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Do I Need a Building Permit?

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Building Permits Toronto

“When do I need building permits?” is a question that we get a lot, and for a good reason. Knowing what types of renovations need permits and which do not is an important differentiation and will either add or subtract a step to your process of renovating.

BVM Contracting always recommends getting a building permit when it is required, as it protects the home owner from poorly completed renovations and it keeps the general contractor or home builder accountable for doing the renovations correctly.

Examples of renovations that do not require a building permit

It is important to first differentiate the types of renovations and activities that do not require building permits, so there are some examples below that outline them.

  1. An uncovered platform (e.g. deck) provided: its finished deck level is not more than 60 cm (24 inches) above the adjacent finished grade; and/or it does not form part of an exit required under the building code; and complies with the Zoning Bylaw

  2. Installing a skylight in an existing building provided: the building is a house or small building (3 storeys or less) and the installation does not require the removal of more than one rafter, joist, or other similar structural member (with the exception of a truss)

  3. Re-cladding of a house or small building (3 storeys or less) with non-combustible material other than brick or stone veneer

  4. Adding or replacing insulation

  5. The replacement of windows or doors provided:

    • there is no change in the location or size of the window and/or door

    • the structural support for the opening (i.e. lintel) is not affected

    • and a new exit is not created

  6. Replacing a furnace or boiler in a house

  7. The installation of additional cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners, in-line humidifiers, or hot water tanks in a house

  8. Repairing and replacing plumbing fixtures

  9. Replacing existing roofing material provided no structural work is required

  10. Finishing a basement of a house, if:

    • the work does not include structural or material alterations

    • no additional dwelling unit(s) is (are) created (i.e. a second unit)

    • and the work does not include the installation of new plumbing

  11. Undertaking waterproofing repairs to a basement; Installation of cabinetry and millwork.

  12. Plastic Sheet Covered Accessory Structures (i.e. snow canopies, driveway tents, automotive canopy) do not require a building permit if installed on or after October 15th and are removed on or before April 15th. Compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is required

  13. Constructing a retaining wall that is on private property, not accessible to the public and/or where the height is less than 1 metre in height at any location

  14. A building permit is not required to install a sump pump

This list is not complete, and your specific renovation ideas can be reviewed by BVM Contracting to determine whether or not you will need a building permit. Contact us to discuss further!

When is A building permit required?

Since the failure to not comply with local building codes will result in costly construction delays, it is important to understand when you will need a building permit. Here is a list of usually activities or renovations that will require building permits:

  1. Construct a new building

  2. Construct an addition to an existing building, such as:

    • second or third story home additions

    • attached garages, carports

    • sunrooms

    • solariums, porches, decks

  3. Make structural or material alterations, such as

    • adding or removing walls (i.e., changing room sizes and/or uses)

    • new windows or doors where there were none before

    • enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors

    • enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size

  4. Construct an accessory structure larger than 10 square metres* (108 square feet) in area, such as

    • Detached Garage

    • Workshop

    • Garden shed

    • Carport

    • Pool house or cabana

    *Note: If you are constructing an accessory structure and it is attached to an existing building and/or has plumbing, regardless of its size, a building permit is required.

  5. Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following,

    • structural or material alterations

    • installing or modifying heating and or plumbing systems

    • excavating and/or constructing foundations

    • basement underpinning

    • constructing a basement entrance

    • adding a second suite

  6. Energy and environmental building improvements, such as

    • roof top storm water retention systems

    • green roofs

    • structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW

    • solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems

  7. Construct a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground

  8. Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public

  9. Constructing a tent that

    • covers more than 60 metres squared (646 square feet); and/or

    • is attached to a building; and/or

    • is within 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) from another structure.

  10. Demolish or remove all, or a portion of a building

  11. Install or reconstruct a chimney or fireplace

  12. Install a wood burning stove or fireplace

  13. Install or modify heating and or plumbing systems

  14. Install a backwater valve. Please visit our blog about the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Program to learn how to subsidize this activity.

  15. Install a backflow prevention device.

  16. Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required.

Still don’t know if your renovation project needs a building permit?

If you are still confused about whether or not you need a permit, please contact BVM Contracting to schedule a consultation to determine how to start your renovation journey! We are looking forward to starting the conversation!

About BVM COntracting

BVM Contracting is a full-service General Contractor or Home Builder located in Toronto. We provide home renovation and building services for major home renovations (kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations, basement renovations, full interior renovations, home additions, and new home construction). Our goal is to help guide our clients through the process of renovating their home, from concept to completion.

Further than providing General Contracting and Project Management for major home renovations, we also offer value-added services such as renovation financing, renovation rebate consultations and services, building permit and design services, smart home installation services, and real estate investor services.

To learn more about our offering by visiting our services page.