Residential building permits and inspections

A guide to building permits for homeowners and renovators

Why obtain a building permit?

Building permits are generally required for most renovation and construction projects to ensure the Ontario Building Code (OBC), Zoning By-law and other building standards are met. Building permit applications are reviewed by the Permit Services team to confirm compliance with the OBC and other applicable legislation.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure a building permit is obtained prior to starting any work. If work was done without a permit, the current homeowner is still required to obtain a permit. Starting construction without a permit is illegal and a Provincial Offence.

What is the Ontario Building Code (OBC)?

The OBC sets basic rules to ensure buildings are safe, accessible and structurally sound. Its main goal is to protect public safety by using consistent standards.

What are the benefits of obtaining a building permit?

• Ensures safety: Permits require that your project meet minimum safety standards set by the Building Code. This ensures structural integrity, fire safety, and the proper installation of plumbing and heating systems, protecting the health, safety and well-being of occupants and the community.
• Provides professional oversight: The permit process includes plan review and mandatory inspections by municipal staff at various stages of construction. This provides an independent, expert opinion to help catch potential issues or mistakes early, potentially saving time and money on costly rework later.
• Safeguards insurance coverage: Most property insurance policies have clauses that may allow them to deny coverage for damages or injuries resulting from unpermitted work. A valid permit helps ensure that your insurance coverage remains intact in the event of an accident.
• Legal compliance: Building without a required permit is illegal and can result in significant financial penalties, stop-work orders, legal action, or being forced to remove or alter the completed work. A permit ensures your project complies with all applicable laws, including the OBC and the Zoning By-law.
• Protects property value: Unpermitted work can reduce your home’s value and make it difficult to sell. A closed permit creates a permanent, documented record that the work was inspected and met the required codes and bylaws, which is valuable proof of legitimacy for future buyers and lenders.
• Offers peace of mind: Ultimately, obtaining a permit provides peace of mind that your construction project is sound, safe and legal.

Plan your project

It is recommended that you retain the services of a qualified designer to prepare your drawings and specifications. Some elements or structures may need to be designed by an Architect or Professional Engineer.

A homeowner may prepare their own drawings using a computer-aided design software (CAD) or graph paper and a ruler, provided they meet the requirements listed below.

All work indicated in your drawings must conform to the Ontario Building Code, City of Guelph Zoning By-law and all other applicable legislation. If your proposal does not comply with the Zoning By-law, please speak with Planning Services at 519-837-5616 or [email protected] to discuss your options.

Drawing requirements

• Architectural drawings drawn to a recognized scale (e.g. ¼” = 1’-0”) and dimensioned to the outside of exterior walls. All walls to be indicated with a double line to show wall thickness.
• A survey or site plan illustrating the lot width and depth, the location of proposed construction and all existing buildings or structures on the property. If you require a copy of your property survey, please visit the Building Services Records Request webpage for more information.
  Note: A survey or site plan may not be required for certain permit types (e.g. finishing your basement).

Building permit requirements

Below is a list of some of the more common projects which require a building permit. If you are unsure if your project requires a building permit, please contact Permit Services at [email protected] or 519-837-5615 extension 4255.

New single detached, semi-detached or townhouse

• If you are planning to construct a new house on a vacant lot within an existing built-up area of the city – otherwise known as infill housing – please refer to our infill house building permit application checklist for a list of submission requirements.

Exterior projects

• Building a deck, porch or balcony
• Building an addition such as a sunroom, attached garage, etc.
• Installing a pool or hot tub
• Building an accessory structure such as a shed, gazebo or detached garage
• Adding or altering a roof structure
• Altering a foundation (underpinning)
• Adding or altering exterior stairs
• Replacing exterior siding

Interior projects

• Interior renovations, including but not limited to:
  • Renovating the kitchen or bathroom
  • Finishing a basement
  • Adding or removing load-bearing or non-load-bearing walls
  • Adding dormers or finishing an attic space
  • Installing new or enlarging existing windows or doors
  • Structural alterations
• Creating an additional dwelling unit, in-law suite or basement apartment
• Adding or altering a chimney or woodstove
• Changing the use of a building (e.g. establishing a home occupation, lodging house, bed and breakfast or changing any part of a building from one use to another)

Plumbing

• Installing new plumbing fixtures or relocating existing plumbing fixtures
• Installing a new septic system or repairs to an existing system
• Installation, replacement or repair of site servicing (water, sanitary and storm lines)
• Installation of a backflow prevention device (installed by a qualified person with a valid backflow tester license)
• A permit is not required for the installation of an irrigation system; however, a permit is required for the installation of the required backflow prevention device on the system.

