The Building Code Act of Ontario defines a building as: (a) a structure occupying an area greater than 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) consisting of a wall, roof and floor, or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto, (b) a structure occupying an area of 10 square metres (108 sq. ft.) or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto, (c) plumbing not located in a structure, (c.1) a sewage system or (d) structures designated in the building code.
Examples of structures that are considered buildings:

• Houses
• Sheds, garages, shops, carports that exceed 108 sq ft in area
• Additions to existing buildings

 A building permit is required for any new building greater than 10 sq.metres (108 sq.ft.), any addition to an existing building, any structural alterations to an existing building. Examples of projects that require building permits:

•  installation of solid fuel burning appliances (woodstoves, pellet stoves, fireplaces, chimneys)
• decks, roofed over decks or porches
• changing roof trusses or rafters
• structural alterations
• removing a load bearing wall and adding a beam
• basement or main floor walkout alterations
• sunrooms
• solariums
• carports
• attached or detached garages, sheds (larger than 108 sq. ft)
• dormers or finishing of attic space
• additions
• installation of sanitary sewer and/or water service
• installation or repair to septic system
• finishing a basement or a portion thereof
• conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
• plumbing and/or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• new or structural alterations to windows or doors
• structural fire damage 

A building permit is not required for detached structures (e.g. garden sheds) that are 108 sq ft in area or less, however the location of such structures must still meet the zoning regulations, contact the municipal office for zoning information.

Examples of projects not requiring a building permit:

• fences (other than for swimming pools)
• replacement roofing, asphalt shingles, steel, etc
• eaves troughs
• minor repairs to masonry
• damp proofing basements
• kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• replacing siding or windows (provided there are no structural changes)
• painting and decorating
• landscaping

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting. Building Permit Application      

No work can start until the building permit is issued; this is normally no longer than a one-week process for most applications, from the time a completed application is submitted. As an example, the building code stipulates a building permit must be issued or rejected within 10 days from the time a completed application is submitted for a house.

The mandatory inspections required for your project will be indicated on the permit at the bottom of the permit form. Examples of the required inspections for a new house are:

• when excavation is completed, footing forms are in place and prior to pouring concrete footings
• when foundation walls are completed, drainage tile and gravel cover installed, damproofing installed and drainage layer installed, and prior to backfilling
• when structural framing and mechanical systems are completed
• when roughed in plumbing pipes are installed
• when insulation and vapour barrier is installed and prior to drywall
• when home is ready to be occupied
• when project is completed

It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the building inspector to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next. 

• 2 sets of plans
• 1 site plan
• Grading plan, if required(ask building inspector)
• 1 set of truss drawings
• proof of potable water and water supply
• mechanical ventilation design
• heat loss calculations and duct design
• proof of property ownership
• Septic permit application if applicable Sewage Application
• Sewer and water service applications completed Application for Water Meter & Water and/or Sewer Connection & Inspection; Road Access Consent and/or Water/Sewer Services Permit
• Building permit application totally filled out Building Permit form
• 911 sign application if applicable Civic Addressing Application
• Road access permit if applicable Road Access Consent and Water Sewer Services Permit
• Plumbing permit application completed Plumbing Permit Application Tarion new home warranty form completed

• 2 sets of plans
• 1 site plan
• Grading plan, if required (ask building inspector)
• 1 set of truss drawings
• Mechanical ventilation design
• Heat loss calculations
• Proof of property ownership
• Building permit application totally filled out Building Permit Application
• Plumbing permit application completed

• 2 sets of plans
• 1 site plan
• 1 set of truss drawings if applicable
• Proof of property ownership
• Building permit application totally filled out Building Permit Application

• 2 sets of plans
• 1 site plan
• Grading plan, if required (ask building inspector)
• 1 set of truss drawing
• Proof of property ownership
• Building permit application totally filled out Building Permit Application
• Plumbing permit application completed if applicable  

• 2 sets of plans (ask building inspector for project specific details)
• 1 site plan
• Grading plan, if required (ask building inspector
• 1 set of truss drawings
• proof of potable water and water supply
• proof of property ownership
• septic permit application if applicable
• sewer and water service applications completed if applicable
• building permit application totally filled out Building Permit Application
• 911 application if applicable
• Road access permit if applicable
• Plumbing permit application completed

The installation of a pool requires a pool permit.  The Zoning By-law requires all pools to be fenced with a 1.2 metre high fence and lockable gate.  Swimming Pool Permit Application and Swimming Pool By-law & Regulations