Public data · source reviewed
A searchable starting point for common residential permit questions across Ontario. Every row points back to a dated BuildRules guide and the official evidence used to support it.
Permit requirements can change with height, size, use, structural work, plumbing, zoning and the actual property. “Depends on project conditions” means the published rule has a condition that still needs to be resolved, not that BuildRules is guessing.
Most recent source review represented in this index: Oct 1, 2026.
Permit guidance
What permit route applies to a residential deck in Barrie?
Barrie provides a dedicated Residential Deck building permit application type for attached or free-standing residential platforms and balconies.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Barrie?
Barrie’s Residential Accessory Building application covers detached covered structures greater than 10 m², including garages, sheds and carports.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit and registration for a second unit in Brampton?
Brampton requires the applicable zoning compliance, a building permit process and City registration for second and third units.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a basement entrance in Brampton?
Yes. Brampton publishes a dedicated below-grade entrance permit package with structural, drainage and foundation requirements.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Brampton?
Brampton provides a dedicated basement-finish permit package under its Standard Permit Application Service.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Brampton?
A permit is required when the deck is attached or anchored to the house, or when it is 0.6 metres or more above the ground.
1 official source
What is the permit process for a home addition in Brampton?
Brampton provides residential addition permit packages through its Standard Permit Application Service, with zoning and other approvals checked as part of the process.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for new plumbing fixtures in Brampton?
Yes. Brampton has a residential permit package for new plumbing fixtures and finishing roughed-in plumbing.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a shed in Brampton?
Brampton sets zoning limits for shed size, number of accessory structures and property-line setbacks. The building-permit requirement still depends on the exact structure and proposed use.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a new or enlarged window or door in Brampton?
Yes. Brampton lists new or enlarged window and door openings among its residential building permit application packages.
1 official source
Permit guidance
What do you need for an additional residential unit in Burlington?
Burlington requires a building permit for ARU construction and requires the application to meet zoning and performance standards for the property.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Burlington?
Burlington requires a permit when a deck is attached, over 10 m², over 600 mm high, or covered by a roof.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a detached garage or carport in Burlington?
A qualifying detached garage or carport for a house can be permit-exempt when it is one storey, under 15 m² and has no plumbing.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Burlington?
Yes. Burlington states that a building permit is required before construction of an addition to a house.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Burlington?
Burlington lists retaining walls equal to or less than 1 metre high among projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Burlington?
A permit is required when the accessory building is bigger than 15 m², taller than one storey, attached to another structure or contains plumbing.
2 official sources
Do you need a building permit for a solar collector in Burlington?
Burlington lists solar collectors not mounted to buildings with a face area under 5 m² as permit-exempt; other solar installations need project-specific permit review.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for a garage or carport in Cambridge?
Cambridge lists attached and detached garages and carports among typical projects requiring a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Cambridge?
Cambridge lists retaining walls greater than 1 metre as permit-required depending on location.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for window or door changes in Cambridge?
Cambridge lists new or altered windows and doors, such as increasing an opening size, among typical permit-required projects.
1 official source
Permit guidance
What permits and checks apply to an ADU or basement apartment in Hamilton?
Hamilton has a dedicated ADU team for building permits in existing single-family dwellings, including up to two internal units and one detached unit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a basement walkout in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton explicitly lists a walkout basement among interior projects that require a building permit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to renovate a basement in Hamilton?
Hamilton lists finishing or partially finishing a basement, creating new rooms and many structural or opening changes among permit-required interior work.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for underpinning in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton lists raising or lowering a house through underpinning to provide a full basement as permit-required work.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Hamilton?
Hamilton requires permits for attached decks and several detached-deck situations based on area, height, roof coverage and access.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a garage or carport in Hamilton?
A qualifying detached garage or carport accessory to a house can be permit-exempt when it is no more than 15 m², one storey and has no plumbing.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton lists additions, including enclosing an existing porch, among projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
When do you need a plumbing permit in Hamilton?
Hamilton requires a building permit for plumbing work inside buildings, and plumbing/drainage systems are reviewed under the Building Code.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Hamilton?
Re-shingling with the same roofing material is permit-exempt; replacing roofing with a different material is listed as permit-required.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Hamilton?
For an accessory structure to a detached, semi-detached or row house, Hamilton lists a permit exemption when the detached structure is no more than 15 m², one storey and has no plumbing.
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for solar panels in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton lists solar panels among exterior projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for window or door changes in Hamilton?
Hamilton lists creating new window or door openings, increasing opening size and relocating openings as permit-required work.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Kitchener?
Yes. Kitchener states that partial and full basement finishing projects require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a deck permit in Kitchener?
A deck or porch needs a building permit when it is 24 inches or more above ground at any point or will be covered by a permanent roof.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to add a duplex or granny flat in Kitchener?
