      • Young Tree Pilot Study
    • Public Engagement
    • Volunteering Opportunities
    • Service Burlington
  • Halton Court Services
    • About Us
      • Common Legal Terms
      • FAQs
    • Court News and Notices
    • For Defendants
      • File an Appeal
    • For Enforcement Agencies
  • Home, Property and Environment
    • Building and Renovating
    • Construction in Your Neighbourhood
    • Environment
      • Climate Change and Air Quality
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Environmental Assessment Projects
      • Energy Initiatives
        • Energy and Buildings
        • Energy and City Operations
      • Environmental Programs
      • Idling
      • Local Food
      • Stormwater Management Projects
      • Water and Stormwater
      • Yellow Fish Road Program
    • Forestry
      • Burlington Honour Roll of Trees
      • City Trees and You
      • Forest Protection and Tree Permits
        • Tree Permit Application
      • Tree Pests and Diseases
      • Tree Planting and Care
      • Tree Stump Removal
    • Garbage, Recycling and Leaf Collection
      • Halton Waste Management Site
      • Household Hazardous Waste
      • Leaf Collection
      • Litter and Clean ups
      • Yard Waste
    • Maps
    • Open Air Burning - Campfires, Chimineas, Fire Pits
    • Property Information Request
    • Property Taxes
    • Utilities
      • Rural Internet Installation
  • Parks, Facilities and Rentals
    • Advertising and Sponsorship
      • Adopt-A-Flowerbed
      • Arena Advertising
      • Display Cases
      • Donations in Honour and Memory
      • Flyer Slots
      • Read-o-Graph Signs
      • Wall, Window and Floor Advertising
    • Amphitheatres
    • Arenas and Ice Centres
    • Banquet Centres
    • Cemeteries
    • Community Centres
    • Facility Construction Projects
    • Facility, Sports Field and Pool Closures
    • Gyms
    • Leash-Free Dog Parks
    • Libraries
    • Marina
    • Parks and Facilities Directory
    • Park Renewal Projects
    • Picnics
    • Pools, Splash Pads and Spray Parks
    • Rent a Facility or Park
      • Explore Facility and Park Rentals
    • Rooms and Auditoriums
    • Sports Fields
    • Trails and Bikeways
  • Planning and Development
    • City-wide Parking Standards
    • Community Benefits Charge
    • Current Development Projects
      • Ward 1
      • Ward 2
      • Ward 3
      • Ward 4
      • Ward 5
      • Ward 6
    • Development Applications
      • Burlington Planning Process
      • Committee of Adjustment
        • Applications for Consent
        • Minor Variances
      • Demolitions
      • Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate
      • Official Plan Amendments
      • Part Lot Control
      • Required Background Studies
      • Site Alteration Permits
      • Site Plans
      • Subdivisions
      • Zoning
    • Development Charges
    • Heritage Conservation Planning
      • Municipal Cultural Heritage Register
      • Supporting Burlington's Heritage
    • Official Plan
    • Property Information Request
    • Urban Design
    • Zoning
      • Zoning By-Law Amendments
        • Search Zoning By-Law Amendments
      • Zoning Clearance Certificates
  • Property Taxes
    • Paying Property Taxes
      • How Your Taxes are Used
      • Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plans
    • Property Assessments
      • Assessment Appeals
    • Rebates and Deferrals
      • Heritage Property Tax Rebate
      • Low-Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate
      • Older Adults Property Tax Deferral Program
      • Registered Charity Rebates
    • Tax Adjustments Applications
    • Tax Certificates
    • Update Your Address or Property Ownership
  • Fire and Emergency Services
    • Ambulance and Paramedic Services
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
    • Emergency Notifications
    • Emergency Plan and Preparedness
    • Fire Department
      • Fire and Public Safety Education
        • Apartment Fire Safety
        • Babysitting Safety
        • Barbecue Safety
        • Barn Fire Prevention
        • Carbon Monoxide
        • Cooking Fire Safety
        • Family Fire Escape Plan
        • Fire and Life Safety for People with a Disability
        • Fire Extinguishers
        • Fire Prevention Week
        • Fireworks
        • Open Air Burning - Campfires, Chimineas, Fire Pits
        • Smoke Alarms
      • Fire Department - About Us
      • Fire Station Locations
      • Fire Programs and Services
        • Alarm Assistance Program
        • Burn Permits
        • Fire Inspections and Enforcement
      • Working with the Fire Department
    • Health and Safety Notices
    • Police Service
    • Stormwater Safety
  • Roads, Parking and Traffic
    • Cycling
    • Driveways and Curbs
    • Electric Vehicles
    • Leaf Collection
    • Parking
      • Accessible Parking Permits
      • Paid Parking and Reservations
      • Parking Exemptions
      • Parking in Downtown Burlington
      • Parking Permits
      • Paying a Parking Ticket
      • Winter Parking
    • Report an Issue
    • Road and Sidewalk Maintenance
    • Road and Transportation Construction Projects
    • Road Closures and Restrictions
    • Road and Transportation Permits
    • Snow Removal
      • Snow Control Updates
      • Snow Removal Plan
      • Windrow Clearing for Persons with Disabilities
      • Winter Parking
    • Traffic Safety
      • Pedestrian Crossovers and Crossing Guards
      • Speeding and Aggressive Driving
    • Transit
  • Transit
    • About Us
      • Advertising
      • Contact Us
    • Fares and Passes
      • Adults 65 Ride for Free
      • Connections and Transfers
      • Fares
      • Low Income Pass
      • PRESTO Cards
        • PRESTO Contactless
      • Single-Ride Vouchers
      • Students Passes
    • Riding With Us
      • Accessibility
      • Bike Racks
      • Lost and Found
      • Specialized Transit
    • Schedules and Routes
      • Connections and Transfers
      • Plan a Trip
      • Real-Time Bus Arrival Times
      • Schedules and Maps
      • Transit Updates and Changes
    • MyRide
  • News and Notices
    • All News and Notices
    • Calendar of Events
    • City Meeting Calendar
    • City Talk
    • Extreme Weather Alerts
    • Facility, Sports Field and Pool Closures
    • Halton Court Services news
    • Health and Safety Notices
    • Media Releases
      • Media Contacts
    • Public Notices
    • Road Closures and Restrictions
    • Service Disruptions
    • Snow Control Updates
    • Transit Updates and Changes
    • Subscribe

