Step 6: Apply for Permits and Locate Services

This section will help you get in contact with your local code office and your local conservation authority. Applying for permits is an important step in any building project and Turkstra always recommends taking this step.

A residential accessory building is a detached structure with a separate or secondary use to your house. It must be located on the same lot as your dwelling and cannot be used for commercial purposes or for habitation.

Some examples of accessory buildings include garden sheds, gazebos, and garages.

Do I need a permit?

We recommend that you get the required permits for your shed or garage project. It may seem like a hassle, but it is well worth the small investment of time and money to ensure your shed is built to code standards and is in compliance with local regulations.

The city of Hamilton states that a Building Permit is not required for the construction of a detached accessory structure (shed, garage, carport, gazebo) provided it is not more than 15 square metres, is not more than one storey and does not have plumbing. For all other uses, a Building Permit is not required for the construction of a detached accessory structure provided it is not more than 10 square metres and does not have plumbing. Garages and carports attached to the principal dwelling, regardless of size, are considered to be additions and always require a Building Permit.

Where do I get a permit?

Permits can be acquired by contacting your local permit office.

Brantford

Contact: Building Department, City Hall P.O. Box 818
Brantford,ON
N3T 5R7 Tel: (519) 759-4150
Fax: (519) 752-1874
Email:  building@brantford.ca
Visit: Building Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Decks
● Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
● Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
● Retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height
● Roof structures including a pergola or trellis 108 square feet and greater
● Septic system installations and alterations
● Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all buildings types
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Brantford for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Structures less than 108 square feet measured from the outside face of walls
(measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall) that do not contain plumbing.
● These structures must comply with zoning regulations.
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Brantford for more information.

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Burlington

Contact: Department of City Building/Building Division 426 Brant Street
P.O. Box 5013
Burlington, ON
L7R 3Z6
Tel:​ (905) 335 7731
Fax: ​(905) 335 7876
Email: ​cob@burlington.ca
Visit:  Building Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● New Decks and porches
● Enclosing existing decks, porches or patios
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Burlington for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Painting, decorating, mill work and replacing plumbing fixtures
● Patios and landscaping
● Electrical work (contact the Electrical Safety Authority at 1-877-372-7233)
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Burlington for more information

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Cambridge

Contact: City of Cambridge 50 Dickson Street
PO Box 669
Cambridge, ON
N1R 5W8
Tel:​ (519) 623-1340
TTY: ​(519) 623-6691
Email: ​questions@cambridge.ca
Visit:  Building Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Construction of any structure with an area of more than 10 square metres
(108 square feet) or contains plumbing
● Decks or porches 24 inches (or more) above grade
● Installation of irrigation systems
● Installation or repair of storm, sanitary or water services
● Repairs of existing or installing new septic systems
● Retaining walls greater than 1 meter, depending on location
● Please refer to Permit Page or call the City of Cambridge for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● A detached accessory structure that measures 10 square metres (108 square feet) in area or less and does not contain plumbing
● Fences other than for swimming pools
● Decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a building and less than 24 inches above grade and does not have a roof
● Painting and decorating
● Landscaping
● Please refer to Permit Page or call the City of Cambridge for more information.

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Caledonia

Contact: Caledonia (Haldimand County) 282 Argyle St.
South Caledonia, ON
N3W 1K7br> Tel:​ ​(905) 318 5932
Fax: ​(905) 765 1436
Visit: Building Permit Page
Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Buildings/structures – greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) in building area
● Decks
 ○ Attached to a building resulting in a combined area of 10 square metres (107 square feet)
 ○ Greater than or equal to 2 feet above grade at any point
 ○ Serving as an exit or entrance (any size), or
 ○ With an area greater than or equal to 10 square metres (107 square feet)
● Substantial change of construction materials
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Caledonia for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Please refer to Building Permit Page

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Cayuga

Contact: Cayuga (Haldimand County) 45 Munsee Street North
P.O.Box 400
Cayuga, ON
N0A 1E0
Tel:​ (905) 318 5932
Fax: ​(905) 772 3541
Visit: ​Building Permits Page
Visit:  Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Buildings/structures – greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) in building area
● Decks
 ○ Attached to a building resulting in a combined area of 10 square metres (107 square feet)
 ○ Greater than or equal to 2 feet above grade at any point
 ○ Serving as an exit or entrance (any size), or
 ○ With an area greater than or equal to 10 square metres (107 square feet) ● Substantial change of construction materials
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Cayuga for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Detached accessory structures – measuring 10 square meters (107 square feet) in area or less *
● Landscaping – that does not alter the drainage of the lot
● Painting and decorating
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Cayuga for more information.