Yes. Kitchener requires a building permit to add a duplex, including projects described as in-law suites, accessory apartments or granny flats.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Kitchener?
A shed needs a permit when it is over 161 ft², more than one storey, attached to another structure, used for more than storage or contains plumbing.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for an ARU or basement apartment in London, Ontario?
A building permit is required for every new ARU, whether it is an interior/basement conversion, converted garage, addition or detached unit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to renovate a basement in London, Ontario?
London requires permits for basement finishing that creates rooms or living space, basement apartments, excavation to increase headroom and below-grade entrances.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in London, Ontario?
A side or rear deck under 600 mm can be permit-exempt only when it is not attached to the house; an attached low deck still requires a permit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a home addition in London, Ontario?
Yes. London lists additions to existing buildings among projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in London, Ontario?
A shed can be permit-exempt when it is under 15 m², one storey, free-standing, storage-only and has no plumbing.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for basement renovation work in Markham?
Markham lists construction of separate basement rooms, full-basement alterations, structural changes and new plumbing among permit-required work.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Markham?
Markham lists raised decks more than 600 mm above grade as permit-required and lists low decks under 600 mm as permit-exempt.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a garage or carport in Markham?
Yes. Markham states that detached and attached garages and carports are included in construction work requiring a building permit.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Markham?
Yes. Markham’s building guidance states that additions and most construction work require a building permit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Markham?
Markham lists retaining walls less than one metre high among housing projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to replace roofing or shingles in Markham?
Markham lists replacing roofing or shingles among housing projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
What do you need for a secondary suite in Markham?
Markham provides a dedicated secondary-suite process covering eligibility, the building permit application and registration with Markham Fire and Emergency Services.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Markham?
A detached single-storey accessory building without plumbing can be permit-exempt when it is less than 15 m².
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for solar photovoltaic panels in Markham?
Markham lists ground- or roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels among housing projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Permit guidance
What do you need to create a basement apartment or second unit in Mississauga?
A new or converted second unit needs the applicable building permit work and must meet Building Code, Fire Code and zoning requirements; second units are also registered with the City.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit for a basement entrance in Mississauga?
Yes. Mississauga lists a below-grade entrance or basement walkout as permit-required work.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Mississauga?
Yes for basement finishing that creates rooms or living space, according to Mississauga’s published permit-required project list.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit to underpin a foundation in Mississauga?
Yes. Mississauga lists underpinning foundation walls as building-permit work.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Mississauga?
A deck less than 600 mm (2 ft) high is listed as permit-exempt. Higher or otherwise permit-triggering deck work should be checked against the City requirements before construction.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Mississauga?
Mississauga provides a dedicated building-permit submission route for detached garages and other accessory structures.
1 official source
What do you need for a home addition permit in Mississauga?
A residential addition uses a dedicated building permit submission package with site, architectural and supporting documentation.
1 official source
When do you need a plumbing permit in Mississauga?
Adding, removing or relocating plumbing fixtures and installing, replacing or repairing plumbing drainage require a permit; same-location fixture replacement is listed as permit-exempt.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Mississauga?
Mississauga lists retaining walls under one metre high as permit-exempt; taller walls require a different permit review.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to replace roof shingles in Mississauga?
Re-shingling a roof is listed as work that does not require a building permit.
1 official source
What are the shed bylaw and permit rules in Mississauga?
A qualifying storage shed under 15 m² can be permit-exempt, but zoning still controls where and how an accessory structure can be built.
3 official sources
Do you need a building permit for a skylight in Mississauga?
Yes. Mississauga lists skylights among projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for solar panels in Mississauga?
Yes. Mississauga lists solar panels among projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for windows or doors in Mississauga?
A new window or door, or increasing an existing opening, requires a permit. Same-size replacement is listed as permit-exempt.
1 official source
Permit guidance
What do you need for a secondary suite or accessory apartment in Oakville?
Oakville requires property-specific zoning review for an accessory apartment and a separate Zoning Certificate of Occupancy approval in addition to the building permit process.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Oakville?
Yes. Oakville states that finishing or renovating a basement for personal use requires a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to underpin foundation walls in Oakville?
Yes. Oakville lists underpinning foundation walls among projects that require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Oakville?
Oakville requires a permit for decks greater than 10 m² and higher than 61 cm above grade, and for any size deck attached to a house.
1 official source
What do you need for a home addition in Oakville?
Oakville treats a house addition as a building-permit project and directs owners to confirm zoning and prerequisite approvals before preparing the application.
1 official source
What permit applies to a retaining wall in Oakville?
Oakville treats retaining walls as private-property site alteration work that can require a Development Engineering permit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to re-shingle a roof in Oakville?