Building and Renovating

HomeBuilding and RenovatingBuilding PermitsApplying for a Building Permit
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Email

Applying for a Building Permit

You can apply to the City of Burlington for a new building permit or re-submit if you have an existing building permit. Building permits make sure your project is built to the minimum standards set out in the Ontario Building Code and ensure compliance with the City's Official Plan, Zoning Bylaw, Grading and Drainage Bylaw, urban design guidelines  and other standards.

If you are not sure if you need a permit, view the information on this page to discover types of projects that do and do not need building permits.

Apply for a new building permit

How to apply for a new building permit 
See these steps to learn how to apply for a new building permit.
  • Site plan application
  • Zoning clearance certificate
  • Grading and drainage clearance certificate
Review requirements for your site plan, property zoning, and grading and drainage
View the first three steps of our Building Permit Process to make sure you have the necessary approvals and clearances for your site plan, zoning, and grading and drainage. You must have these approvals and clearances before you can apply for a building permit.
Review our Electronic Application Submission Standards
We only accept building permit applications through electronic submission. Review our Electronic Building Permit Application Submission Standards. These standards outline how to prepare your digital drawings and documents for submission. We do not accept submissions that do not meet these standards. If you have sent insufficient documents, you will need to re-submit your documents before your application is accepted.
Review project-specific building permit application requirements
Review the project-specific application checklist that applies to your project. You can find the list of application submission requirements on this page below. You must include all required items from the checklist in your submission package.
Complete the Building Permit Application and gather your application requirements
Complete the Building Permit Application Form. Gather and complete any additional requirements applicable from Step 2.
Submit your building permit application package
Send your completed building permit application package to us by email at buildingpermits@burlington.ca. In the subject line, please state "Building Permit Application" followed by the project address, including suite/unit number if applicable. If your package is more than 20 MB, please email us to request a large file transfer.

Example subject line: Building Permit Application - 123 Main St., Unit 7

Receive a response from the City
We will email you to let you of next steps for your application. This includes the associated permit fee and how to pay if your application is successful. We will let you know of any questions, if we need more information or if you need to re-submit if the documents are insufficient.
Pay the associated building permit fee
Follow the instructions set out in our email to pay your building permit fee. Please pay your fee within two days of our response.
Receive your building permit and arrange for project inspections
We will issue you your building permit once all requirements are completed and fees are paid. Learn how you can book any associated inspections with your permit. View our Building Permit Turnaround Times for information on when to expect your permit.

Re-submissions to existing permit applications

If you need to re-submit a package for your existing permit application, please follow the same steps as you would for a new application . When you are ready to submit, in the subject line of your email, please state "Building Permit Re-submission" followed by the application number and project address, including suite/unit number if applicable. If your package is more than 20 MB, please email us to request a large file transfer.

