Aurora, Ontario
Start with the actual project. See the published rule, the documents that may be needed, the next steps and the municipal source behind the answer.
Find your starting point
Choose a project to see the rule, the checklist and the source.
4 guides to explore
Open the Aurora deck guide for permit conditions, documents and official sources.
Read rules and sources 02Open the Aurora basement renovation guide for permit conditions, documents and official sources.
Read rules and sources 03Open the Aurora shed / accessory structure guide for permit conditions, documents and official sources.
Read rules and sources 04Open the Aurora basement apartment / secondary suite guide for permit conditions, documents and official sources.
Read rules and sourcesDecisions to check first
Different projects use different municipal requirements. These examples come from the published Aurora guides, with the original source and review date beside each answer. Check your specific property before ordering materials or beginning work.
A detached accessory building 15 m² or less with no plumbing can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls location, height and other conditions.
Detached accessory building: Permit not required at 15 m² or less with no plumbing. Aurora lists a detached accessory building with an area of 15 m² or less and no plumbing as permit-exempt.
An uncovered wooden deck at or below 0.6 m above adjacent finished grade can be permit-exempt. Higher or otherwise regulated decks need review.
Low uncovered deck: Permit not required at 0.6 m or less. Aurora lists wooden decks with no roof and a finished level not greater than 0.6 m above adjacent finished grade as permit-exempt.
Not always. Aurora lists basement finishing as permit-exempt when there is no structural alteration and no additional sleeping accommodation.
Simple basement finishing: May be permit-exempt. Aurora lists finishing a basement without structural alteration or additional sleeping accommodations as work that does not require a building permit.
A permit exemption does not automatically remove zoning, setback or other property requirements. The municipal authority decides whether your actual proposal can proceed.
Verify before you build
These questions are taken from published Aurora project guides. The sources below support the individual project rules, not an approval for every address. Always check the actual property before starting work.
Deck
An uncovered wooden deck at or below 0.6 m above adjacent finished grade can be permit-exempt. Higher or otherwise regulated decks need review.
See the project requirementsBasement renovation
Not always. Aurora lists basement finishing as permit-exempt when there is no structural alteration and no additional sleeping accommodation.
See the project requirementsShed / accessory structure
A detached accessory building 15 m² or less with no plumbing can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls location, height and other conditions.
See the project requirementsBasement apartment / secondary suite
Yes. Creating a two-unit house requires compliance with zoning and the Building Code, plus a building or change-of-use permit and registration.
See the project requirementsTown of Aurora · Permit exemptions for decks, accessory buildings and basement work
Last reviewed 2026-10-02Town of Aurora · Deck permit, zoning and submission requirements
Last reviewed 2026-10-02Town of Aurora · Second-suite zoning, permit and registration requirements
Last reviewed 2026-10-02Official requirements can change. A published guide does not replace a decision from the municipality for a specific site.
What is already researched
These are not placeholder pages. Each project below exposes the decision, the evidence and what you still need to confirm.
Aurora Deck permit guide
Open the project guide for Aurora permit conditions, zoning checks and application documents.
Aurora Basement renovation permit guide
Open the project guide for Aurora permit conditions, zoning checks and application documents.
Aurora Shed permit guide
Open the project guide for Aurora permit conditions, zoning checks and application documents.
Aurora Basement apartment / secondary suite permit guide
Open the project guide for Aurora permit conditions, zoning checks and application documents.