Oakville lists re-shingling a roof among projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Oakville?
Oakville says a shed, cabana or gazebo needs a permit when it has plumbing or is larger than 15 m².
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for solar panels in Oakville?
Oakville requires a building permit when the accumulated face area of the solar panels is at least 5 m².
1 official source
Do you need a permit for window or door changes in Oakville?
Oakville lists new windows and increasing the size of an existing window as permit-required; same-size window and door replacement is permit-exempt.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Oshawa?
Yes. Oshawa lists finishing a basement among projects that require a building permit.
2 official sources
What do you need for a basement secondary suite in Oshawa?
Adding a dwelling unit or apartment requires a building permit, and Oshawa publishes a dedicated 2024 Building Code guide for basement secondary suites.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Oshawa?
Oshawa lists sundecks, decks and porches as permit-required, but a house deck 600 mm or less above ground with no roof is permit-exempt.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Oshawa?
Yes. Oshawa lists construction of any building or addition among projects requiring a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Oshawa?
Oshawa requires a building permit for a shed larger than 15 m².
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Ottawa?
Ottawa’s finished-basement route requires a building permit for regulated alteration work and publishes a 5-business-day first-review target.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Ottawa?
A permit is required for several elevated-deck situations, including an attached or adjacent deck with a walking surface more than 600 mm above grade.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Ottawa?
A qualifying one-storey detached garage ancillary to a dwelling can be permit-exempt below 15 m²; larger accessory buildings generally require a permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Ottawa?
Yes. Ottawa identifies additions as building-permit work and gives examples including sunrooms, attached garages, porches and one- or two-storey additions.
1 official source
When do you need a plumbing permit in Ottawa?
Ottawa lists alterations, additions and extensions to a plumbing system as permit-required work, except replacement of existing fixtures.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to replace asphalt shingles in Ottawa?
Ottawa lists installing asphalt shingles on a roof among projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a secondary dwelling unit in Ottawa?
A building permit is required when the new unit includes specified construction such as an addition, enlarged window, new exterior door or new internal shared entrance; some basement-apartment cases may require only a plumbing permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Ottawa?
A qualifying one-storey detached storage shed up to 15 m² can be permit-exempt. Other accessory buildings can have a lower 10 m² permit threshold.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for window or door changes in Ottawa?
Ottawa lists new windows, enlarged windows and relocated window or door openings as building-permit work.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for a backwater valve in Toronto?
Yes. Toronto requires a permit to install a backwater valve.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a basement apartment or second suite in Toronto?
Adding a second dwelling unit in an existing house follows Toronto’s secondary suite building permit route.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a new basement entrance in Toronto?
Yes. Toronto has a dedicated building-permit route for constructing a new residential basement entrance.
0 official sources
Do you need a permit to renovate a basement in Toronto?
It depends on what you change, not simply on the fact that the work is in a basement.
3 official sources
How do you prepare a basement underpinning permit application in Toronto?
Underpinning an existing house foundation requires a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to change a building's use in Toronto?
Yes. Toronto says a change of use can require a building permit even when no construction is proposed.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a deck in Toronto?
A permit is required when a deck is more than 60 cm (24 in) above ground. Some lower uncovered platforms can be exempt if all conditions are met.
3 official sources
Do you need a permit to widen a driveway in Toronto?
Yes when the work widens or alters a driveway across City property. Toronto requires a Street Work Permit before that work, and zoning or front-yard parking rules can add a separate approval check.
0 official sources
What fence rules apply in Toronto?
Fence rules are driven more by height, location and lot context than by a standard building-permit flow.
1 official source
How do you prepare a garage / carport permit application in Toronto?
Toronto has a dedicated permit application route for a garage or carport accessory to a house.
1 official source
How do you prepare a garden suite permit application in Toronto?
A new garden suite follows a dedicated Toronto building permit route.
1 official source
What permits do you need for a home addition in Toronto?
A home addition generally requires formal review, and zoning can determine whether the proposed size and placement are permitted.
3 official sources
How do you prepare an interior alteration permit application in Toronto?
Use the interior alterations route when proposed work in a small residential building needs a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a laneway suite in Toronto?
Yes. A new laneway suite requires a building permit.
2 official sources
Do you need an HVAC permit in Toronto?
It depends on the HVAC work. Toronto has a stand-alone Mechanical (HVAC) permit route, while some common equipment changes in a house are listed as not requiring a building permit.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to convert a Toronto house into a multiplex?
Yes. Toronto has a building-permit route for converting an existing house to a duplex, triplex, fourplex, fiveplex or sixplex.
2 official sources
What permit do you need to build a new house in Toronto?
A building permit is required to construct a new detached, semi-detached or row house in Toronto.
1 official source
Do you need a plumbing permit in Toronto?
