All building permit applications need to be in compliance with the Ontario Building Code. You will find information below that will assist you in the building permit application process. Our building officials make sure the proposed building design follows the Ontario Building Code and all construction is completed with the issued building permit plans. We issue building permits for construction, renovations and demolition.
Discover how to apply for a building permit and learn about projects that do and do not need building permits and re-submissions to an existing building permit application.
You can check the status of any issued building permit dating back to five years with the City of Burlington.
Building Permit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a building permit? |
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View the list of projects and their specifications that do not need building a permit. |
Is there an application checklist for my project? |
| Yes, you can view the comprehensive list for project-specific building permit application requirements. |
Does my building permit expire? |
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Your building permit will not expire as long as you start construction within six months after the permit is issued. If construction has not begun after six months, your permit may be revoked as per section 8 of the Building Code Act. |
What are the consequences of not getting a building permit? |
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I am moving to a new house and wish to do construction work on it. Can I apply for my building permit before taking ownership? |
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No. Please wait until you take ownership. In the City of Burlington, you must be the owner of the house before you can apply for a building permit. If you bought a house that is in under construction by the previous owner, please apply for a transfer of permit. Contact the Building Department at 905-335-7731 or by email to apply for a permit transfer. |
Do I need a building permit to install/build a tiny house or additional residential unit (ARU)? |
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If you are considering a pre-built tiny house or additional dwelling unit (ARU) on your property, separate from your main house, building permits are required. Building permits are required for structures built in one location and installed in another. The permitting process for a pre-built tiny house involves two distinct stages:
View the Tiny House checklist for install for minimum required information to be submitted in accordance with the Building Code Act and the City of Burlington's Building Permit By-Law. |
As a homeowner, can I do my own drawings for a building/structure on my property? |
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Yes, as the owner of the property, the Building Code under Div. C - 3.2.4 gives you an exemption so you can design your own drawings for buildings/structures on your property. It’s important to understand the standard of drawings that are needed. Please prepare your plans and specifications with enough detail to show that your project will meet all the technical requirements of the Ontario Building Code. The standard and quality of expectation for the drawings remains the same, and all relevant information will need to be shown on the drawings. It is always recommended to hire a qualified designer to assist with your project. If you need help, please contact us at 905-335-7731 or by email. |
Where can I find Technical Design Standards, such as CBO technical directives and builder’s tips? |
| Technical standards and builder’s tips provide important guidance and technical interpretations of the Ontario Building Code and Building Code Act requirements to help with your building permit application and the construction process. View the list of Building Technical Standards.
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How do I find a designer to help with my project? |
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The City of Burlington does not specifically endorse any individual designer or organization and thus cannot recommend any specific designer. The Building Code Act requires that a range of individuals and firms responsible for design activities regulated under the Act be qualified in their appropriate area of design and, when required, registered with the Province. Individuals and, in some instances, their firms must file with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to obtain a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN). The Ministry's Qualification and Registration Tracking System (QuARTS) public registry allows the public to access a registry of building practitioners and organizations (firms and municipalities) in order to verify their qualification information under the Building Code. For certain projects, such as most industrial/commercial/institutional construction, a qualified or registered designer is not sufficient and the drawings must be stamped by an architect, professional engineer or both. Refer to Division C, Section 1.2 of the Building Code for specific requirements. |