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Home, Property and Environment

HomeHome, Property and EnvironmentHome Construction and Renovation
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Home Construction and Renovation

If you are planning a renovation to your home, we are here to help! This page will get you started on your journey with information to make sure you have all the right permits and clearances you need. Whether you’re doing the work yourself or are hiring someone to do it for you, read on to find out more.

In some cases, you may also need approval from external agencies like Burlington Hydro, Conservation Halton, Ministry of Transportation, Niagara Escarpment Commission, etc., as applicable.

What are you planning to build?

Choose from the options below to learn more about the process.

bright backyard with wood desk
Decks, Porches and Patios

If you're doing a little outside work to expand your outdoor living space or beautify your backyard.

Get Started...
Driveway being paved
Driveways and Curbs

If you're constructing a new driveway or widening an existing driveway.

Get Started...
Newly built fence in residential yard
Fences

If you're planning on building a fence for privacy, division, security or pool safety.

Get Started...
Residential Pool
Pools, Hot Tubs and Swim Spas

If you're planning on installing a pool, hot tub, or swim spa

Get Started...
Elderly man accessing a residential shed
Sheds and Accessory Structures

If you're planning on constructing an outside structure for storage.

Get Started...
Couple reviewing home renovation plans
Renovations and Additions

If you're planning to renovate the interior, finish your basement, undertake exterior improvements, or construct an addition.

Get Started...

Whats the process you need to follow?

Before you can apply for a Building Permit, you need to apply for a Pre-Building Approval Application.

Pre-Building Approval Application

The Pre-Building Approval process looks at your application for compliance with the Zoning Bylaw, Grading and Drainage Clearance Certificate Bylaw, Public Tree Bylaw and Private Tree Bylaw.

It is for residential projects to:

  • build a deck,
  • build an accessory structure or building like a shed or gazebo,
  • make renovations to a house,
  • build a new house,
  • build additional residential units,
  • build a residential building with 10 units or less.

Visit our Pre-Building Approval Application page for more information...

If your proposed home construction or renovation project does not comply with the Zoning By-law and you wish to have these minor zoning deviations approved, you will need to make an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a Minor Variance.

Applying for Permits

For your home construction or renovation project you may require one or more of the below permits.

  • Building Permit
  • Demolition Permit
  • Driveway Permit
  • Pool Permit
  • Tree Permit

Have you already started the permit process?

Check the Status of a Permit

Home, Property and Environment
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      • Electric Vehicles
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        • 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
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    • Home Construction and Renovation
    • Maps
    • Open Air Burning - Campfires, Chimineas, Fire Pits
    • Property Information Request
    • Property Taxes
    • Utilities
      • Rural Internet Installation

Contact Us

Community Planning
426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013
Burlington, ON L7R 3Z6
Phone: 905-335-7642
Email Community Planning
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426 Brant Street, PO Box 5013,
Burlington, Ontario L7R 3Z6

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

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