Planning to renovate, build new or make repairs?  Not sure if you need a building permit? Please contact one of our Permit Application Administrators at 905-475-4870 with the details of your work or review our typical projects list below.

What Projects Require a Building Permit

The following is a list of typical projects or situations that require the issuance of a building permit prior to construction:

Construction:

• Construct a new building greater than 10m² in building area (the area of the building's footprint)
• Construct an addition to an existing building
• Construct a deck*
• Detached or attached garages and carports
• Solariums
• Addition of a dormer
• Sunrooms
• Pool enclosure around a swimming pool

Demolition:

• Demolish any building greater than 10m²

Alteration:

• Remove a structural wall in any dwelling
• Renovation of any structural alteration
• Change the use of a building
• Changing the fuel source of a fireplace from gas-fired to solid burning (wood)
• Alter an existing building or it's plumbing system
• Repair a building or it's plumbing system
• Add or remove a structural wall in a dwelling
• Complete a roughed-in bathroom or washroom
• Complete a roughed-in fireplace
• Raising a dwelling to provide a full basement

Installation:

• Install new plumbing in a building or part thereof
• Repair or install an on-site sewage system
• Install a new furnace utilizing a new fuel source, i.e. Electrical to natural gas
• Install a solid fuel burning appliance, i.e. Wood burning stove or masonry fireplace
• Install a sign
• Connection of a underground lawn sprinkler system to the plumbing system of a building
  

*Decks in the rear yard less than 10m² (108 sq. ft.) in area, do not require a building permit. Decks larger than 10m² (108 sq. ft.) and all decks more that 600 mm (2' - 0") above average grade do require a building permit.

What Projects Don't Require a Building Permit?

It is not necessary to obtain building permits to perform the following work. However, you must still comply with the requirements of the Markham Zoning By-laws and if applicable, the Ontario Building Code.

Install:

Erect a fence, other than a pool enclosure fence. Compliance with the Town Fence Bylaw is required. Please Note: Building permits are required to erect a pool enclosure fencing in accordance with the Swimming Pool Bylaw.
Retaining walls less than 1 meter in height
Sidewalks
Planters and landscaping

Air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing systems

Renovate:

Damp-proofing basements
Replacement plumbing fixtures
Replacement hot water heaters (note the requirement to limit hot water to 49°C after September 2004)
Kitchen or bathroom cupboards
Painting, decorating and general maintenance
Replacing roof shingles on a residential dwelling

Construction:

Replacement furnaces provided the new and old furnaces have similar heat output and use the same fuel
Accessory buildings (storage sheds) not greater than 10m² (108 sq. ft.) in area. Compliance with the Town's zoning bylaw for property line setbacks is required.

*Decks in the rear yard less than 10m² (108 sq. ft.) in area, do not require a building permit.

Visit Plans Examination for more information.