  • Example subject line: Building Permit Re-submission - 21-123456 - 123 Main St., Unit 7

Project-specific application requirements

View the project-specific building permit application requirements and supplementary documents and forms for:

Residential application requirements

  • Accessory buildings
  • Additions 
  • Attached garages/carports 
  • Basement finish
  • Basement walkout
  • Decks and porches 
  • Demolition
  • High-rise residential 
  • Interior renovations
  • New dwelling 
  • Site servicing 
  • Solar panel systems

Industrial, commercial and institutional application requirements

  • Backflow prevention devices
  • Change of use 
  • Demolition
  • New construction/addition
  • Rack storage systems, and shelf rack and storage systems
  • Site servicing 
  • Solar panel systems 
  • Tents
  • Unit Finish or Interior Alteration

Project-specific application requirements

  • Building Permit Requirements - Unit Finish or Interior Alteration to Commercial, Industrial or Institutional Occupancies

Supplementary documents and forms

  • Alternative Solution Form
  • Building Code Change - Integration Coordinator and Report Requirements for Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
  • Building Design Statement
  • Building Use and Occupancy Form
  • Commitment to General Reviews by Architect and Engineers Form
  • Demolition Clearance Form
  • For access to Energy Efficiency Checklists for Part 3 and Part 9 Non-Residential Buildings please visit Build Right Ontario
  • Financial Assistance for Flood Prevention Work
  • Flood Prevention Permit Fee Subsidy Program - Homeowner Release Form 
  • Partial Occupancy/Transfer of Permit Application Form

Fees

View our Building Permit Fee Schedule for more information on building permit fees.

Check the status of a permit

Learn how to check the status of your permit with the City.

Applying for a Building Permit FAQs

View our frequently asked questions (FAQs) to learn more about applying for a building permit.

Do I need a building permit?

If you are not sure if you need a building permit for your project, contact us at 905-335-7731.

Some examples of projects that require a permit include:

  • Accessory structures such as garages and sheds greater than 10 square metres
  • Additions to existing buildings
  • Decks and porches, including enclosing existing decks, porches and patios
  • Demolition
  • Finishing of unfinished areas, including basements, attics and commercial areas
  • Installing new plumbing fixtures that require drains and vents
  • New building construction
  • Repairing or underpinning foundations
  • Replacing exterior cladding material to stucco
  • Septic systems and repairs
  • Signs
  • Solid fuel-burning appliances, including alterations to existing appliances
  • Structural alterations, new openings for doors and windows in existing walls
  • Swimming pools

Some examples of projects that do not require a permit include:

  • Electrical work (contact the Electrical Safety Authority)
  • Fences (contact us at 905-335-7642 for location and height regulations)
  • Painting, decorating, millwork and replacing plumbing fixtures
  • Patios and landscaping
  • Replacing doors or windows in an existing opening
  • Replacing siding or shingles with the same material
What are the consequences of not getting a building permit?
  • Additional fees under the Building Permit Bylaw
  • Costly repairs or removal of construction that is not in compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Zoning Bylaw or Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate Bylaw
  • Inspections by professional engineers
  • May affect your ability to refinance or sell the property
  • Possible fines and legal action against all parties involved
Can I do my own drawings?
Yes. As the owner of the property, the Ontario Building Code provides an exemption for you to create your own drawings. However, if the drawings are below standard or missing information, you will need to re-submit them or hire a designer who carries the proper qualifications.
I am moving to a new house and wish to do construction work on it. Can I apply for my building permit before I take ownership?
No. You must be the owner of a house prior to applying for a building permit in Burlington. If you have bought a house that is in mid-project from the previous owner, you must apply for a transfer of permit.
How long is my permit good for?
Your permit is good for six months. If work has not started after six months, your permit may be revoked.
Do I need a permit for my landscaping work?
Most types of landscaping do not need permits, such as hedges, patio stones, etc. Items such as retaining walls, decks and gazebos over 10 square metres (or 108 square feet) may require a permit. Contact us at 905-335-7731 if you are not sure.
Do I need a permit for my electrical work?
Contact the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for an answer. They are responsible for electrical work permits and inspections across Ontario.
Building and Renovating
    • Basement Flooding
    • Booking an Inspection
    • Building Permits
      • Applying for a Building Permit
      • Building Permit Process
      • Check the Status of a Permit
      • Demolitions
    • Building Records, Statistics and Reports
    • Call Before You Dig
    • Design Standards
      • Accessibility Design Standards
      • Engineering Standard Drawings
      • Standard Specifications
    • Development Charges
    • Driveways and Curbs
    • Fences
    • Home Construction and Renovation
    • Pool Permits
    • Property Standards
    • Sign Permits
    • Zoning

Contact Us

Subscribe To Page Updates

City of Burlington footer logo

426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z6

Email: city@burlington.ca
Phone: 905-335-7777

Follow Us

  • View View our Facebook Page
  • View View our Twitter Page
  • View View our Instagram Page
  • View View our YouTube Page
  • View View our LinkedIn Page
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Sitemap
  • Website Feedback
  • Contact Us
  • Social Media Commenting Guidelines
  • Land Acknowledgement
Copyright © 2022 Burlington By GHD Digital

Connect with Burlington

Stay up to date on Burlington activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our many eNewsletters.

Sign Up Now