Basement Renovation

General information 

You do not need a building permit for the following:

• Replacing your flooring (carpet, tile, hardwood, etc.)
• Installing cabinets with no plumbing changes
• Replacing a window or door of the same size

Note: A finished basement must comply with the Ontario Building Code and Oshawa's Zoning By-Law.

For complaints about construction without a building permit, please call 905-436-3311 x 2290 or email buildings@oshawa.ca

General building code requirements

• You must have a minimum ceiling height of 6 ft 11 in. You can reduce the ceiling height to 6 ft 5 in underneath your beams and ducts.
• Doors must have a gap under them for rooms without return air ductwork.
• Each bedroom needs natural light. The total window area must be 5% of the room's floor area.
• Windows in walls that are closer than 4 ft to the property line require a fire rating protection of 45 minutes.
• The main exhaust fan in a house with not more than five bedrooms must comply with the Ontario Building Code. If there are more than five bedrooms, you need a qualified designer to determine if your mechanical system is sufficient.
• There must be a smoke alarm in each bedroom and in each hallway leading to the bedrooms.

Zoning restrictions

• The entire building shall be a "single housekeeping establishment" with inside access throughout the entire building.
• There are no extra cooking facilities in the building.

Learn more about building permit requirements and fees.

Permit requirements

Learn more about building permit requirements and fees.

Forms and resources

• Application for a building permit to construct or demolish (Schedule 1 Designer Information form is included)
• Basement renovation guide