Building Permits

 You may need a permit to do certain things around your home or business. 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.

Building permits

A building permit is required to construct, renovate or make a material alteration to a building. Some minor cosmetic alterations may be exempt from a permit. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Applications are listed below:

Demolition permits

A demolition permit is required to demolish, or partially demolish, a structure. A professional engineer must provide a general review of a project if the building is more than 600 square meters (6460 square feet), more than 3 storeys, contains pre-tensioned or post-tensioned members, if the demolition will affect the angle of repose of footings for neighbouring buildings, or if lasers or explosives are to be used. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Applications are listed below:

Plumbing permits

A plumbing permit is required for alterations to a plumbing system. This includes adding or relocating fixtures, permanently removing fixtures, adding or altering venting or drainage piping, adding or altering an irrigation system, etc. A permit may not be required for the replacement of a fixture in the same location, for instance, replacing an older model toilet with a new low flush model.

For plumbing alterations without construction work, such as irrigation systems, installation of back flow prevention devised or water/sewer service replacement, repairs or alterations, a plumbing permit is required.

Applications are listed below:

Pool permits

A pool permit is required prior to installing an outdoor swimming pool or hot tub that is capable of holding more than 450mm of water. Every pool or hot tub must be enclosed with fencing in compliance with the City of Brantford by-law. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Applications are listed below:

Residents installing a swimming pool or performing construction that requires access over City property including sidewalks, parking and boulevards may require a Right of Way Activity permit. Here’s how residents and contractors can apply.

Septic permits (sewage system)

A plumbing permit is required to alter or install a septic system. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Applications are listed below:

Sign permits

A sign permit is required prior to installing most permanent or temporary signs as per the sign by-law. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Applications are listed below:

Tent permits

A building permit is required for a tent that is 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger, or a group of tents spaces less than 3 metres (10 feet) apart with a combined area of 60 square metres (645 square feet) or larger. It is best to contact the Building department with any questions or for more information on your specific project's permit application requirements.

Before beginning the application process, you may find it helpful to review the building permit fees, building by-law, zoning by-law and Ontario Building Code.

Try our new digital application process

The fastest and easiest way to submit a building permit application, monitor your application status and book an inspection is by using our new digital application process.

Take me to the digital application process

Historical Building Permit Search Request

The Building Permit Search request provides information about building permits that have been issued by the City of Brantford for the noted property. The search will confirm the permit number, date of issuance, and a brief description of what the permit was for.