A building permit is required when construction is located within a building inspection area and the work consists of:
- construction of a new building or an addition to an existing building;*
- installation of a mobile home;
- construction of a sundeck, if the deck surface is 600 millimeters (twenty-four inches) or higher above grade level, or if the deck is covered;
- construction of a carport or garage, either attached to a residence, or detached;
- making structural alterations to any building;
- moving and/or demolishing any building;
- changing the use of a building;
- installing chimneys or wood-burning appliances;
- installation of or alterations to a plumbing system.
* Exceptions
- a detached ancillary building not exceeding 20 square metres (215 square feet) in floor area provided zoning permits;
- factory pre-manufactured residential ancillary buildings not exceeding 55m2 in area and one storey in height, if erected for seasonal use only (seasonal means a period of time not exceeding 6 months);
- low human occupancy type farm buildings less than 600m2 in area when situated on land assessed as a farm;
- minor alterations or repairs valued at up to $15,000, only if not creating new rooms or spaces in a building, if non-structural and not related to plumbing or foundation perimeter drains;
- re-roofing or replacing exterior cladding unless structural repairs are required, or insulation is also being replaced or upgraded;
- decks attached to a residential occupancy if the deck surface is less than 600 mm (2 ft) or less above the adjacent ground level;
- structures other than buildings, unless attached to a building;
repair or replacement of a plumbing fixture, valve or faucet, clearing of stoppages, or the repair of leaks.
