This page contains links to City and external resources and helpful documents to download relating to your building project.
Helpful Links
Find information on additional permits you may need, where to find a designer, how to get in touch with the conservation authority and more:
Project Guidance Documents
Search how-to guides, application checklists, forms and other resources that may be applicable to your particular demolition, construction, or renovation project.
Building Services regularly posts bulletins regarding industry-related developments that may impact customer experience. View Building Services bulletins.
Type: Guide
Project(s): New Commercial Build
Project(s): New Commercial Build
This information sheet outlines the Building Department’s policy for requiring professional design for ground signs.
Type: Guide
Project(s): New Commercial Build, Other
Project(s): New Commercial Build, Other
Before buying or leasing a property, or starting a construction or renovation project, it’s important to understand and comply with development and building permit requirements.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Deck
Project(s): Deck
The practice of bolting a ledger board (generally to support a wood deck) through brick veneer into wood framing does not comply with either Part 4 or Part 9 of the Ontario Building Code. The City of Barrie will only accept wood ledgers attached to solid masonry walls.
Type: Guide
Project(s): New Residential Build
Project(s): New Residential Build
Effective November 3, 2025, the Ontario Building Code has been amended to support new policies under the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 (Bill 17). This information sheet summarizes the major updates for residents, builders, and industry stakeholders.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Addition, New Commercial Build, Deck, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Interior Renovation, New Residential Build, Pool, Second Suite, Secondary Dwelling, Septic System, Temporary Structure
Project(s): Addition, New Commercial Build, Deck, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Interior Renovation, New Residential Build, Pool, Second Suite, Secondary Dwelling, Septic System, Temporary Structure
Set clear and concise expectations regarding the roles and responsibilities of building project stakeholders to ensure compliance with mandated permit and inspection requirements as mandated by the Building Code Act.
Type: Guide
Project(s): New Residential Build, Secondary Dwelling
Project(s): New Residential Build, Secondary Dwelling
Outlines applicable building permit and inspection requirements.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Addition, New Commercial Build, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Interior Renovation, New Residential Build, Second Suite, Secondary Dwelling, Temporary Structure
Project(s): Addition, New Commercial Build, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Interior Renovation, New Residential Build, Second Suite, Secondary Dwelling, Temporary Structure
The Ontario Building Code requires inspections at varying stages of construction. This notice indicates the required inspections for your project; additional inspections may be needed. Inspections are generally completed within two days after a request has been made.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Interior Renovation
Project(s): Interior Renovation
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) prescribes minimum stair width dimensions for single family dwelling units and houses with an accessory residential unit. These requirements apply to both exit stairs and internal stairs from one floor level to another.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Addition, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Pool, New Residential Build, Secondary Dwelling
Project(s): Addition, Demolition, Detached Garage/Shed, Pool, New Residential Build, Secondary Dwelling
Guidelines and best practices for respecting your neighbours during your demolition, reconstruction or renovation project.
Type: Guide
Project(s): Interior Renovation, Other
Project(s): Interior Renovation, Other
When renovations or repairs are required due to damage, it is critical to determine if a building permit is required to ensure that restoration activities comply with the Ontario Building Code and to ensure that restoration is conducted safely.