Building Permits
A building permit is your formal permission to begin construction or demolition. It means that the City of Kingston has reviewed the plans for any new structure, addition or renovation. Plans must comply with the Ontario Building Code, local zoning by-laws, and other applicable laws and regulations.
Building permits regulate the type of construction allowed in the community and help to ensure building standards are met. The building permit process protects each homeowner's interests, as well as those of the community and helps to ensure that any structural change is safe, legal and sound.
By obtaining a permit, you can also take advantage of the professional expertise of Building Division staff. Inspectors are good sources of information and can offer suggestions to help solve construction problems, often before they occur.
In many cases, your designer or contractor will get permits on your behalf. However, it is the building owner who is ultimately responsible for complying with all building requirements.
Please Note: All work must be completed by a licenced professional.
WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
You must obtain a building permit before you do any of the following:
- construct a new building
- renovate, repair or add to a building
- demolish or remove all or a portion of a building
- change a building's use
- install, change or remove partitions and load-bearing walls
- make new openings for, or change the size of, doors and windows
- build a garage, balcony or deck or enclose an existing deck
- build a utility shed over 108ft2 (10m2)
- excavate a basement or construct a foundation
- install or modify any life safety or fire suppression system such as fire alarms, sprinkler or standpipe or fixed extinguishing systems.
- install or modify heating, plumbing, and air conditioning systems, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and woodstoves
- install kitchen or bathroom cupboards with plumbing
- reconstruct a chimney
- build a roofless deck over two feet (0.61 metres) that is not attached to a building
- to finish a basement or convert a room to a bedroom
- to install a pool or hot tub
- erect signage
- when you intend to alter the grade of a property greater than one hectare (2.5 acres), or next to an environmentally sensitive area, a Site Alteration permit may be required.
You do not need a building permit to:
- replace existing, same-size doors and windows, subject to distance from property lines
- install siding on small residential buildings, subject to distance from property lines
- build a utility shed under 108ft2 (10 m2)
- reshingle a roof, provided there is no structural work
- install eavestroughs, provided that drainage is contained on your property
- damp-proof basements
- paint or decorate
- reinstall/replace kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing.
- erect a fence (except swimming pools and outside hot tubs require permits)
- electrical work (the Electrical Safety Authority, however, must inspect electrical installations)
If you are the owner of a property designated under Part IV or V of the Ontario Heritage Act, you will be required to complete the Heritage Applications process prior to obtaining a building permit. Also, a heritage application and permit may be required for work not requiring a building permit. Please confirm with the heritage planner which permit/s are required for your specific job.
For more information on altering or renovating a designated property, contact the Heritage Planner, 613-546-4291, extension 3256.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DO NOT GET A PERMIT?
It is unlawful to start construction without the necessary permits. If you start construction without the necessary permits, you may be ordered to stop work, ordered to remove work already done, or prosecuted. Contact the Building Division if you are not sure whether you need a permit for your project.
WHAT DOES THE BUILDING INSPECTOR DO?
A building inspector reviews projects during key stages of construction to ensure work complies with the Building Code and the plans originally submitted for review. The inspector may visit a site several times depending on the project. They must be able to see the work that requires inspection. An inspector requires a minimum of 24 hours notice to book an inspection.
WHEN I PURCHASE A HOME, SHOULD I CONSULT A BUILDING INSPECTOR?
The city does not conduct pre-purchase inspections. (For information on purchasing the services of a pre-purchase building inspection service, please refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory.)
However, if you have questions or concerns about your new home, or to determine if a finished basement or apartment is legal and meets the Ontario Building Code and Property Standards requirements, you can contact the City's Building Division.
As the new home owner, it is your responsibility to ensure you use the home in a manner that meets the Ontario Building Code. Do not assume the previous owner obtained a building permit before doing renovations to the home.
WHERE DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?
You can make an application for any type of permit, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. at:
Building & Licensing Department
City of Kingston
Located at 1211 John Counter Blvd.
Telephone: 613-546-4291, ext. 3280
Fax: 613-542-9137
Mailing Address:
216 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3