New or modified plumbing systems can require a permit. Simple repair or replacement of existing plumbing fixtures is listed as permit-exempt.
2 official sources
Do you need a pool fence permit in Toronto?
Yes for most outdoor pools and similar swimming structures. Toronto requires a Pool Fence Enclosure Permit, with a zoning certificate first.
2 official sources
Do you need a demolition permit in Toronto?
Yes. Demolishing all or part of a building requires a permit. Toronto has a specific residential demolition route when a replacement house is planned.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Toronto?
It depends on height and where the wall is located or accessible.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Toronto?
Usually not for a straight roofing-material replacement with no structural work. Structural roof changes can change the answer.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Toronto?
Sometimes. Size and construction can change the permit question, while zoning can still control placement even when a permit is not required.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to install a skylight in Toronto?
Some skylight installations do not require a building permit when Toronto's listed small-building and structural conditions are met.
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for solar panels in Toronto?
It depends on the system. Toronto says rooftop solar greater than 5 m² needs a building permit, while free-standing ground-mounted solar generally does not require a building permit but must follow zoning.
1 official source
Do you need a building permit for a sump pump in Toronto?
Toronto says a building permit is not required to install a sump pump.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to remove a wall in Toronto?
Yes when the work is a structural or material alteration. Toronto specifically lists adding or removing walls as permit-required work.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to replace or add a window or door in Toronto?
It depends. New openings, enlarged openings and relocated windows or doors require a building permit. Some same-opening replacements in houses are exempt.
1 official source
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for a basement walkout in Vaughan?
Yes. Vaughan requires a permit for an additional entrance or basement walkout, and a grading permit must be issued before the associated building permit application.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Vaughan?
Yes. Vaughan states that a building permit is required for finishing basement areas and for work involving new or relocated plumbing fixtures.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Vaughan?
Attached decks require a permit. A detached uncovered deck can be exempt only when it stays within the City’s published area and height limits.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Vaughan?
A detached accessory structure requires a permit at 10 m² or more, when attached to another structure, or when it contains plumbing.
1 official source
What permits do you need for a home addition in Vaughan?
Vaughan states that an addition requires a building permit and that a Grading Permit must be obtained before the associated building permit application.
1 official source
When do you need a plumbing permit in Vaughan?
Vaughan requires a building permit for additions or alterations to plumbing fixtures, water services and sewer services.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for a retaining wall in Vaughan?
Vaughan lists retaining walls under one metre as permit-exempt, while walls over one metre become designated structures in specified public/access conditions.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit to replace roofing or shingles in Vaughan?
Vaughan lists replacing roofing or shingles among projects that do not require a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a secondary suite or basement apartment in Vaughan?
A new secondary suite must satisfy Vaughan zoning requirements and use the building permit process before construction.
1 official source
What are the shed bylaw and permit rules in Vaughan?
Vaughan’s zoning guidance requires sheds in the rear yard, generally 0.6 m from the property line, with a maximum height of 2.5 m. A qualifying storage-only shed up to 15 m² can also be permit-exempt under the City’s separate building-permit guidance.
2 official sources
Do you need a permit for windows or doors in Vaughan?
A permit is required for a new exterior door or window opening or when increasing the width of an existing opening; existing like-for-like replacements are listed as permit-exempt.
2 official sources
Permit guidance
Do you need a permit for an additional residential unit in Waterloo?
Yes. Waterloo requires a building permit to add an additional residential unit to a home.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to renovate a basement in Waterloo?
Waterloo typically requires a building permit for basement finishing and regulated interior changes such as walls, insulation, structure, plumbing or use.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Waterloo?
A building permit is required when a deck is more than 24 inches above ground or has a roof or cover.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a detached garage in Waterloo?
A detached garage requires a building permit when it is over 10 m² or contains plumbing.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Waterloo?
Yes. Waterloo requires a building permit for any addition that changes the home’s footprint.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a shed in Waterloo?
A shed needs a permit when it is over 15 m² or includes plumbing. Smaller qualifying sheds can be permit-exempt but still must follow zoning.
1 official source
Permit guidance
What do you need for an additional dwelling unit in Whitby?
Whitby requires the applicable building permits and registration for ADUs, with property eligibility governed by zoning and Town requirements.
1 official source
Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Whitby?
Yes. Whitby lists finished basements among typical projects requiring a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a deck in Whitby?
Whitby lists decks greater than 24 inches above grade among typical projects requiring a building permit.
1 official source
Do you need a permit for a home addition in Whitby?
Yes. Whitby lists additions among typical permit-required projects and accepts Residential Alterations / Additions applications through its E-Portal.
1 official source
Do you need a shed permit in Whitby?
A shed accessory to a dwelling can be permit-exempt when it is less than 15 m², but zoning rules still apply.
1 official source