Residential Building Permits

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. 

Common Projects

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:

The following application checklists apply to residential new builds only. These checklists outline application, drawing, and submission requirements:

Access All Project Resources

​​​​​​Fees

Fees are assessed according to the type of b​uilding 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

Apply Through APLI

Disclaimer

The 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.