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Permit rules

Ontario permits, by city and project.

Straight answers with the City’s own source next to every one. The Building Code applies everywhere in Ontario; the local rules and fees are below, city by city.

City permit fees by project. Each cell links to that City’s rules and what to submit.
CityDecksFencesPool enclosuresBasementsBathrooms
KitchenerForms built in · 2026-10-06$95 flat feeNo permit$95About $0.37 per sq ft (minimum $95), plus a $250 deposit refunded after the final inspection$11 per fixture, minimum $95
WaterlooForms built in · 2026-10-06$132 flat feeNo permit$274.96 including HST$351 flat fee1% of the construction cost
TorontoRules checked · 2026-10-07$214.79 flat feeNo permit$214.79 zoning certificate, plus the enclosure permit fee$6.20 per m², minimum $214.79$23.20 per fixture, minimum $214.79
OttawaRules checked · 2026-10-07$12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $117No permit$257$12.75 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $117$117 for plumbing-only work
MississaugaRules checked · 2026-10-07$244No permit$402.53 inspection fee (HST included), plus a refundable deposit$5.64 per m², minimum $244$42.23 per fixture, minimum $244
BramptonRules checked · 2026-10-07$326.21 flat feeNo permit$175$326.21 flat fee, plus $133.61 for each new window or exterior door$326.21
HamiltonRules checked · 2026-10-07$5.36 per m² of deck, minimum $291No permit$303, plus HST where it applies$4.06 per m², minimum $291Minimum $291
LondonRules checked · 2026-10-07$260.37, or $368.85 if it holds up a roofNo permit$12.50 per $1,000 of construction value, minimum $200$3.68 per m² of renovated floor, minimum $260.37Minimum $260.37
OakvilleRules checked · 2026-10-06$220No permit$354 for an above-ground pool or hot tub enclosure$4.90 per m², minimum $200$100 per fixture
CambridgeRules checked · 2026-10-07$143 ($118 permit plus a $25 zoning review)No permit$224 above-ground or hot tub, $250 in-ground$0.50 per sq ft, minimum $143, plus a $25 zoning review$18 per fixture, minimum $107
GuelphRules checked · 2026-10-07$160 flat feeNo permit$320 for a pool, $160 for a hot tub$0.59 per sq ft, minimum $160$30 per fixture

Fees are the City’s own, from its current fee schedule. Tap any cell for the rule, the source and what to submit. Next on the list: Vaughan, Markham, Windsor, Richmond Hill and more. We only publish a city once its sources check out.

Do you need a permit for a deck in Ontario?

Usually yes, if any part of the deck is more than about 600 mm (24 in) above the ground or it has a roof.

How tall can a fence be in Ontario?

An ordinary fence usually needs no building permit, but every city has a fence by-law: low in the front yard (around 0.9 m), taller in the back (often 2 to 2.44 m), and lower again near corners and driveways so drivers can see.

Pool enclosure rules and permits in Ontario

Most Ontario cities require a pool enclosure permit and an inspection before the pool is filled.

Do you need a permit to finish a basement in Ontario?

Yes.

Do you need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Ontario?

Not to replace fixtures in the same spots.

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