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Dunnville

Contact: Dunnville (Haldimand County) 1-117 Forest Street East
Dunnville, ON
N1A 1B9
Tel:​ (905) 318 5932
Fax: ​(905) 774 4294
Visit: ​Building Permits Page
Visit:  Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Buildings/structures – greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) in building area
● Decks
 ○ Attached to a building resulting in a combined area of 10 square metres (107 square feet)
 ○ Greater than or equal to 2 feet above grade at any point
 ○ Serving as an exit or entrance (any size), or
 ○ With an area greater than or equal to 10 square metres (107 square feet) ● Substantial change of construction materials
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Dunnville for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Detached accessory structures – measuring 10 square meters (107 square feet) in area or less *
● Landscaping – that does not alter the drainage of the lot
● Painting and decorating
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Dunnville for more information.

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Hagersville

Contact: Hagersville Satellite Office 1 Main St. South
Hagersville, ON
N0A 1H0
Tel:​ ​(905) 318 5932
Fax: ​(905) 768 7328
Visit: ​Building Permits Page
Visit:  Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Buildings/structures – greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) in building area
● Decks
 ○ Attached to a building resulting in a combined area of 10 square metres (107 square feet)
 ○ Greater than or equal to 2 feet above grade at any point
 ○ Serving as an exit or entrance (any size), or
 ○ With an area greater than or equal to 10 square metres (107 square feet) ● Substantial change of construction materials
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Hagersville for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Detached accessory structures – measuring 10 square meters (107 square feet) in area or less *
● Landscaping – that does not alter the drainage of the lot
● Painting and decorating
● Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the Town of Hagersville for more information.

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Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas

Contact: (Ancaster, Dundas, Flamborough, Glanbrook, Stoney Creek, Waterdown)​:Building Division, City Hall, 3rd Floor 71 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON
L8P 4Y5
Tel:​ ​(905) 546 2720
Email: ​building@hamilton.ca
Visit:  Visit: ​Building Permit Application Page
Visit:  Building Renovation and Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Gazebos
● Porches
● Decks
● Fire damage repair
● Ramps or elevating devices
● Detached structures greater than 10 square meters (108 square feet)
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Hamilton for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Landscaping, but this may require a Site Alteration Permit
● Replacing existing plumbing fixtures with no new plumbing
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the City of Hamilton for more information.

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Kitchener

Contact: Kitchener (City Hall) 200 King Street West
P.O. Box 1118
Kitchener, ON
N2G 4G7
Tel:​ ​(905) 741 2345
Toll Free: ​1 (866) 969 9994
Visit:  Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Building a deck greater than 24 inches above grade
● Building a retaining wall that is greater than three feet and three inches in height, pending location
● Installing or altering a septic system
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Kitchener for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Kitchener for more information

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Langton

Contact: Kitchener (City Hall) 22 Albert St.
Langton, ON
N0E 1G0
Tel:​ ​(519) 875 4485
Fax: ​(519) 875 4789
Visit:  Building Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
Please refer to Building Permit Page

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to Building Permit Page

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Milton

Contact:  (Planning and Development Town Hall) 150 Mary Street
Milton, ON
L9T 6Z5
Tel:​ ​(905) 878 7252 Ext.2398
TTY: ​(905) 878 1657
Fax: ​(905) 876 5024
Visit:  Building Permit Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Construction of a deck
 ○ Freestanding deck greater than 10 m2 (108 ft2)
 ○ Freestanding deck where the floor is higher than 0.6 m (2 ft) above finished grade at any point
 ○ Any deck attached to a building
● Demolition permits are required if you plan to demolish all or part of a building or structure larger than 10m2 (107ft2). Farm Buildings are exempt from this provided the structure to be demolished is not subject to any other applicable law such as the Ontario Heritage Act.
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Burlington for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the Town of Milton for more information

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Mississauga

Contact:  Mississauga (City Hall) 3rd Floor 300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario
L5B 3C1
Tel: (​905) 615 4311
TTY: ​(905) 896 5151
Fax: ​(905) 615 4081
Email:  public.info@mississauga.ca
Visit:  Building Permits Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Construct a wood deck, greater 0.61m (2 ft.) in height
● Construct a porch or a balcony
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Mississauga for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Construct/demolish a detached accessory structure (shed, gazebo, cabana) less than 10m2 (107.64ft2) with no plumbing
● Construct/demolish an uncovered wood deck less than 600mm (2 ft.) in height
● Carry out minor repairs to masonry
● Carry out landscaping work
● Retaining wall less than 1m in height
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Mississauga for more information

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Niagara Falls

Contact:  Niagara Falls Building Division 4310 Queen Street
PO Box 1023
City of Niagara Falls, ON
L2E 6X5
Tel: (​905) 356 7521
Toll Free: ​1 (877) 999 7521
Email:  building@niagarafalls.ca
Visit:  Buildings Application Page

Projects Requiring Permit
Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the City of Niagara Falls for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to Building Permit Application Page or call the City of Niagara Falls for more information.

