| When is a Building Permit Required |
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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.
The following is a list of common projects that require a building permit. The list is not exhaustive. If you have any questions, please contact Building Services.
- Construct a new building over 10 square metres (107 SF)
- Construct a shed used for storage that is larger than 15 square metres (161 SF)
- Decks over 10 square metres or if they are attached to other building or form part of the principal entrance of the building
- Construct an addition to an existing building, such as second or third story additions
- Attached garages, carports and sunrooms
- Solariums, porches, decks
- Make structural or material alterations, such as adding or removing walls (i.e., changing room sizes and/or uses)
- New windows or doors where there were none before
- Enlarging or relocating existing windows or doors
- Enclosing an existing deck, porch or patio of any size
- Installing a new municipal water or sewer connection
- New septic systems and septic system alterations
- Solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems
*Note: If you are constructing an accessory structure and it is attached to an existing building and/or has plumbing, regardless of its size, a building permit is required.
- Finishing a basement if the work proposed includes any of the following:
- Construct a retaining wall more than one metre (3 feet 3 inches) in height, provided the retaining wall is on or adjacent to public property (including streets), building entrances, and on private property accessible to the public
- Constructing a tent that covers more than 60 metres squared (646 square feet); and/or is attached to a building; and/or is within 3 metres (9 feet 10 inches) from another structure.
- Demolish or remove all, or a portion of a building
- Install or reconstruct a chimney or fireplace
- Install a wood burning stove or fireplace
- Install or modify heating and or plumbing systems
- Install a backwater valve
- Install a backflow prevention device
- Change a building’s use (i.e. from residential to office or single dwelling unit house to multi-dwelling unit house). Even if no construction is proposed, if a change of use is proposed a building permit is required.
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| When is a Building Permit Not Required |
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The following are examples of work which do not require a building permit and are not subject to the provisions of the building code. However, please note that this list is not exhaustive, and judgment should be used depending on the situation and circumstances associated with the project. Even if a building permit is not required, compliance with the Zoning Bylaw is required.
- An uncovered platform (e.g. deck) provided:
- it is under 10 square metres (107 SF) and is not attached or form part of the principal entrance
- A 1 storey shed that this under 15 square metres as long as it doesn’t contain plumbing or is attached to another building
- Installing a skylight in an existing building provided:
- the building is a house or small building (3 storeys or less) and the installation does not require the removal of more than one rafter, joist, or other similar structural member (with the exception of a truss);
- Re-cladding of a house or small building (3 storeys or less) with non-combustible material other than brick or stone veneer;
- Adding or replacing insulation;
- The replacement of windows or doors provided:
- there is no change in the location or size of the window and/or door;
the structural support for the opening (i.e. lintel) is not affected; and
a new exit is not created;
- Replacing a furnace or boiler in a house;
- The installation of additional cooling systems, gas fireplaces, air cleaners, in-line humidifiers, or hot water tanks in a house;
- Repairing and replacing plumbing fixtures;
- Replacing existing roofing material provided no structural work is required;
- Installation of cabinetry and millwork.
- Installation of a sump pump.
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| Zoning Compliance |
Most applications are subject to zoning requirements and restrictions – the Planning Department will review these applications prior to a Building Department review.
- All zoning related questions can be directed to the Planning Department.
- Planning reviews can take up to 5-10 business days.
- More information can be found on the Zoning page.
- Once Planning has reviewed the application and approval is granted, a zoning certificate will be issued, and the file will be passed to Building for review.
- Zoning reviews require a site plan of the property, in the form of a survey or sketch, indicating the location of the structure to be built (deck, addition, etc.)
If the proposed construction is exempt from requiring a Zoning Certificate, no Planning approvals are required. The following is a list of exemptions from requiring Planning approvals:
- Septic permits
- Finishing of basements – unless they are related to second units, apartments or duplexes
- Interior renovations
- Sheds under 15 m² - they would not require a building permit but would need to comply with the setbacks for the zoning of the property
- Foundation repairs
- Solid fuel burning woodstoves and fireplaces, including chimney repairs
- Repair to retaining walls
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Back flow prevention devices
- Roof top solar panels
- Fire/Smoke alarms
- Roof repairs unless change in size or height
- Window replacement
- Water meter installation
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| Secondary Units and Duplexes |
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A building permit is always required for any second unit or duplex to ensure that the units are legal, safe, and meet all requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
Second Unit:
Shall mean a self-contained second dwelling unit that is contained within a Detached Dwelling, Semi-Detached Dwelling, Street Townhouse Dwelling, Townhouse Dwelling or in an Accessory Building located on a Corner Lot, Through Lot, or a lot abutting a public Lane and located on the same lot as a Detached, Semi-Detached, Street Townhouse, or Townhouse Dwelling. A Second Unit must comply with Sub-Section 3.38 of this By-law.
Dwelling, Duplex:
Shall mean a building that is divided horizontally into two dwelling units.
Zoning Compliance:
- Applications are subject to zoning requirements and restrictions – the Planning Department will review all applications prior to a Building Department review.
- All zoning related questions can be directed to planning@midland.ca.
- Planning reviews can take up to 5-10 business days.
- More information can be found on the Planning Department page.
- Once Planning has reviewed the application and approval is granted, a zoning certificate will be issued, and the file will be passed to Building for review.
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| Requirements for a Building Permit |
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Applying for a building permit:
- Provide a site plan of the property (survey or sketch) indicating the location of both the main entrance and the entrance for the second unit/duplex, including the location of parking
- Drawings must show the existing and proposed interior layout for both units – in PDF format.
- Drawings must be prepared by a qualified designer with a BCIN.
- Deposit of $175 must be paid at time of application. ($50 zoning fee + $125 building permit deposit)
- Applications are received online through our Cloudpermit system. See below for Starting Your Application.
- If you do not have access to a computer, the Building Department staff will assist you.
Permit is Issued:
- Balance of permit fee must be paid in full.
- Please print a copy of the permit and drawings to be kept on site for inspection purposes.
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