Under the Ontario Building Code Act, you MUST have a building permit to construct, demolish, renovate, alter, install or change the use of a building. Construction may not proceed until a building permit has been issued.

Markham's Building By-law 2011-236 sets out the requirements for permit applications and fees.

Use the City of Markham Zoning Search Form to request zoning information for any property within Markham.

Access OPAL for permit application & license search. 

Our Building Standards staff will review your application to confirm that the work complies with the Ontario Building Code and other applicable laws such as the Zoning by-laws.

Not sure if you need a building permit? Review our list of projects that typically require a building permit.

Statistics Canada Reports: January 2012, February 2012, March 2012, April 2012, May 2012, June 2012, July 2012, August 2012, September 2012, October 2012, November 2012, December 2012

Building Department Fees & Cost for 2011 click here

Building Department Fees & Cost for 2012 click here

Get a Building Permit

Anyone can apply for a building permit. Applicants may be a homeowner, engineer, architect, owner, developer, commercial or industrial tenant or a member of the public.

If your property is covered by a site plan control by-law or the Heritage Act, or if your proposal needs by-law variances, your building permit will take more time to process. 

You will be notified by phone or in writing if there are any outstanding requirements that must be submitted for us to complete the review and confirm compliance with the Ontario Building Code.

Once your permit application is complete you or your agent will be notified that the building permit may be picked up at our front counter.

Inspections and Safety Precautions

Once you have a building permit, you must call to obtain utility locals before you dig. Following excavation, please notify the Town to arrange for inspections when you are ready to begin construction of foundations or plumbing services, and at other stages of work.