Building Permits
When do I need a building permit?
The following are examples of projects that require a building permit:
- constructing or demolishing any building or addition
- making alterations
- adding or changing signs
- adding fireplaces or wood-burning stoves
- building a sundeck, deck or porch
- making changes to heating or plumbing systems
You do not need a permit for the following:
- a deck 600 mm (24 in) high or less from the ground and has no roof for houses only
- replacement of a same size window or door for houses only
- replacement of roof shingle or non-combustible siding
- replacement of floor finish or ceiling with no fire resistance rating
- repair of a chimney, porch, deck or roof that is non-structural
- waterproofing repair of a basement
- replacement of plumbing fixtures (e.g. sink, toilet)
- replacement of a furnace (natural gas, propane or oil), as long as the ductwork stays the same
- any detached structure less than 10 sq m (or 107 sq ft) in size. However, these structures must comply with other applicable by-laws (e.g. Zoning) and regulations and have no plumbing.
- demolition of a farm building on a farm
For a more detailed list on when a permit is or isn't required, please reference our comprehensive, but not exhaustive guide
If you are unsure if you need a permit or do not see your project listed above, please phone our office at 905-436-3311 x 2290.
For all complaints regarding active construction with or without a building permit, please call our office at 905-436-3311 x 2290, email [email protected] or submit an online complaint below.
Submit an Active Construction Complaint Online
How do I apply for a building permit?
You must fill out our permit application form. Before submitting, please refer to the Digital Permit Standards, which explain how to prepare your digital drawings and documentation files for the application.
If you are not the property owner, an owner's authorization form will be required.
Permit Application options
- Email Applications: you can apply for a permit through email at [email protected]. Please allow two business days after sending in a permit application to receive a response from our staff on acceptance and how to contact us for payment.
- Paper Applications: Paper building permit applications are still accepted. However, the review may be delayed due to the conversion to digital. We encourage applicants to submit digital documents for faster service.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Our Building Permit Services staff are here to help guide you through the application process but cannot provide designer advice.
Building permit application processing depends upon:
- the quality and completeness of your plans
- whether you meet the Building Code and other applicable laws
- workload volume
Processing times for complete applications vary depending on the type of construction.
The Ontario Building Code regulates the period within which a permit can be issued or refused. However, due to record breaking volume of applications, we cannot guarantee review timeframes will be met. Please account for this when applying for your building permit.
What type of permit plans are required?
Permit plans must be drawn-to-scale showing the proposed work so that staff can make sure your proposed work meets all applicable by-laws and regulations.
Most projects will require a copy of your current plan of survey or a site plan (a hand-drawn likeness is acceptable). Site plans must show the property lines with dimensions of driveways and existing and proposed buildings.
You may need to have an Architect, Professional Engineer, or a Designer who is qualified with a Building Code Identification Number (B.C.I.N.) to draw your plans.
Permit fees
You will need to pay your permit fee (see Schedule B) when you apply. Permit fees are calculated based on the extent of work that is proposed and other fees may apply based on the scope of the work. We will let you know when you apply for your permit what these fees are.
We accept cash, cheque (payable to the City of Oshawa), debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Permit fees must be paid before we can issue your permit.
Hours of operation
Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Forms and resources
- Permit application form, submit it along with your permit plans and pay a permit fee as outlined by the Building By-Law 33-2009, as amended.
- Owner's authorization form will be required if you are not the property owner
- Building Permit Documents
- Two Unit Guide from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Basement Renovation Guide
- Deck Construction Guide
- Shed and Garage Construction Guide
- Energy Efficiency Design forms
- General Review Commitment Certificate
- Letter of Undertaking
- Temporary Crane Permit (Airport), required for all construction using a crane.