Do I need a permit?

Development permits and building permits are required for most construction projects. Whether you are renovating an existing building, constructing a new house or just putting up a baby barn or shed, you need to obtain a permit before starting the job. Permits are required for small projects such as signs, awnings, decks, porches, swimming pools, and sheds. Permits are also required for repairs, alteration or additions or demolitions of existing buildings (Demolition Permit). Even if no construction occurs, a development permit is needed for a "change of use" such as a new business.

What is the first step?

Call or visit the Planning and Development Department ahead of time to find out if the project is permitted and what the requirements are prior to development.

Application Forms

Building and Development permit application forms are required for development and may be picked up at the Planning and Development Department.

What information do I need?

You will need the following basic information for your building/development permit application:

• Property Details: where the property is located, including the street address, the size of the lot and the owner's name. If you have a location certificate or survey plan and/or the deed for the property (Schedule "A") it may be helpful to provide these as well.
• Plot Plan: show the size and location of all existing and proposed buildings or additions. The plot plan must show the lot dimensions and the distance from the exterior of the building to the front, side, and rear lot lines, as well as the distance to any existing buildings. Driveways should be sketched in and the names of abutting streets should be shown.
• Land Use Information: a complete description of the existing use of the land and any buildings already on the property (e.g., two (2) unit dwelling, single family dwelling, vacant) as well as a description of the proposed use of the land and buildings.
• Construction Details: full construction information including estimated cost of construction, size and dimensions of the building and details of foundation and footing, size and spacing of floor joists, roof rafters or trusses, interior and exterior walls, insulation, vapour barrier and the like. You may wish to have your contractor assist with this part of the application form.

Getting approval

Once you have submitted your application and paid the necessary fee, staff will review it to make sure the project complies with the Land Use By-law and the Building Code. A building permit cannot be issued, however, until all external approvals including a municipal development permit have been received. It is your responsibility to complete and submit all required forms to the appropriate agencies and once approved, to supply copies of the approvals to the Planning and Development Department.

Please remember that construction may not begin until after building and development permits have been issued.