Most often asked question: “do I need a permit?”

We like to make light of the question by responding with a counter query: “do you have a hammer in your hand”? And if the answer is yes, then we likely assume you will need a permit. In actuality there are many more questions that follow to determine the type of permit for the scope of work at hand.

Many cosmetic changes to your home or office don’t necessarily need a permit approval. For example, if you are remodeling cabinetry, painting walls, or even replacing existing windows or doors with the same size windows and doors; these are all things that don’t need a permit through your local authority. But, once you start modifying structural items in the building, ie: removing or adding walls, adding or enlarging windows or doors, and altering the exterior of your home or building, this will certainly trigger a permit application. In addition, depending on the scope of the project it might only trigger a Building Permit, whereas a more complex application may include both a Development Permit and a Building Permit approval.

Some of the most common types of projects are listed here to help understand what projects require permits (this list is not to be considered complete, and only provided as a general guideline. It is always advised to check with your local authority prior to commencing any work to ensure all permits are in place):

• Residential Projects:

  • Basement renovation or development

  • Basement secondary suite

  • Decks and patios

  • Interior renovation, including altering use of rooms and structural walls

  • Exterior renovation, including altering finishes and/or colours

  • Exterior roof alterations

  • Additions, including sunrooms, pergolas, trellis’ attached to the home

  • Accessory structures, including sheds, garages, gazebos, lean-to carports

  • Hot Tubs and Pools

  • Overheight fences

  • Installing new or enlarging windows and doors

  • Driveway windening

• Commercial Projects:

  • Tenant Improvement, including all interior alterations

  • Change of use

  • Accessory structures, including storage garages, sheds, or quonset tents

  • Additions

  • Exterior alterations, including exterior finishes, signage, colour changes

  • Parking area alterations

At the end of the day, it’s always best to call and ask the question before you get excited and carried away by demolition work. Let us know how we can help, and let’s PLAN it together.