Building Services and Permits

• Constructing a new building that's more than 15 square metres (161 square feet)
• Installing a swimming pool (Pool Enclosure Permit)
• Demolishing or removing all or part of a building
• Changing a building's use
• Installing, changing or removing partitions and load-bearing walls
• Making new openings for, or changing the size of, doors and windows
• Building a garage, balcony or deck or enclosing an existing deck
• Excavating a basement or constructing a foundation
• Installing or modifying any life safety or fire suppression system, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, standpipe, or fixed extinguishing systems
• Installing or modifying heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts, or woodstoves
• Installing or renovating plumbing
• Building or reconstructing a chimney
• Finishing a basement or converting a room to a bedroom

If you're doing any construction or renovations, you will need to check whether you need a building permit before you can start on the project.

Please contact the tax department at 705-742-7777 ext. 1865 to discuss any possible tax implications resulting from a change to your property.

• Replacing existing same size doors, subject to distance from lot lines, and same size windows, not acting as egress windows, subject to distance from lot lines
• Installing siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
• Building under 15 square metres (161 square feet), but must conform to zoning setbacks
• Re-shingling a roof, provided there is no structural modification
• Installing eaves troughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
• Damp-proofing basements
• Painting or decorating, including interior finishes, but excluding insulation
• Reinstalling/replacing kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• Erecting a fence, except for swimming pool and hot tub enclosures

A shed is exempt from the requirement to obtain a building permit under section 8 of the Act and is exempt from compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), provided that the shed:

(a) is not more than 15 m2 in gross area; (b) is not more than one storey in building height; (c) is not attached to a building or any other structure; (d) is used only for storage purposes ancillary to a principal building on the lot, and (e) does not have plumbing.

Note: Should a shed structure exceed any one of the above mentioned requirements then it would require a building permit and need to conform to the technical requirements as set forth within the OBC. Additionally, the location on the property of the shed structure and its set back distance from the property line must be in accordance with the property specific requirements as stated in the City of Peterborough Zoning By-law.

Permit applications must include detailed, dimensioned drawings that are accurately scaled and clearly illustrate the proposed construction. Below, you will find the specific designer requirements for drawings applicable to various permit types. 

Addition or Alteration to a Residential Dwelling Unit

Drawings are required to be prepared by a qualified designer who possesses their Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) qualification in House, or by the Owner on title of the municipal address that a permit is being applied for. More complex design such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems may require design by a qualified designer with BCIN qualifications for HVAC House. Building Services staff will review and advise you of the minimum requirements for your project. Please refer to the Permit Application Requirements for Addition/Renovation page and to the Basement Finishing Guide for further guidance. 

New Residential Dwelling Units

Drawings are required to be prepared by a qualified designer who possesses their Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) qualification in House, or by the Owner on title of the municipal address that a permit is being applied for. More complex design such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system will require design by a qualified designer possessing BCIN qualification for HVAC House. Please refer to the Permit Application Requirements for New Homes page for further guidance.

Residential Decks

Drawings are required to be prepared by a qualified designer who possesses their Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) qualifications for House, or by the Owner on title of the municipal address that a permit is being applied for. Please refer to the Residential Deck Guide and the Guards for Residential Decks guide for further guidance.

Plumbing Only for Residential

Plumbing permits are required to be obtained for any new plumbing, or modifications to an existing plumbing system (connected piping, fittings, valves, equipment, underground repairs, fixtures and appurtenances contained in plumbing). Drawings are not typically required for a plumbing permit when there is no proposed change to a floor plan. A completed building permit application form clearly outlining the proposed work is required. Please speak to Building Services staff for further guidance.

Demolition of a Building

Demolition permits are for the demolition of an entire building, or substantial building removal. Interior demolition would require a renovation or alteration building permit.

Before a permit can be issued, a completed Confirmation of Arrangements for Service Disconnections and Notifications form must be completed. A professional engineer (P.Eng) will be required if any of these apply;

• the building exceeds 3 storeys in building height or 600 m² in building area,
• the building structure includes pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members,
• it is proposed that the demolition will extend below the level of the footings of any adjacent building and occur within the angle of repose of the soil, as drawn from the bottom of such footings, or
• explosives or a laser are to be used during the course of demolition.

Please speak to Building Services staff for further guidance if any of these apply.

Rooftop Solar Panel Array

Building permit applications for the installation of rooftop solar array panels will require drawings and a structural review of the roof, prepared by a professional engineer (P.Eng). Please speak to Building Services staff for further guidance.

Tenant Alteration for Non-Residential

Building permit applications typically require drawings such as architectural, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, sprinkler) and electrical that clearly explain the full scope of work. Structural drawings may also be required if the scope of work proposes a modification to the existing structure. Typically, architects and professional engineers (structural, mechanical, electrical) will be required to perform the design. Drawings are required to clearly indicate the existing and the proposed scope of work.

Note: In some circumstances an architect or professional engineer may not be required. Please speak to Building Services staff for further guidance, or contact the Ontario Association of Architects at www.OAA.on.ca or the Professional Engineers of Ontario www.PEO.on.ca to determine when a professional design is required to meet the O.B.C.

