Building and Renovating

Do I Require a Building Permit?

In most cases, a building permit is required if you:

Construct any new building over ten square metres in area or place another structure, such as a mobile home, on your property;
Change the use of a building;
Excavate or construct a foundation;
Construct a seasonal building; or
Undertake work regarding the installation, alteration, extension or repair of an on-site sewage system.

If you are unsure whether a building permit is required for your project, please contact us to confirm.

Does your project require conservation approval?

Any proposed development that falls within a regulated area may require a permit from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) or Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA).

You can use the search tool on their online interactive map to determine if your property is within a regulated area (LSRCA and NVCA).

Due to long turnaround time to obtain the conservation approval permit or letter of clearance, it is recommended that you complete this step prior to your building permit application submission.

Building and Sign Permits

Please visit our Building Projects Guides and Forms page for detailed information on various project types.

All of the applicable documents and checklists for your building permit application can be found on our Building Forms and Building Fees pages.

Building permit applications can now be submitted online via our new platform! Please visit Electronic Submission - CityView Portal for more information.

Building Projects Guides and Forms

Building Complaints

If you believe construction activities are being conducted without the necessary permits and/or required inspections, you may file a complaint by email, our online Report an Issue form, or using the MyBWG app. You will need to include the following details in your complaint: your name, address, phone number, address and other details pertaining to your complaint.

Although we investigate all complaints, personal information and investigation details remain strictly confidential.

Report an Issue

Septic Reinspection Program

Property Information

If you are the current property owner on title and would like to request information for your property, please complete a Routine Disclosure Request.

Routine Disclosure Request

Building Inspections

Inspection requests must be submitted before 3 pm in order to request the following business day.
Inspections can be booked through City View Portal - please contact our office to have the person you would like to book your inspections linked to your permit.
Should you complete construction without the required inspection(s), the Chief Building Official may require work to be uncovered in accordance with the Building Code Act.

Click to book a building inspection

CityView Portal

Apply for a Building Permit
Check the Status of Applications & Permits
Request a Building Inspection
Pay Building Fees Online (credit card)

CityView Portal