The City of London's mandate is to ensure a safe, clean, healthy, functioning community which secures the well-being of its residents. And that philosophy extends to the very buildings we inhabit. By enforcing building codes, and assisting builders, we ensure that the structures they create are safe not only for today, but for many years to come.

What is a building permit?
A Building Permit is a licence which grants legal permission to start construction of a building project.

What construction projects need building permits?
Under the Ontario Building Code Act, a building permit is required for the construction of an addition or alteration of any structure which results in a building area of over 10m2 (108 square feet). The following is a list of typical projects that require a permit:

• decks
• interior structural alterations
• new fireplaces
• completion of roughed-in fireplaces
• adding or removing most walls, ie. Creating different room sizes and/or uses
• installation of wood-burning stoves
• porches
• basement or main floor walkout alterations
• sunrooms
• solariums
• replacement of brick veneer
• carports
• attached or detached garages, sheds
• replacement of masonry chimney below roofline
• dormers or finishing of attic space
• installation of irrigation systems
• one or two storey additions
• installation, repair of storm, sanitary and water service
• finishing a basement
• furnace and ductwork replacements
• installation of cleanouts
• conversion from septic to sanitary sewer
• plumbing and/or drains (except replacing fixtures)
• insulating of exterior walls when exterior or interior cladding is removed
• new or structural alterations to windows or doors

What projects do NOT require a building permit?
A building permit is not required for a detached accessory structure (gazebo, tool shed, etc.) which measures less than 10m2 (108 square feet) in area. The following is a list of projects that do not require a permit:

• fences other than for swimming pools
• decks not forming part of a principle entrance to a dwelling unit and less than 600mm (24 inches) above grade
• asphalt roof shingling
• eaves troughs
• minor repairs to masonry
• damp proofing basements
• air conditioning units or heat pumps added to existing forced-air systems
• kitchen or bathroom cupboards without plumbing
• free-standing satellite dishes
• replace existing forced-air furnace (no duct work alterations)
• replacing siding or windows (provided there are no structural changes)
• pool heaters
• painting and decorating
• landscaping

SPECIAL NOTE: Although a building permit may not be required, you must still comply with the requirements of the Zoning By-law and Building Code requirements

Why are building permits needed?
Permits ensure that construction within our municipality meets with standards set out in the Ontario Building Code. Building permits are necessary to ensure that zoning requirements, fire and structural safety standards and other building standards are met.

Who should apply?
It is the homeowner's responsibility to ensure that a building permit is obtained when required. You may authorize your contractor or designer to apply for the permit, but the owner should ensure that they have the permit prior to any work starting.

How do I apply?

Step 1	Visit the Building and Inspections Department at City Hall, Room 706, or call 519-661-4555. An application for a Building Permit along with other related information will be given to you at this time.
Step 2	Submit Application ... The Permit Application requires information about the construction project. You'll be asked to document "who" will perform the work, "what" work will be done, "where" the work will be done, "when" the work will be done, and "how" the work will be done. Scaled drawings, plans or other documentation of the proposed work will have to be submitted for review. Your application form should be brought to the Building Division Counter accompanied by the following: two sets of building plans (floor plans, elevations and cross-sections, roof trusses and heating, as appropriate) two copies of your property survey or site plan a building permit fee in cash, Interac Direct Payment, or cheque, payable to "City Treasurer" (cheques need not be certified). Please contact the City of London Building Department at (519) 661-4555 for the updated fee schedule in Building By-law.   The minimum permit fee is currently $75. Note: Incomplete applications or plans will not be accepted. You may also be required to submit an "Undertaking Damage To City Property" form to cover potential damage to city property. This form must be signed by the owner of the property.
Step 3	Wait for the review process to be completed  ... The majority of permit applications are processed with little delay. Our Building Official will determine if your project is in compliance with the building code, the zoning and other municipal bylaws and provincial regulations through the following reviews: Zoning Plans Examination Drawings are reviewed to ensure your project will conform with the Zoning By-law. Zoning requirements specify the uses permitted within a particular area and contain regulations governing such things as building setbacks, height and lot coverage. You should contact a Zoning Plan Examiner(519-661-4660) to determine the specific requirements for your addition or alteration. The examiner requires your street address, lot number and registered plan number to establish the zoning requirements. This information can be found by checking your tax bill. Architectural/Structural Plans Examination Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with fire and life safety requirements of the Ontario Building Code. Mechanical Plans Examination Drawings are reviewed to ensure compliance with heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing requirements of the Ontario Building Code.
Step 4	Receive results of review process ... If compliance with the code, zoning and other applicable regulations is determined, the application is approved and a permit is issued. If compliance is not determined, your application as submitted will be denied. If you are refused a building permit, you can make the necessary corrections and re-apply.
Step 5	Receive permit ... The Building Permit is the document granting legal permission to start construction. You must proceed as approved in the Review Process. The Building Code requires you to post the Building Permit in a window or other prominent place at the construction site, keep a copy of the Building Plans at the site, and bring any proposed changes to the attention of our Building Official immediately. Changes may require a review and approval in the same manner as the original application.
Step 6	Arrange inspection visits ... Each major phase of construction must be inspected by our Building Officials to make certain the work conforms to the Building Code, the Building Permit and the Approved Plans. Inspections required for your project will be indicated on the Permit. Inspections do not happen automatically. It is your responsibility to ensure that either you or your contractor contacts the city to request an inspection at least 24 hours before work proceeds from one inspection stage to the next. Failure to have inspections performed may result in having to uncover and expose work for inspection. For inspections call 519- 661-4555. If our Building Official finds that some work does not conform to the approved plans, he or she will advise (and possibly provide written notice) that the situation is to be remedied. If the violation is serious, a stop work order may be posted until the problem is resolved. Another inspection may be necessary before work is resumed.