Change of Use

Even if no construction is proposed, a building permit may be required. A change of use permit would recognize any proposed changes that would result in an increase in hazard. Similar to Tenant Alteration applications, a professional design may be required. Please speak to Building Services staff for further guidance.

New Industrial Building, Large Multi-Unit Residential, or New Non-Residential Building Larger than 600 square metres

Building permit applications for proposed construction of this nature typically require drawings that are prepared by an architect as well as a professional engineer in each of the designations listed below that clearly explain the full scope of work. This applies to both new buildings, as well as to renovations or additions to existing buildings.

• Architectural (floor plans, reflected ceiling plans, roof plan, elevations, building sections, wall sections, details, door and window schedules, specifications)
• Civil (site works such as plumbing, storm water, sewer, lot grading)
• Landscape
• Structural (foundations, floor plans, column schedules, rack storage, details and specifications)
• Mechanical (plumbing and HVAC plans, including roof plans, sprinkler, details and equipment schedules, specifications)
• Electrical (lighting, power, fire alarm plans, details and schedules, specifications)

Due to the complexity of this type of permit application, it is suggested that a pre-consultation is arranged to discuss your proposed project and the application requirements. Please call to arrange a time to meet with Building Services staff at 705-742-7777 ext 1892.

Remember: In most cases it is against the law to begin construction or demolition of a building, including plumbing works without the authority of a building permit.

Please ensure that you have the following before applying for a building permit:

• The municipal address of the property.
• The market value of the construction.
• Name, address and phone number(s) for the owner(s), all building, plumbing and heating contractors. Where applicable, we will also require this information for the architect/designer and/or engineer for the project.
• The total building area (m² ).

Drawings Required

A complete application requires adequate drawings to clearly show what is being built and where. If possible, obtain a copy of your location survey plan to use as a basis to prepare a site plan. The site plan must show all existing buildings, the location of the new construction, setbacks from all lot lines, grading information, parking/driveway(s), streets, location of overhead hydro lines, and a north arrow.

Building drawings must be to scale, and when required clearly show all floor levels, walls, windows, doors, dimensions, construction details, and in the case of additions and new buildings, must include cross sections and elevations. Ensure that existing and proposed construction, and room names are clearly identified.

The owner (person on title) is permitted to prepare the permit application drawings. Due to the complexity of the design, if the owner is not preparing the drawings, The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing requires that they must be designed by a qualified designer with a minimum qualification of BCIN House, an architect and/or engineer. A Schedule 1: Designer Information form must be completed as part of the application where the homeowner or designer have completed the drawings. For more information about designers, review the Designer Requirements page.

The following items are required for a complete application:

• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
• Schedule 1: Designer Information sheet for each designer.
• Building drawings (approved building set will be sent after issuance and must be printed in colour and available at all times on site during the construction).
• Site plan
• A copy of location survey, if possible.*
• Complete set of stamped/signed engineered roof truss drawings and layout (if applicable).
• Complete set of stamped/signed engineered floor truss drawings and layout (if applicable).
• Complete sets of structural engineering design sheets, stamped/signed by a qualified professional engineer (if applicable).
• All designs to include designer’s BCIN and signature.

*If you do not have a location survey for your property, you may be asked to provide one to prove where the lot limits of your property are and how far your existing building is from the lot lines. Please ensure that you have all the required information, application fee and plans so there are no delays in accepting or processing your application.

Detached garages, sheds and accessory structure permits are not currently available to apply for on the online portal. Please email all applications, supporting documents, and inquiries regarding this permit type to residentialpermits@peterborough.ca

Note: All building areas determined as gross area in the Ontario Building Code. Minimum fee $225, unless otherwise noted.

Industrial Commercial Institutional Fees

Miscellaneous categories - fixed fee

Fees for septic permits

No administrative fees applicable to the permits listed below.

Forms 

• Accessory Apartment Declaration Form
• Acknowledgement Agreement (Single Unit Dwelling)
• Acknowledgement Agreement (Single Unit Dwelling with Secondary Suite)
• Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
• Schedule 1: Designer Information
• Schedule 2: Septic Installer Information
• Authorization to Act as Agent
• Confirmation of Arrangements for Service Disconnections and Notifications
• Representation and Warranty Form
• Owner Commitment to Have General Review Undertaken by Architects and or Professional Engineers
• Disclaimer: Accuracy of Surveys or Plans, Drawings for Renovation Purposes
• Energy Efficiency Design Summary Prescriptive Method Form

Request for Information

Complete the fillable Request for Information form below and submit to Building Services. If the fillable version does not open, you can download, print and complete the download/print version from the list below.

• Request for Information - Building Services fillable form (fillable PDF form)
• Request for Information - Building Services for download/print (download and print PDF)

Documents and Resources

• 2012 MMA Supplementary Standards SB-12 - Energy Efficiency for Housing
• Building Site Plan Requirements
• Peterborough Builder Tip: Testing of Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
• Deck Guide
• Basement Finishing Guide

By-laws

• Fencing Along Driveways By-law 94-64
• Licensed Rental Premises By-law 17-067