Pelham Planning & Development
Building Permits FAQs
What Types Of Building Projects Require Permits?
- New Buildings - over 108 square feet (10 m2) in area (houses and other dwelling or residential buildings)
- Accessory Buildings - over 108 square feet (10 m2) in area (detached garages, tool sheds, etc.)
- Wood Decks - greater than 24 inches (600 mm) above ground level
- Additions/Extensions - to existing building even if under 108 square feet (10 m2) in area - (sunrooms, porches, carports, garages, dormers, second storeys, etc.)
- Renovations - skylights, patio doors, rec rooms, family rooms, interior renovations including commercial/ industrial buildings, etc.
- Changes in use - to a use with an increased hazard (from office to retail)
- Structural Alteration - removing loadbearing walls, beams or columns, repairing or reconstructing basement walls, foundations, floors, roof structures, etc.
- Prefabricated Buildings - over 108 square feet (10 m2) in area (portable classrooms, kiosks, garages, tool sheds, patio roofs/enclosures, etc.)
- Farm Buildings - barns, sheds, greenhouses, silos, etc.
- Mobile Homes
- Firplaces and Stoves - wood stoves, solid fuel burning appliances, chimneys, etc.
- Material Alterations - alterations to, or new, fire separations(fire rated ceilings, wall or floors)
- alterations to, or new, exit facilities
- alterations to, or new, fire protection systems(fire alarms, sprinklers, standpipe and hose systems etc.)
- Plumbing - alterations to, or new, plumbing systems
- Swimming Pools - In-ground or above-ground capable of holding a water depth of more than 660 mm (26 inches)
- Structures Designated by the Buildings Code, Tents and Temporary Structures
- Buildings Relocated or Moved
Notes
The above list should not be considered all inclusive.There may be other situations which require a permit and if your project is not mentioned or you are not certain whether a permit is required, please contact your Building Department.
All buildings are required to meet certain restrictions as to building location as set out in the applicable Zoning By-law. These restrictions apply whether a Building Permit is required or not.