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Oakville

Contact:  Oakville (Town Hall) 1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON
L6H 0H3
Tel: (​905) 845 6601
TTY: ​(905) 338 4200
Fax: ​(905) 815 2025
Email:  service@oakville.ca
Visit:  Building Permits Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Addition of a deck if over 60 centimetres (2 feet) above the adjacent grade (e.g. decks around above-ground pools) or if it is to be attached to the house
● Designated structures such as retaining walls and solar panels
● Enclosing a porch or deck
● Please refer to the Residential Building Permits Page or contact the Town of Oakville for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● The construction of a fence (But regulations must be followed)
● Please refer to the Residential Building Permits Page or contact the Town of Oakville for more information

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Ridgeway

Contact:  (Town of Fort Erie) Building Department Town Hall 1 Municipal Centre Drive
Fort Erie, ON
L2A 2S6
Tel: (​905) 871 1600 ext.2516
Visit:  Building Permit Page
Visit:  Building Permit Fees Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● When a new building or structure exceeds an area greater than 10.0 square metres
(108.0 square feet), consisting of a wall, roof or floor ● Construction of a deck, porch or verandah that is attached to the main dwelling
 ○ The walking surface is higher than 0.6 metres (2′-0″) above the adjacent grade
 ○ The deck is elevated to provide principle access to a building
 ○ Is free standing & exceeds 10.0 square metres (108.0 square feet) in size
 ○ When any structural renovations and/or changes are proposed to an existing deck
● Please refer to Building Permit Applications Page or call the Village of Ridgway for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Please refer to Building Permit Applications Page
● Please refer to Building Permit Applications Page or call the Village of Ridgeway for more information.

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Simcoe

Contact:  Simcoe (Norfolk County) 185 Robinson Street, Suite 200
Simcoe, ON
N3Y 5L6
Tel: (​519) 426 4377
Fax: (​519) 427 5901
Visit:  Building Permit and Codes Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● In general, a building permit is required to erect, install, extend, alter or repair a building
● Demolition of any part of a residential structure
● Addition of a carport, garage, porch or room(s) to an existing home.
● Enclosing a porch or deck.
● Retaining Walls over 1.0meters in height
● Addition of a deck to an existing home.
● Raising a house to provide a full basement.
● Constructing or installing detached accessory buildings larger than 108 square feet (10 square metres). For example, a carport, garage, shed, playhouse, etc..
● Installing a ramp or elevating device.
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the Town of Simcoe for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
● Repair or renovations that have no impact on structure
● Please refer to Building Permit Page or call the Town of Simcoe for more information.

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Smithville

Contact:  Smithville (Township of West Lincoln) 318 Canborough St. Box 400
Smithville, ON
LOR 2A0
Tel: (​905) 957 3346 ext.5180
Fax: (905) 957 3219
TTY: (905) 957 0680
Email:  building@westlincoln.ca Visit:  Building Codes and Permits Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Porches, decks, pools, towers
● Renovations and alterations to existing building, additions, new buildings over 108 sq. ft.
● Demolition of buildings
● Please refer to Building Codes and Permit Page or call the Town of Smithville for more information.

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to Building Codes and Permit Page or call the Town of Smithville for more information.

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St. Catharines

Contact:  St.Catharines (Citizens First, Town Hall) 50 Church Street
St.Catharines, ON
LOR 2A0
Tel: (​905) 688 5600
TTY: (905) 688 4889
TTY: (905) 957 0680
Visit:  Building Permits Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Decks greater than 600 mm (23 5/8″) above ground
● Demolitions
● Retaining walls
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of St. Catharines for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of St. Catharines for more information

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Woodstock

Contact:  Woodstock (Building Department) 944 James Street
P.O. Box 1539
SWoodstock, ON
N4S 0A7
Tel: ​(519) 539 2382 ​Ext.​ 3103
TTY: (519) 539 7268
Fax: (519) 421 3250
Visit:  Building Permits Page

Projects Requiring Permit
● Decks or porches
● Repairs to masonry
● Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Woodstock for more information

Projects Not Requiring A Permit
Please refer to the Building Permits Page or contact the City of Woodstock for more information