Home Renovations & Projects

Thinking of renovating residential property in Barrie? There’s a lot you need to know before you begin. This page outlines information on planning specific projects and their permit submission requirements.

Building Services regularly posts bulletins regarding industry-related developments that may impact customer experience.

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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 set-backs and lot coverage
  • Doesn’t require a permit from a local conservation authority
  • Doesn’t infringe on your property’s zoned land use

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.

Permit Submission Requirements

To ensure a complete application, collect and complete required documentation as outlined below. All projects require:

*not required for pool enclosure permits

Projects Specifics

Browse these popular topics for pertinent information to complete your home project. 

Common projects that don't require a permit include fences (except when surrounding a pool, hot tub or pond), adding air-conditioning to an existing HVAC system, and some landscaping. Please refer to common projects and permit needs if you're unsure whether a permit is required.

Projects that increase the assessed value of a property wi​ll increase taxes. Please visit the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation's website for related information.

Building an Addition

Building a Deck or Porch

Ensure you have all the documentation listed in the Deck Permit Application Checklist. For information about the typical deck construction process, read our Guide to Building Decks

Building a Detached Shed or Garage

Ensure you have all the documentation listed in the Residential Accessory Structure Application Checklist. Read our Guide to Building Sheds for information about the typical shed building process. 

Enclosing a Pool or Hot Tub

Ensure you have all the documentation listed in the Pool Enclosure Permit Application Checklist. Read our Guide to Building Pool Enclosures for information about the typical process.

Adding/Altering HVAC

Renovating the Interior

Ensure you have all the documentation listed in the Residential Interior Alteration Checklist (PDF).

Building a Secondary Dwelling/Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU)

Please review the Guide to Constructing a DADU and ensure you have all the documentation listed in the Secondary Dwelling/DADU Application Checklist.

Building a Second Suite

Ensure you have all documentation listed in the Second Suite Building Application Checklist​. Read our Guide to Building Second Suites for information about the typical process.

Constructing a Septic System

Inspections

The Building Code requires permit holders to request inspections at certain stages of construction. Visit the Building Inspections page for details. 

Disclaimer

The information found on this page is meant for guiding purposes only. Individual home renovation 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 bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Barrie accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically.