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Building and Renovating

HomeBuilding and RenovatingBuilding Permits
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Building Permits

The City of Burlington issues building permits to protect property owners and the community. 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 and the Ontario Building Code. We review and approve building plans and inspect construction for all issued building permits to make sure buildings meet Ontario Building Codes. These protect everyone’s health and safety using the building.

We issue building permits for:

  • The construction, renovation, demolition and certain changes for the use of buildings/structures
  • The installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems
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Building Permit Process

View each step of the building permit process, which ensures high standards of design, efficiency of land use and servicing efficiency.

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Apply for a building permit

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.

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Check the Status of a Building Permit

Check the status of a building permit application or issued permit.

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Building Permit Grant and Incentive Programs

Incentives for New Additional Residential Units

Until Dec. 13, 2024, if you’re a developer planning to build a detached ARU model home, submit your detached ARU model home design for pre-approval and have the fees waived. The model home certification fee of $1,488 and the fast-track service fee of $750 - $1,000 will be waived on all eligible detached ARU model designs that are pre-approved. Submit your design for pre-approval before Dec. 13, 2024. After Dec. 13, 2024, standard fees will apply.

Grants for Solar Panels

Grants for residential Solar Panel Building Permits are available until Dec. 31, 2024. Solar panels can help offset electricity costs and support the transition away from using fossil fuels in our buildings. Make sure your solar panels are professionally installed. Grant applications received after Dec. 31, 2024 will not be eligible.

Discover how solar panels can benefit your home and lower your electricity bill by visiting our Home Solar page.

Building Permit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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.

It is important to note, even if your project does not require a building permit it is in your best interest to ensure any/all buildings/structures on your property are designed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code and constructed using industry best practices. Property owners should also ensure their project complies with municipal zoning, forestry and engineering by-laws, and any regional servicing requirements (water/sewer).

What projects DO NOT need a building 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 drywall with the same material that does not impact fire separation or other components of a wall, such as studs or insulation.
  • Replacing exterior wall cladding, such as siding, with the same material and if there is no increase in thickness.
  • Accessory detached 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: 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.

Do I need a building permit to install/build a tiny house or additional residential unit (ARU)?

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:

  1. Off-site construction: A permit is required at the time the unit is partially constructed.
  2. On-site installation: A second permit is necessary when the unit is installed on your property.

To simplify the process, the Building Department provides supplementary forms and detailed checklists to guide you through each stage of your application.

Stage 1: Application to Partially Construct - The person or company constructing the tiny house must apply for a permit to partially construct.

Application Checklist: Tiny House Checklist for Partial Construction

Declaration of Assumptions form: Tiny House Declaration of Assumptions

Stage 2: Application to Install – The property owner must apply for a permit to install the tiny house on their property.

Application Checklist: Tiny House Checklist for Install

Transfer Form: Tiny House Transfer Form

Further explanation is provided in the CBO Technical Directive #CBO-13 “Tiny Houses – Building Permit Application Requirements”.

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. These resources are available on the Design Standards page.

What are the consequences of not getting a building permit?

  • Administrative penalty fees under the Building Permit Bylaw.  See “Work prior to permit issuance at any stage of construction” in Schedule “A” of the bylaw for applicable administrative penalty fees.
  • Receive Order to Comply to obtain a building/demolition permit.  The Order may be registered on title which may affect your ability to refinance or sell the property.
  • Receive Order to Stop Work.  The Order may be registered on title which may affect your ability to refinance or sell the property.
  • Costly repairs or removal of construction that is not in compliance with the Ontario Building Code or other applicable law (i.e., Niagara Escarpment Commission, Conservation Authorities, Zoning by-law, etc.).
  • Costly inspections/reports by professional engineers.
  • Possible fines and legal action against all parties involved.  Penalties under Section 36 of the Building Code Act indicate maximum fines for a first offence of $50,000 for an individual, or $500,000 for a corporation.

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?

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 buildingpermits@burlington.ca to apply for a permit transfer.

As a homeowner, can I do my own drawings for a building/structure on my property?

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. If the drawings are below standard or are missing information, you will be asked to revise them. You can also hire a designer who holds the required qualifications under the Ontario Building Code. If you need help, please contact us at 905-335-7731 or buildingpermits@burlington.ca.

How long is my building permit good for?

Your building permit is good for up to six months before you start construction.

If construction has not begun after six months, your permit may be revoked as per section 8 of the Building Code Act.

We get it: sometimes things come up that lead to a delay in your project being able to start. If this happens, please contact the Building Department at 905-335-7731 or buildingpermits@burlington.ca and we’ll do our best to help you out!

Do I need a building permit for my landscaping project?

It depends on the type of project. Most types of landscaping, such as hedges and patio stones, do not need a building permit. More permanent items, such as retaining walls, decks, and gazebos do need a building permit.

You can talk to a plans examiner at 905-335-7731 to see if you need a building permit for your landscaping project.

Where landscaping projects affect private or public trees, you might need a tree permit. For more information, please contact Service Burlington at 905-335-7777 or city@burlington.ca.

Do I need a permit for electrical work?

Electrical work is governed by the Ontario Electrical Safety Code through the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA); therefore, the City of Burlington does not issue permits nor inspect electrical work. It is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure an electrical notification (permit) and electrical inspection is done as required by the ESA. For more information on ESA requirements visit esasafe.com

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    • Home Flood Prevention
    • Pool Permits
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    • Sheds and Accessory Structures
    • Sign Permits
    • Zoning

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