Building and Renovating

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 not need building permits.

Permit Requirements

We understand your building project is important to you and we are here to help. If you are not sure if your project needs a building permit, please contact us at 905-335-7731 or buildingpermits@burlington.ca for more information.

Please remember that compliance with municipal bylaws is a must when planning to develop on your property. Contact us at 905-335-7642 or planning@burlington.ca to ask about pre-building permit approvals needed for your property.

Below is a list of some projects that DO NOT require building permits. If you don’t see your project on this list, you probably need a building permit. Keep in mind, even if your project does not need a permit, your design and construction still must meet the Ontario Building Code.

List of projects that do not need a permit

A building and/or structure less than 10 m² (108 ft²) with no plumbing (regardless of height).
Fences.
Fences enclosing swimming pools, swim spas, hot tubs may require a pool enclosure permit.
Painting, decorating, millwork and replacing plumbing fixtures of the same type and in the same location.

Patios (on grade) that are not covered or have a roof.

Landscaping.
Where landscaping projects affect private or public trees, you might need a tree permit. Contact Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca to find out.

Replacing doors or windows in an existing opening in a house, or in an accessory building serving the house.
Replacing shingles with the same material as long as the roof has less than three layers of shingles.
Replacing exterior wall cladding, such as siding, with the same material and if there is no increase in thickness.
Attached or separate decks that are:
- less than 10 m² (108 ft²),
- less than 60 cm (24 5/8inches) high from grade measured from the top of the adjacent walking surface,
- that are not covered or have a roof, and
- for a house.

Accessory detached pergolas for a house.
Replacement heating and cooling equipment for a house (replacement meaning like for like and the same), such as:
- Air conditioning unit(s)
- Furnace(s)
- Heat pump(s)
- Solid fuel-burning appliance(s), etc.
Accessory detached buildings/structures for a house including sheds, gazebos, garages, carports, greenhouse/solariums, cabanas, shipping containers and other similar-type structures no higher than one storey high and less than 15 m² (161 ft²) in gross area. It cannot have plumbing.
A class 1 sewage system with a chemical, incinerating, recirculating or self-contained portable toilet, all forms of outhouse or composting toilet system.
A tent, or group of tents
- 60 m² and under in total ground area,
- not attached to a building, and
- located more than three m from other structures.
Accessory detached outdoor fireplace.
Open-air burning regulations may still apply, for any questions contact the Burlington Fire Department at 905-637-8207 or firedepartment@burlington.ca.
Electrical work.
The City does not issue electrical permits, but you must contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233 for related electrical permits.
A retaining wall equal to or less than 1 m (3.3 ft) high.
A pedestrian bridge that does not provide a means of exit or egress from a building on a property.
An outside storage tank and its supporting structure regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 (TSSA).
Signs that are not supported by a building and/or do not require structural support. Sign permits are required to put any kind of sign on a public property.
Solar collectors not mounted to buildings with a face area less than five m²(54 ft²).
A structure that supports a wind turbine generator having a rated output of less than 3kW.
A dish antenna that is not mounted to a building with a face area less than five m² (54 ft²).
A permanent solid nutrient storage facility with supporting walls equal to or less than 1 m (3.3 ft) high.

Glossary

House: As defined in the Ontario Building Code means a detached house, semi-detached house or row house containing not more than two dwelling units.
Pergola: A structure that provides partial shelter and shade through a slatted or partial roof covering.
Accessory: Accessory buildings are detached from other buildings/structures but on the same lot or property. They are auxiliary buildings used with the main house on the property.

How to apply for a new building permit

See these steps to learn how to apply for a new building permit.

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

Industrial, commercial and institutional application requirements

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
Demolition Service Disconnect and Site Preparation Checklist
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 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Do I need a building permit?

We understand your building project is important to you and we are here to help. If you are not sure if your project needs a building permit, please contact us at 905-335-7731 or buildingpermits@burlington.ca for more information.

Please remember that compliance with municipal bylaws is a must when planning to develop on your property. Contact us at 905-335-7642 or planning@burlington.ca to ask about pre-building permit approvals needed for your property.

You can view permit requirements at the top of this page.

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.