Building Permits

The City's building division issues permits for the construction, renovation, demolition and certain changes of use of buildings. It also issues permits for the installation, alteration, extension or repair of on-site sewage systems.

Building permits protect the interests of individuals and the community. By reviewing and approving building plans before any work is done, we can make sure buildings comply with:

The Ontario Building Code, which sets standards for the design and construction of buildings to meet objectives such as health, safety, fire protection, accessibility and resource conservation
The local zoning bylaw and other planning controls on buildings
The local grading and drainage bylaw for low density residential lands
Other applicable law, including conservation authority approvals and certain requirements under the Environmental Protection Act.

Resources provided in this section will help you determine if you need a building permit and, if so, which building permit application requirements are needed for your specific construction project or building demolition. Our building permit process flow chart summarizes the steps involved, including when you need to arrange for a building inspection. You can also visit our frequently asked questions.

Building statistics and reports are available as well as a map of the status of permit inquiries throughout the city.

Public Notices

Please note that all City facilities, including City Hall, are currently closed to the public to help minimize the spread of the COVID-19 virus. During this time we will have access to email and will be able to reply to your email in a timely manner. For up-to-date information on city services, please visit the News and Notices web page.

We are currently processing building permit applications. If you are looking to apply for a building permit or follow up on an existing building permit application please email building@burlington.ca. Staff from the Building Division will respond to your request and be able to assist you with the building permit process.

Where construction can lawfully proceed under Ontario Regulation 82/20 as amended, it is the owner’s responsibility and/or each person responsible for the place of business that the business operates in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations made under it;

The owner and/or each person responsible for the place of business that which continues to operate shall operate in compliance with the advice, recommendations and instructions of public health officials, including any advice, recommendations or instructions on physical distancing, cleaning and/or disinfecting.

Public enquiries relating to what businesses are deemed essential, and which are not, please refer to the Province’s ‘Stop the Spread Business Information Line’ at: