Building Guides

Building a house

Be sure to talk to planning staff before applying for a building permit to identify any limits that might apply to the property (e.g. zoning, setbacks, and size and height restrictions). After planning consultation, our Building a House Guide will give you checklists for what documentation you need to apply and other information to help you through the process.

Constructing a small building

Small buildings are called “accessory buildings” because they work with your existing home and property. Garden sheds, gazebos, garages, workshops and pool sheds are accessory buildings. Our Accessory Building Guide will give you a checklist of what you need, sample drawings and sample site plan to help you through the permit process.

Installing a fireplace

If you're planning to add/replace a chimney or install a new wood stove, pellet stove or other solid fuel burning appliance in your home, our Fireplace Guide will help you get ready to submit your permit application.

Demolitions

With very few exceptions, demolishing a structure requires a building permit. Please see our Demolition Guide for a list of documents you will need to submit and details about the permit process.

Finishing a basement

Finishing your basement can provide additional living space for your home. See our Finishing a Basement Guide for a checklist of what you need to submit a permit, general information and sample drawings.

Building an addition

Building an addition to your home means that you are changing the footprint (i.e. the amount of space your house covers on your property). Your first step is to talk to planning staff to determine:

• How big your addition can be
• What, if any, height limits apply
• What setbacks need to be maintained (e.g. the distance between your addition and your property lines or other structures on your property)

After planning consultation, our Building an Addition Guide will give you checklists for what documentation you need to apply and other information about the permit process.

Installing a septic system

We recommend that you hire a qualified septic designer to design a septic system that will fully support the structure you are building or to replace a failing septic system. Our Septic System Guide will give you a document checklist and provide you with general information about the permit process for this project. 

Changing a septic system's use

A change in your septic system's use affects its overall performance. Changes may include:

• Adding bedrooms or living space to your home
• Adding more bathrooms or plumbing fixtures
• Major change in occupancy (e.g. moving from residential to commercial)

View our Septic Change of Use Guide for details on the permit process.

Building a deck

Generally, there are two ways to construct a deck:

1. Attach the deck to your home
2. Do not attach the deck to your home

Our Deck or Porch Guide will give you a checklist, sample site plans and sample drawings for both projects to help you through the permit process.

Installing a pool and hot tub

Whether you choose an in-ground pool, above-ground pool or hot tub, our Pool Guide or Hot Tub Guide will give you a checklist, sample site plans and other information you will need to help you through the permit process. Please refer to our Pool Policy for further details.

Using a temporary tent

Tents are often used to celebrate special outdoor events (e.g. weddings, family get-togethers and neighbourhood barbeques). To ensure the safety of people attending the event, we need information about the tent, the property and the event itself before issuing a permit. Our Tent Guide will give you checklists for what information you need to apply and other details about the permit process.