Source-reviewed city index
Common residential permit questions for Markham, organized by project. Open any row to see the conditions, official evidence and property-specific limitations behind the answer.
Latest represented review
Oct 1, 2026
A permit answer can still depend on dimensions, use, plumbing, structural work, zoning or the exact property. BuildRules keeps those conditions visible instead of reducing the rule to a false green-or-red score.
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