Building permits give legal permission to begin construction, subject to other required municipal approvals, and ensure that the proposed construction will meet the minimum life and fire safety requirements contained within the Building Code. Obtaining a building permit is the law.
Building bulletins regarding industry-related developments that may impact customer experience are posted regularly. Share your feedback on building bulletins so we can provide updates in the way that serves you best.
Is a Building Permit Required?
Any construction requiring modification, alterations and/or new structural components always requires a building permit.
See the below lists of common residential projects to determine if a permit is required. These lists are not exhaustive. If you have any questions please contact Service Barrie at 705-726-4242 or servicebarrie@barrie.ca.
Project Guides
For guides on common home projects, explore Project Resources and filter by project type.
Are you demolishing, reconstructing or doing significant renovations/additions to an existing home? Refer to Residential Infill Construction: The Good Neighbour Guide for best practices for communicating with your neighbours effectively.
Planning Your Project
Before you begin, contact Service Barrie at 705-739-4242 or ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca to:
- Ensure your project complies with Zoning By-law section 5.3 for setbacks and lot coverage, and doesn't infringe on your property’s zoned land use.
- Confirm if your project requires a permit from a local conservation authority.
Call Before You Dig! Always contact Ontario One Call before you dig, even if it’s just with a shovel, to locate any underground cables or lines below the surface.
Projects that increase the assessed value of a property may affect property taxes. Please visit the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's website, mpac.ca, for related information.
Residential Building Permit Application Requirements
To ensure a complete application, collect and complete required documentation as outlined below. All residential permit applications require:
- Supporting documents proving compliance with applicable laws. See Applicable Law Checklist. Not required for pool enclosure permits.
- Schedule 1: Designer Information Form. Not required for pool enclosure permits.
- Property Owner Consent Form if you are applying on behalf of the property owner.
- Drawings, specifications, and documents establishing compliance with the Ontario Building Code, Building By-law and Zoning By-law. Drawings must be legible and to scale. Refer to APLI Electronic Document Submission Standards.
The following application checklists apply to residential new builds only. These checklists outline application, drawing, and submission requirements:
- New Residential Dwelling Unit Checklist
- ICI and Large Residential Checklist (for example, high-rise buildings)
Fees
Fees are assessed according to the type of building and its size. Please refer to the current Fees By-law, Schedule K. Additional fees for development charges may apply.
How to Apply
Our online application tool, APLI, provides enhanced features that allow you to quickly and easily submit your application. Benefits include:
- The ability to start an application, save it, and resume at your convenience
- Real-time status updates and automatic email notifications regarding your application
- Online payments under $5,000
- Access to reviewed permit drawings and your building permit placard
- Requesting building inspections
- Access to all of your online permits
DisclaimerThe information on this webpage is meant for guiding purposes only. Individual projects vary in scope and may require additional steps to ensure proper completion. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure work conforms to any restrictive covenants, caveats or other restrictions that are registered on the land title. The information above has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various by-laws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Barrie accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Webpages are updated periodically. |