A Development Permit is required when:
- Your building will be more than 10m2 in area (i.e., any garage), or
- Your building will not meet the Land Use Bylaw rules (height, setbacks, lot coverage, etc.)
For more information about development permits, visit Development Permits
A development permit must be approved before applying for building and trade permits.
A Building Permit is required when:
- Your building will be more than 10m2 in area (i.e., any garage), or
- Your building will involve the construction of a foundation to support it, or
- Your building will be intended for habitation such as a backyard suite, or
- You intend to demolish any existing building (a demolition permit is also required)
For more information about building permits, visit Building Permits
If plans also include a new driveway
Learn about driveway requirements here: Driveways
Trade Permits
Trade permits may be required if the proposed project involves specific considerations:
- Electrical Permit: for installing or modifying electrical systems, including moving lights or outlets.
- Gas Permit: for installing, modifying or adding to any gas system.
- Plumbing Permit: for installing or modifying plumbing systems or any plumbing equipment.
- Mechanical Permit: for installing or modifying heating, ventilation or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
For more information about trade permits, visit Trade permits
Do it yourself
As a homeowner, you are able to get homeowner's permits for limited scope of work involving plumbing, electrical, gas and mechanical. To be eligible to apply for homeowner's permits:
- You must be doing the work yourself
- You must own and live in the home
- You must be capable of performing the work in accordance with the Safety Codes Act
- It must be a single family home (not a condo building or other multi-unit development.)
Depending on the homeowner's permit you are applying for, other restrictions may apply. To learn more, visit Homeowner Trade Permits