WHEN IS A PERMIT TYPICALLY REQUIRED?
1. When you construct an accessory structure larger than 10 square metres* (108 square feet) in area, such as
- Detached Garage
- Workshop
- Garden shed
- Carport
- Pool house or cabana
2. Finishing a basement, if the work proposed includes any of the following:
- Structural or material alterations
- Installing or modifying heating and or plumbing systems
- Excavating and/or constructing foundations
- Basement underpinning
- Constructing a basement entrance
- Adding a second suite
- Energy and environmental building improvements, such as
- Roof top storm water retention systems
- Green roofs
- Structures used in the support of a wind turbine generator with a rated output of more than 3kW
- Solar projects such as installation of solar collector systems and solar hot water systems
3. Construct a deck more than 60 centimetres (24 inches) above ground
4. 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
5. 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.