Building Permits are reviewed for compliance with:

● Ontario Building Code
● Hamilton's Zoning By-law
● Niagara Escarpment Commission and Conservation Authorities Regulations
● Other applicable provincial and municipal regulations

The purpose of a Building Permit is to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met.

Exterior

● guard/railing replacement or new installation
● fences for swimming pools (enclosures)
● tent(s) greater than 60 square metres
● any-sized deck (covered or uncovered) where it is attached to a building
● detached uncovered deck greater than 10 square metres and more than 200 mm above adjacent grade
● detached covered deck greater than 10 square metres
● detached deck (covered or uncovered) less than or equal to 10 square metres where it is adjacent to or associated with a door to the building and more than 600 mm above grade
● detached structure less than or equal to 10 square metres containing plumbing
● detached structure greater than 10 square metres (except where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house)
● detached accessory structure (shed, garage, gazebo, carport) greater than 15 square metres where accessory to a detached house, semi-detached house or row house
● additions (includes enclosing existing porch)
● waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
● replacing weeping tile
● repairs to structural members (i.e. subfloor, roof sheathing, beams, lintels, etc.)
● raising or lowering (underpinning) a house to provide a full basement
● replacing roofing or exterior cladding with a different material
● solar panels
● ramps or elevating devices
● replacing structures in same size same location

Interior

● interior alterations including finishing or partially finishing a basement or other spaces
● finishing existing non-finished space
● walkout basement
● replacement of interior railings/guards
● adding an accessory apartment (conversion)
● relocating rooms/creation of new rooms
● material alterations including installing or replacing drywall and insulation
● creating new door or window openings or increasing the size of openings
● relocating door or window openings
● adding or removing walls (non-load bearing and load bearing), beams and lintels
● backwater valve
● waterproofing/damp proofing foundation walls
● internal weeping tile system
● sump pump
● fire damage repair
● changing the use of a building (e.g. lodging house, bed and breakfast or changing any part of a building from one use to another)
● establishing a home occupation (please contact us for more information)

Plumbing

● new plumbing or relocating plumbing
● new septic systems, repair or replacement
● installation of water meter, water, sanitary and storm services to the property line (Single Family Dwellings only)

Heating

● wood stoves or fireplaces
● new or replacement of ductwork in an HVAC system
● installation of internal plumbing

Demolition/Removal

● demolitions for structures 10 square metres or greater (except for accessory structures not more than 15 square metres, as noted)
● partial demolitions of buildings
● partial demolition of an attached structure