Plumbing may be done by a homeowner on their single detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling unit in which they reside. Plumbers, contractors and renovation contractors doing plumbing shall possess a Certificate of Qualification.

Heating

• Major duct work alterations
• Installing a new heating or ventilation system
• Replacing a heating system when changing fuel sources (e.g. converting from gas to electric)

Demolitions

• Demolition of a residential dwelling
• Demolition of a residential accessory building such as a detached garage greater than 10 square metres (107 square feet) or a shed greater than 15 square metres (161 square feet)
• Demolition of an industrial, commercial or institutional (ICI) building

For information on how to apply for a partial demolition of a building, or an interior demolition within an existing building, please contact Permit Services at [email protected] or 519-837-5615 extension 4255.

Electrical

• Building Services does not issue electrical permits or carry out electrical inspections. Please contact the Electrical Safety Authority for information about electrical work and associated permit requirements.

Apply for a building permit

Ready to apply for your building permit? Follow the steps below to submit your application:

1. Go online to the Guelph Permit and Application System (GPAS)
2. Register to create an account
3. Submit your building permit application when you have all required drawings and documents ready in PDF format

After you submit your application, you can go back to GPAS to:

• check the status of your permit
• pay fees
• book inspections

Once your building permit application is deemed acceptable, you will be notified of the applicable building permit fees. Please visit guelph.ca/building for the current fee schedule.

Your application will be reviewed in order of submission. The approximate time to review your building permit application is 10 business days, which begins once permit fees are paid. The applicant will be notified if deficiencies are found during our review.

Additional approvals from other City departments or external agencies may be identified and required prior to permit issuance depending on your property or type of project. These approvals may include Engineering Services, Heritage Guelph, Ministry of Transportation and Grand River Conservation Authority. The applicant will be notified as needed.

Building permits are issued once deficiencies are cleared, and any additional approvals have been addressed. The applicant will be notified by email upon permit issuance.

Construction and inspections

Once the permit is issued, mandatory inspections are listed on your permit to ensure all work is completed in accordance with the approved plans.

Inspections do not happen automatically. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that inspections are scheduled when ready. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection.

Please book an inspection through the Guelph Permit and Application System. Please allow 48 hours’ notice for inspections. If you require assistance, please contact Inspections Services at [email protected] or 519-837-5614.

Call before you dig! Contact Ontario One Call to request the location of underground utilities that may be on your property to avoid potential damages.

Home improvements and property taxes

Home improvements (e.g. adding a deck or addition, finishing your basement or installing or removing a swimming pool) may change the assessed value of your property. Please visit guelph.ca/tax for more information.

Protecting Guelph’s water

Guelph is the largest Canadian city to rely almost exclusively on groundwater for its drinking water supply. As such, and under the Clean Water Act, a considerable area within the City is vulnerable from a water quality and quantity perspective. Visit guelph.ca/groundwater for more information.

If you’re renovating or building a new home, consider incorporating water-saving features to protect our water supply. The City offers several rebate programs to help you save money and protect our environment.

Protecting Guelph’s trees

Before, during and after construction on private or public property, we must take measures to prevent damage and encourage long-term health of plants and trees on or near the site. Please see the City’s Private Tree Protection By-law which regulates trees 10 centimetres and larger in diameter (measured at 1.4 metres above the ground) on private property larger than 0.2 hectares and trees 30 centimetres and larger in diameter (measured at 1.4 metres above the ground) on all private properties.

Visit guelph.ca/trees for more information.

Contact information

Building Services office hours

In-person:
Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By phone:
Monday to Friday (except public holidays): 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Additional contact information

• Guelph Permit and Application System
• Frequently asked questions
• How-to video tutorials for Guelph Permit and Application System

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