Building Services serves the community by ensuring all construction requiring a building permit, meets the standards set out in the Ontario Building Code (OBC). We review and inspect each project from application submission through to the completion of construction.
Applications for building permits, demolition permits, sign permits, plumbing permits, and alternative solutions are either submitted through our Online Application Portal (OAP) or by emailing buildingpermits@ajax.ca. Currently only applications associated with residential properties are accepted on the OAP.
Please see our online Building Permits Guides; the guides include application forms, and sample drawings and documents that you will need to submit for select permit applications types.
Call Before You Dig
Digging into an underground utility can be dangerous and have costly consequences. Even if you are just digging with a shovel, be sure to get locates in advance. Contact Ontario One Call for the location of buried pipes and cables prior to any excavation work.
Request your free locate online at ON 1 Call or call 1-800-400-2255.
Building Permit Requirements
The requirements for building permits differ based on the type of construction and proposed work.
The following are the different types of building permits and the documents required for each permit application
Designer and Drawing Requirements
Permit drawings can be prepared by the property owner, a qualified designer, an architect, a professional engineer, or a combination of these, depending on the type of building and the work proposed.
The OBC requires qualified and registered designers who review and take responsibility for design activities to include the following information on any documents submitted to the Chief Building Official:
- The name and building code identification number (BCIN) of the registered firm.
- A statement that the qualified person has reviewed and taken responsibility for the design activities.
- The name and BCIN of the qualified person.
- The signature of the qualified person.
- Complete Schedule 1 – Designer Information form
The OBC specifies when a project is required to be designed and reviewed by an architect, professional engineer, or both. When the construction requires an architect and/or professional engineer the person retained is responsible for the following:
- Commitment to General Review by Architect or Professional Engineer form
- Ensuring that the design and construction is in accordance with the performance standards of the Ontario Association of Architects and/or the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.
- Determining whether the construction is in general conformity with the plans, drawings, graphic representations, specifications and other documents, including any revisions.
- Providing the Chief Building Official with copies of written reports resulting from the general review.
Permit Application Process
- Applicant completes their application and submits their drawings and supporting documentation through the Online Application Portal (OAP).
- Applications not accepted on the OAP are submitted by emailing the completed application forms, drawings, and supporting documentation to buildingpermits@ajax.ca .
- Staff conducts a pre-screen review to confirm the project complies with our submission standards.
- Once the submission passes the pre-screen review, it becomes a building permit application. The applicant will receive an email indicating the applicable permit fee and payment instructions. The date of application is the day following the date that the pre-screen review is approved.
- All plans review and any required resubmissions are conducted electronically.
- Plan review comments will be sent to the applicant via the OAP/email
- Applicant resubmits revised plans and documents for further review (until approval)
- The applicant will receive an email notification if there are any fees outstanding, all fees must be paid before the permit can be issued.
- The issued building permit card, approved plans, and documents will be available on the OAP or emailed to the applicant.
- Applicants are responsible for printing the building permit card, and one (1) set of approved plans and documents, printed to scale and in colour for use on site by the building inspector.
Having a building permit is not the same as filing an electrical notification with the Electrical Safety Authority. You may need both. You can find more information here.
Having a building permit is not the same as filing an electrical notification with the Electrical Safety Authority. You may need both. You can find more information here
Helpful Guidelines for the Application Process
We have created guides for the most common residential building permit applications to help residents understand the building permit application process. Each guide provides an application form, documents checklist and sample drawings. The sample drawings are intended to be used for reference only and cannot be submitted with your application.
- Additional dwelling units*
- Additions*
- Below grade entrances*
- Carports, garages and sheds
- Concrete porches
- Decks*
- Finished basements
* Updated building guide coming soon.
Forms Required for Permit Applications
To simplify the building permit process and help applicants submit a complete application the most common forms are provided below:
- Application for a Permit to Construct or Demolish
- Authorization form
- Schedule 1 – Designer’s Information form
- Commitment to General Review by Architect and Engineer
- Demolition Utility Clearance
- Energy Efficiency Design Summary form (prescriptive or performace)
- Sizing of Water Service Pipe Form
- Applicable Law Checklist
- Alternative Solution Application
- Structural Design Information
- Building Permit Security Deposit Form
Building Inspections
When you have a building permit it is your responsibility to arrange for the required inspections listed on the back of your permit card. Inspections must be completed as required by the Ontario Building Code.
Ensure your permit card is posted at all times during construction or demolition in a visible location on the property for which the permit is issued. One copy of the approved permit drawings and documents is to stay on the property and be available to the building inspector.
Work on your building permit must start within six months of the issued date listed on the permit card and must be completed within one year of the issued date.
Booking an inspection
When requesting an inspection please give at least 24 hours notice and provide the following information:
- Building permit number
- Municipal street address
- Inspection code number (provided on the permit card)
- Date and time period (AM or PM) that the inspection is being requested. (Note: it is not guaranteed the inspection will occur at the requested time).
- Contact name and telephone number