When is a Building Permit not required?

You do not require a Building Permit for the following:

  1. Wooden decks (including pool decks) with no roof, where the finished deck level is not greater than 0.6m above the adjacent finished grade.
  2. Skylights, provided not more than one rafter, joist, or other similar structural member (excluding a truss) is cut or removed, and they are not less than 2.0m apart, except for buildings regulated under Part 3.
  3. Re-cladding with noncombustible material excluding brick or stone veneer.
  4. Re-insulating or adding insulation.
  5. Window or door replacement providing the opening is not enlarged.
  6. Furnace and boiler replacements, add on cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners, in-line humidifiers, hot water tanks. (All Part 9 residential buildings)
  7. Repair or replacement of plumbing fixtures.
  8. Re-roofing, except where structural work is involved or where the new material increases the dead load on the roof by more than the equivalent of three layers of asphalt shingle.
  9. Except where an additional dwelling unit is created; finishing basements where no structural alternations or plumbing are involved.
  10. Canopy/storm porch enclosure, enclosing or covering not more than 5.0 mē of floor area.
  11. Minor repairs such as installation of chimney caps, chimney liner and repointing of brick work.
  12. Free standing communication towers regulated by the Federal Government.
  13. Installation of counters, millwork, and fixtures.
  14. Storage tanks regulated by the Gasoline Handling Act or the Energy Act.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. Remember, as the building owner, you are ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements. Failure to obtain Building Permits can result in costly construction delays, legal action and/or the removal of work already completed.