Do I Need a Permit?

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Prior to starting a new construction project either inside or outside, you must first determine whether you require a building permit.

Building, construct and demolish are defined terms in the Building Code Act.

Projects that require a building permit

Below are a few examples of projects however this list is not complete. The building division should be contacted when your project is not listed here or if you are unsure whether a permit is required.

Adding a bedroom
Additions to a building
Attached garage, carport, shed or other roof structure of any size
A building of any size that contains plumbing
Detached garage, shed or accessory structure greater than 161 square feet (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall)
Decks greater than 24 inches above grade at any point
Finishing a basement
Swimming pools with a design depth of 36 inches or greater (including temporary or inflatable)
Creating an apartment (in-law suite, accessory apartment, granny flat, duplex etc.)
Plumbing fixtures added or relocated
Removing a load bearing wall, column, lintel or beam
Re-insulating walls, ceilings or floors
Wood stove or wood burning fireplace
Installing a new window or door where increasing the size of the existing opening
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
Solar Panels that are mounted to a building
Septic system installations and alterations
Site servicing (water or sewer lines) for all building types
Signs
New residential dwellings
Demolition of a structure greater than 108 square feet in building area
Tent or group of tents that is, more than 645 square feet, including temporary wedding or special event tents
Industrial, commercial, institutional, agricultural construction, alterations or changes of use
Backflow prevention device for lawn irrigation systems connected to potable water
Any alterations to a fire separation or fire rated assembly, including repairs, replacement, alterations, penetrations/openings for wiring/plumbing/services/doorways, etc.

Other approvals

The following are frequently required approvals. Additional approvals may apply.

Electrical work

The Electrical Safety authority (ESA) is responsible for electrical permits and related inspections. Information on applying for an electrical permit and having electrical work inspected can be found on the ESA website.

Grand River Conservation Authority

You may need a permit from the GRCA for activities such as building, construction, changing the existing grade, adding or removing material if the project is in or near:

rivers and streams
wetlands
slopes
lakes and ponds

Heritage buildings

Heritage Wilmot is required to be consulted on all applications to alter designated heritage building or buildings located within New Hamburg Heritage Conservation District. This also applies to work not requiring a building permit. Approvals are coordinated through the Planning division of the Development Services department.

Ministry of Transportation

Any work on a property close to Highway 7/8 may require a building and land use permit from the MTO. Please consult the MTO website to determine whether approval is required.

Natural gas work

Union Gas is the natural gas supplier in the Township of Wilmot. For information on approval requirements for new or modified natural gas services and supply please visit the Union Gas website.

Source Protection screening

All planning and building permit applications, including site plan applications, in a vulnerable source protection area will require screening for potential drinking water threats and associated SPP policies.

For more information please visit the Region of Waterloo's website.

Projects that Do Not Require a Building Permit

Structure up to 161 square feet (measured to the outside face of exterior walls or to the posts in the case of a covered area extending beyond the exterior wall) and that do not contain plumbing (ex. toilet, sink, etc) - these structures must still comply with the zoning regulations.
Pergolas (roof structure must be minimum 50% open)
Fence (but must comply with fence regulations)
Painting, wall papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Door and window replacements (where there is no increase in the size of the existing opening)
Installing new shingles on existing roof
Removing a non-load bearing wall in a single, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling
Replacing a plumbing fixture (ex. toilet, bathtub or sink) with a new fixture in the same location

How to apply for a permit

Building permit applications are required to be submitted through this building permit submission form.

For application requirements, please visit the Building Permits page and select the applicable project.

Contacts