Building Permits

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

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?

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

How long is my building permit good for?

Do I need a building permit for my landscaping project?

Do I need a permit for electrical work?