Building permits give legal permission to begin construction, subject to other required municipal approvals, and they ensure proposed construction will meet the minimum life and fire safety requirements contained within the Ontario Building Code. A building permit is required to construct, renovate, demolish, or change the use of a building.
- How to determine if a permit is required
You can find permit requirements on our Residential Building Permits webpage. If you’re still not sure if a building permit is required for your project, we’re here to help. Please contact Service Barrie and City staff will be happy to assist.
- If construction commences without the benefit of a permit
If construction projects are undertaken without required permits, the property owner will be subject to a pre-permit surcharge and other applicable fees as per Schedule K of the Fees By-law.
Property owners are responsible for obtaining all necessary building permits. If you wish to authorize an agent to act on your behalf, you may do so by submitting an Owner Authorization when applying for your building permit through APLI (the City’s online permit application tool).
Paul Evans, CBCO
Chief Building Official