A building permit is required before commencing:
- Site excavation or blasting
- Construction, repairing or altering a building or structure
- Moving a building
- Changing an occupancy
- Installation of any plumbing
- Construction of a masonry fireplace or installation of a solid fuel burning appliance or factory/masonry chimney
- Installation of an oil burning appliance or oil tank
- Demolishing, deconstructing or removal of a building
Electric, gas and sewage disposal work require separate permits and inspections. Contact the
appropriate agency listed on this site.
You may not start any stage of a project, including demolition or excavation until a building permit has been obtained.
A building permit is not required for:
- Minor repairs or alterations to non-structural components of the building
- When a valve, faucet, fixture or service water heater is repaired or replaced, stoppage cleared, or a leak repaired if no change to the piping is required
- For an accessory building less than 10m2 that is used for utility purposes that does not create a hazard
- Retaining structures less than 1.2 meters in height
- Other retaining structures more than 1.2 meters in height and greater than 30o off vertical
If you are unsure whether your project will require a permit, call the
Building Inspection office in your area.